Scientists have identified two natural connections that can help to reverse the aging in brain cells and remove harmful protein structure, which increases the hope of a non-drug approach to treat Alzheimer's disease.
The research published in the magazine Geroscience, Identifies two natural connections, nicotinamide – a form of vitamin B3 – and an antioxidant found in green tea called epigallocatechin Gallate, which help to recover an important molecule that feeds energy production in brain cells.
Researchers discovered that nerve cells treated with these connections not only experienced reversal of age -related decrease, but also an improved capacity to erase amyloid protein clusters, a characteristic characteristic of Alzheimer's.
“As people get older, their brains show a decrease in neuronal energy levels, which limits the ability to remove unwanted proteins and damaged components,” said Gregory Brewer, main author of the study.
“We have discovered that repairing energy levels will help to regain this critical clean -up function,” said Dr. Brewer.
Researchers used a fluorescent molecule to follow live guanosine trifosphate levels in neurons of old mice that showed signs of Alzheimer's.
MRI -brain shows interest areas in the medial temporal lobe of the brain: hippocampus (sketched in red), entorhinal cortex (blue) and perirhinal cortex (green) (Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center))
Scientists discovered that the levels of energy-rich molecules GTP fell by age-especially in the mitochondria of the cells-what led to reduced elimination of cells with damaged components in a process called autophagia.
Although it is known that autophagia, the natural clean -up process of the cell, plays a key role in maintaining the health of tissues and organs, which part of the aging in this process causes disorders.
When outdated nerve cells were treated for only 24 hours with the study molecules Nicotinamide and Epigallocatechin -Gallaat, the GTP levels were restored to levels that were typically seen in younger cells.
“Our results reveal age and ad-related neuronal GTP energy deficits that affect autophagia,” scientists wrote.
The molecules also improved energy metabolism in these cells, as well as an efficient clearance of amyloid beta clusters.
“By supplementing the energy systems of the brain with connections that are already available as nutritional supplements, we can have a new path to the treatment of age -related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease,” Dr. Brewer.
“This study emphasizes GTP as a previously undervalued energy source that stimulates vital brain functions,” he added.
Researchers warned that more studies are needed to find the best way to administer the connections as treatment.
A recent study also showed that Nicotinamide was not very effective when it was taken orally because of its inactivation in the bloodstream.
However, the findings indicate promising strategies to save neurons in the hippocampus of the brain from energy shortages with regard to aging and Alzheimer's disease, researchers say.
