New Delhi, December 16 (IANS). The Ministry of Science and Technology said on Tuesday that scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have discovered a new method involving nanoparticles for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
This medicine can slow the disease, improve memory, and help with thinking ability.
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease. In this, protein clumps form in the brain, swelling occurs, oxidative stress increases and brain cells start dying.
Old medicines cure only one problem, so there is no complete benefit. The new therapy uses tiny particles made from a combination of three ingredients: a green tea antioxidant (EGCG), the brain chemical dopamine (EDTNP) and the amino acid tryptophan.
To further improve these particles, a protein called BDNF has been added, which helps brain cells to grow and survive. This medicine does many things simultaneously. It breaks down harmful protein clumps in the brain, then reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. Which protects brain cells and helps in creating new ones.
The team led by Dr. Jiban Jyoti Panda (INST, an autonomous institute of DST) has done this research. Panda said, “By combining brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) — a protein essential for neurons to survive, grow, and function — onto EDTNP (b-EDTNP), we create a dual-action nanoplatform that not only clears neurotoxic amyloid beta aggregates (protein clumps that negatively impact neural function), but also blocks the release of amyloid beta. Also helps in regeneration.”
This drug was successful in lab tests and tests on rats. Computer simulations also showed that these particles break down harmful proteins well. Dr. Ashok Kumar Datusalia of NIPER Rae Bareli and Dr. Neesha Singh of Gujarat Biotechnology University have contributed in this research, which has been published in the world famous journal Small.
According to scientists, this new discovery is a great hope for Alzheimer’s patients and their families. Right now it is in the initial stage, more tests will be done further.
–IANS
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