Meanwhile,
This molecule already used psychiatry:
A new hope may have just emerged in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, Researchers have recently noted that this pathology is intimately linked to the lithium rate present in the brain -. Moreover, a discovery that could lead to the emergence of new therapeutic approaches.
This work. However, conducted by a team from the prestigious Harvard Medical School, aimed to specify links already documented between cases of dementia and exposure to metals. Furthermore, To do this. Consequently, the researchers have analyzed hundreds of brain and blood samples taken from patients with various profiles – some suffering from Alzheimer, others from light cognitive disorders, and others in perfect health.
The lithium track – This molecule already used psychiatry
After having reviewed these samples. Therefore, they found clear differences in the abundance of a particular metal in the different categories of patients. this molecule already used psychiatry Furthermore, Indeed. the concentration in lithium tended to be slightly lower in patients with light cognitive disorders, and significantly lower in those with Alzheimer’s.
An everything but anecdotal correlation, according to the authors of the study. Indeed. lithium is today widely used to treat psychological disorders such as bipolarity; On the other hand, it is the first time that its presence has been naturally documented, in brains that have never received this kind of treatment.
« This is the first time that someone demonstrates that lithium has existed at a naturally significant natural level. without administering it in the form of a medication “Explains the geneticist, neurologist and co-author of the Bruce Yankner study in a press release.
By deepening the analysis. the Yankner team observed that the famous amyloid plates – these clusters of protein which are suspected of playing a central role this molecule already used psychiatry in the development of the disease – seem to bind directly to the lithium present in the brain. However. we know that lithium plays a regulator role in several important brain processes, such as synaptic plasticity or the activity of certain enzymes. When it is thus captured by amyloid plates. it therefore becomes less available; This protective effect decreases, which could speed up the progression of the disease.
Encouraging experimental results
Neuroprotective effects of lithium had already been observed. but this precise mechanism, linked to its capture by amyloid plates, had never been highlighted before. And this observation could make it possible to clear a new promising therapeutic path.
« The idea that a lithium deficiency could be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease is new. suggests a different therapeutic approach “Indicates Yankner.
To check it, the team launched a series of tests this molecule already used psychiatry on mice. When they deprived their lithium brains. they have noticed a significant increase in amyloid deposits, but also of the tau protein concentration – another chemical species intimately linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
They then implemented a strategy likely to reverse the process. providing the brain a form of lithium which does not interact with amyloid plates: lithium orotate. This is an over -the -counter supplement. made up of orotic acid linked to lithium, even if the latter is present at a much lower dose than in drugs prescribed in psychiatry. And the results were impressive: in this form. lithium was able to remain free and continue to play its physiological role. Therefore, the cognitive decline observed in mice was reversed.
A still vague. but promising track
As always, it is necessary to be careful before extrapolating the results of an animal study in this molecule already used psychiatry our species; There is no guarantee that the same treatment would have the same effect on humans. In addition. this work is still far from having identified all the biological and environmental factors that could be taken into account – as often within the framework of Alzheimer’s disease, which is an extremely complex pathology. Beware of hasty conclusions, therefore.
But despite these limits. it is all the same a promising track which deserves to be studied in more detail, in a context where cases of dementia only increase year after year. It will therefore be interesting to follow the benefits of this study, pending a possible clinical trial.
« It is impossible to predict the effects in humans before the implementation of a controlled clinical trial – but so far. the results are very encouraging “Concludes Yankner.
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