Research Shows Reduction in Toxic Proteins
Monash University researchers have discovered that a copper-based drug significantly reduces Alzheimer's-related toxic proteins and enhances memory in laboratory experiments. The findings, published on 14th June, point to potential new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
The study, appearing in ACS Chemical Neuroscience, highlights how the compound Cu(ATSM) can repair a waste-clearing pump at the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough suggests a novel approach to addressing neurovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer's patients.
Alzheimer's disease involves the accumulation of amyloid-beta proteins in the brain. Normally, these are expelled through the blood-brain barrier, but weakened P-glycoprotein pumps hinder this process. Cu(ATSM) was shown to boost these pumps by 24.1 per cent, facilitating waste clearance and improving cognitive function.
Dr Jae Pyun, the lead author from the Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics theme at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, remarked, "This is the first study to show that Cu(ATSM) can increase the abundance of P-gp clearance pumps in an Alzheimer’s model, effectively linking the repair of the blood-brain barrier to a reduction in toxic proteins and improved cognitive function."
Potential for Clinical Use
Over 56 days, the treatment reduced amyloid-beta levels by 42 per cent and enhanced spatial learning by nearly 44 per cent. The compound's ability to reduce amyloid buildup positions it for potential clinical trials, having previously been tested for diseases like Parkinson's and ALS.
Professor Joseph Nicolazzo, the study's senior author and Director of the Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation at MIPS, stated, "Cu(ATSM) is a copper compound with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties that has already progressed to clinical testing for conditions like Parkinson’s and ALS."
Future research will explore the precise mechanisms through which the brain's own immune cells might assist in clearing toxic plaques, offering hope for combating blood vessel dysfunction and memory loss.
