A New Treatment for Neurodegenerative Disease
- Isis Project No 2839
Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified a novel mechanism to protect neurons from the cell death underlying Parkinson’s disease.
Marketing Opportunity
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common and fatal disorder, predominantly of the elderly, affecting 1-2% of the population. PD is a slow, progressive illness and patients require long-term hospitalisation and care. PD therefore represents a significant cost to the healthcare system and has enormous implications for the quality of life of sufferers. As Western populations continue to age, this burden is set to increase and there are currently no treatments available which alter disease progression.
The Oxford Invention
The invention comprises a technique for reducing neuronal susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease related cell death using RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of α-synuclein, a protein which plays a critical role in PD. The Oxford researchers have shown RNAi-mediated knock-down of α-synuclein reduces dopamine accumulation in neurons by reducing the activity of the dopamine transporter which brings dopamine into a cell. This reduces the oxidative stress and neuronal death that underlies Parkinson’s disease. The researchers have found that reducing the expression of the normal form of α-synuclein is able to protect neurons from toxic insults which gives this invention broad application in all forms of Parkinson’s disease.
At present, treatments for Parkinson’s disease are symptomatic and are unable to alter the underlying course of the disease. This invention addresses the heart of the problem by stopping neurons dying. This technique has application to all forms of Parkinson’s disease either as a primary prevention intervention or as treatment for pre-existing Parkinson’s disease. As such, this represents a method for altering the natural history of the illness and is a significant step towards developing a cure for the disease.
2007-02-22 04:00:41
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answer #1
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answered by iroc 7
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The brain is composed of gray and white matter, so it is normal that it is on the MRI. However, signs of degeneration, or gray or white matter in the wrong place can be a sign of disease.
There are litterally hundreds of neurodegernative diseases. Some have treatments, some do not. It depends on what you have. I can answer your question if you give more specifics in the question. The name of the disease, a quote from the MRI report, stage/severity of disease, exact location of the disease, your age, other health issues, etc. Sorry.
2007-02-22 04:02:45
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answer #2
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answered by SA16 4
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Depends on which neuro degenerative illness you're asking about. You could check out NORD (national organization for rare disorders), I've learned a lot from that site.
2007-02-22 04:03:45
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answer #3
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answered by kmv 5
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It depends of the case. The best thing you can do is look for a doctor.
2007-02-22 04:00:49
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answer #4
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answered by Entenda a História 3
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