In this edition of our Parkinson's Disease research roundup, we present groundbreaking discoveries that offer new hope for therapeutic advancements. A top medicine school in the US has identified novel therapeutic targets, Lysosomes, and Mitochondria, whose disrupted interaction leads to vulnerable neurons in Parkinson's Disease, opening new avenues for research. Moreover, we delve into the significance of lipids in PD pathology, broadening the understanding of the disease beyond protein aggregation. The challenges with cell therapy and bridging the gap have been addressed by identifying the cause of dopamine cell transplant failure. Additionally, early-stage hallucinations have been linked to faster cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention. Lastly, we explore the role of the immune system in PD and its potential impact on mental health and overall disease risk.
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New hope for therapeutics for PD
A top medicine school in the US has discovered new therapeutic targets for Parkinson’s Disease. Lysosomes and Mitochondria. While Mitochondria provides energy for various functions, Lysosomes, clear the debris and also provide amino acids to Mitochondria. In case of Parkison’s Disease, this contact is broken there by leading to vulnerable neurons. This will help in opening avenues for research on this target from therapeutics standpoint.
Following is the link to the original source:
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Not just proteins, but lipids as well
Parkinson’s Disease is characterised by accumulation of alpha synuclein, spread of alpha-synuclein pathology, dysfunction of mitochondria, and ER stress. In the recently published research, it has been found that behind these dysfunctions, is lipid homeostasis. Several genetic risk factors for PD are mutations of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Hence, it is important to broad the view of Parkinson’s Disease not only as a proteinopathy, but also as a lipidopathy.
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Challenges with cell therapy and bridging the gap
While cell therapy has shown promise, the transplanted dopamine cells fail to survive as per trials. Top researchers have identified the cause lies in the surgery itself. The surgery, often called as “needle trauma” triggers a deep immune response leading to death of most of the transplanted dopamine neurons. The researchers have found a solution to this problem.
Following is the link to the original source:
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Hallucinations and cognitive decline
If patients of Parkinson’s Disease experience hallucinations during early stages of the disease, it should raise an alert, since it is a sign of faster cognitive decline. By doing comprehensive neuro-psychological interviews and EEG, the researchers have linked minor hallucinations to rapid deterioration of the frontal executive function. It is important to note that minor hallucinations often go underreported and the deterioration happens in the next subsequent years.
Following is the link to the original source:
5)
Immune system and Parkinson’s Disease
While PD is a brain disorder, research has found that immune system also plays a role in development of this disorder. When immune system is not healthy, it may lead to not only viral infections but also impacts mental health and even sleeping issues. Dysfunctional immune system can lead to inflammation that plays role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
In fact, exposure to toxins can heightens the immune response and thereby inflammation and can increase the risk of Parkinson’s Disease.
Following is the link to a very informative original article: