Groundbreaking Parkinson’s trial publishes results

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 7 March 2019

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A breakthrough Parkinson’s trial that featured in a two-part documentary on UK television channel BBC Two has published its results.

The study, which featured in the documentary ‘The Parkinson’s Drug Trial: A miracle cure?’, aimed to investigate whether it was possible to restore damaged neurons by administering protein Glial Cell Line Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF).

As part of the trial, scientists initially infused GDNF into the brains of six participants living with the condition. Researchers then invited a further 35 individuals with Parkinson’s to take part, with approximately half being administered with a placebo infusion.

Although not conclusive, the results suggest that GDNF had an impact on the brain and researchers believe the topic is worthy of further study.

Dr Alan Whone, principal investigator on the trial, said: “This represents some of the most compelling evidence yet that we may have a means to possibly reawaken and restore the dopamine brain cells that are gradually destroyed in Parkinson’s.

To read more on this topic click here.

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit the EPDA website.

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Can awakening dormant neurons reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms?

Reawakening dormant neurons could help reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms, researchers in South Korea have found. While Parkinson’s is typically believed to be caused by neuronal death, a new study – published in ‘Current Biology’ journal – suggests that dormant neurons could be another cause. After completing an animal test – which treated the subjects with two compounds that block dopamine-producing neurons from becoming dormant – the researchers found these neurons to be “awakened”, allowing them to resume dopamine production. The researchers hope that this will lead to a disease-modifying treatment, especially for people in the early stages of Parkinson’s. Hoon Ryu, a senior author of the study and researcher at KIST Brain Science Institute, South Korea, said: “This research refutes the common belief that there is no disease-modifying treatment for Parkinson’s due to its basis on neuronal cell death.”

Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

Parkinson’s may be present from birth in younger people with the condition, new research has found. The study – conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, US, and published in ‘Nature Medicine’ journal – used induced stem cells from people with young-onset Parkinson’s, to grow dopamine-producing neurons and observe them for early warning signs of the condition. An abnormal pile-up of protein was found during the neurons’ development, including alpha-synuclein; which occurs in Parkinson’s. The scientists conjecture that Parkinson’s symptoms appear when the pile-up continues over 20 or 30 years. The team also found that the drug PEP005 – currently used against skin precancers – could help treat the condition. Michele Tagliati, vice chair and professor at Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Neurology and the study’s co-author, said: “This exciting new research provides hope that one day we may be able to detect and take early action to prevent this disease in at-risk individuals.”…

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Groundbreaking Parkinson’s trial publishes results

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 7 March 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Groundbreaking Parkinson’s trial publishes results

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 7 March 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Share this story

Comments

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Resources & Tools

Are pesticides the cause of Parkinson’s disease? Find out in this free podcast

Europe

Run for Parkinson’s: campaigners raise £321,000 at London marathon

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Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

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