One step closer to a cure

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Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 March 2018

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Researchers from Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea believe they are closer to finding a cure for Parkinson’s through their research into protein DJ-1.

The research, which will be published in US journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’, has found evidence to suggest the protein impairs nerve cells within the body which relate to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.

Although the protein had previously been linked to the development of Parkinson’s, its exact role remained unknown.

Professor Sung Hyun Kim, who led the study, said: “We will research the relationship between synapse function and the expressive actions of animals with Parkinson’s, and establish the related network. If the study goes well, we will be able to infer the cause of Parkinson’s.”

For a collection of the latest Parkinson’s-related research papers please click here.

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New evidence fruit compound could support Parkinson’s disease treatment

A new study from researchers in the US and South Korea suggests farnesol, a natural compound found in fruit, may be beneficial in treating Parkinson’s disease. The team used mice models to test the compound’s role in deactivating PARIS – a protein which can contribute to Parkinson’s onset by reducing the shields around dopamine-producing neurons. For one week, they fed mice a diet containing farnesol and compared them with mice who were fed a normal diet. They then administered the mice with alpha-synuclein protein linked to Parkinson’s effects in the brain. The findings revealed that the mice that had consumed farnesol had twice the number of healthy dopamine neurons as the control group, and performed better in tests designed to assess Parkinson’s symptoms. The researchers concluded that, while safe doses for humans have not yet been determined, “farnesol may be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease”.

Turmeric oil may offer new ways of treating Parkinson’s disease

Turmeric oil may be beneficial in treating Parkinson’s disease, according to researchers from Kumamoto University in Japan. Their findings support the known properties of aromatic turmerone (ar-turmerone), a compound found in turmeric essential oil, which reduces inflammatory responses caused by cells associated with Parkinson’s-related neurodegeneration. Using midbrain slice cultures – laboratory cellular models that mimic brain activity – the team analysed the effects of a natural form of aromatic turmerone and eight structurally similar derivatives. They tested the derivatives’ anti-inflammatory effects, as well as their ability to protect dopamine-producing neurons. Those with the strongest anti-inflammatory effects were found to prevent the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Among these were aromatic turmerone and its derivatives, suggesting their role as a “potential candidate for treating Parkinson’s disease”. In a press release, lead author Takahiro Seki said: “Our study elucidated a new mechanism by which ar-turmerone and its derivatives directly protect … [dopamine-producing] neurons.”

Research offers new insights on a cause of Parkinson’s disease

Researchers in Denmark have shared insights on a cause of up to 95% of Parkinson’s disease cases. Using data on gene patterns and three mouse models, scientists at the University of Copenhagen found that a blockage to a pathway regulating mitochondria (‘powerhouses’ that generate energy for reactions in cells) causes a form of the condition known as ‘sporadic Parkinson’s disease’. When the pathway becomes blocked by a protein, damaged mitochondria accumulate, unable to produce enough energy – which in turn causes nerve cells to die. “Just like when people eat, cells take what they need and get rid of … waste products,” explained corresponding study author Professor Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas. “But if our brain cells have this specific kind of signalling blockage, it means that the powerhouse of the cell – mitochondria – cannot get cleaned up after being damaged.” The team now plan to investigate the pathway’s role in neuronal…

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One step closer to a cure

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Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 March 2018

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Former NBA star launches free Parkinson’s exercise programme

New evidence fruit compound could support Parkinson’s disease treatment

Turmeric oil may offer new ways of treating Parkinson’s disease

Research offers new insights on a cause of Parkinson’s disease

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One step closer to a cure

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 March 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Share this story

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Carers' Corner

Unemployment, debt, poverty & depression… the life of a carer

Recipes & Nutrition

Rich chocolate fondue with strawberries and pineapple

Resources & Tools

Former NBA star launches free Parkinson’s exercise programme

New evidence fruit compound could support Parkinson’s disease treatment

Turmeric oil may offer new ways of treating Parkinson’s disease

Research offers new insights on a cause of Parkinson’s disease

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