Stanford scientists are totally surprised by Parkinson’s possible discovery

A recent study by Stanford Medicine that “totally surprised” researchers showed what could be a promising approach to slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

The research, published in Science Signaling, has a close look at the enzymes (body proteins that accelerate chemical reactions and are essential for digestion, liver function and other key functions, according to Cleveland Clinic) and their role in Parkinson.

The team found that the orientation of a particular enzyme helped to restore the communication of neurons and cells in mice.

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Principal author Suzanne Pfeffer, doctor, professor Emma Pfeiffer Merner in Medical Sciences and Biochemistry Professor at Stanford, told Fox News Digital that the team was “totally surprised that we saw as much improvement as us.”

In about 25% of Parkinson’s cases, the culprit is a form of genetic mutation. One of the most common mutations creates a hyperactive enzyme called LRRK2, according to a Stanford press statement.

When there is too much LRRK2 activity, it changes the structure of brain cells, disturbing significant communication between neurons and cells. According to researchers, this system is crucial for movement, motivation and decision -making.

The purpose of the study was to determine if a specific molecule-inhibitor of the MLI-2 LRRK2 kinase-could reverse the effect of hyperactive enzymes.

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Using mice that had the genetic mutation caused by hyperactive LRRK2 and also had symptoms consistent with the early Parkinson’s disease, scientists sought to feed the inhibitor for two weeks.

Initially there were no changes detected in the brain structure, signaling or function of dopamine neurons.

However, after three months of eating the inhibitor, the mice affected by the hyperactive enzyme seemed to have restored their neurons to the point that they were almost the same as those that did not have the genetic mutation, the study was found.

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“The conclusions of this study suggest that the inhibition of LRRK2 enzyme could stabilize the progression of symptoms if patients can be identified soon enough,” Pfeffer said in the statement.

Limitations and future research

The study had some limitations, according to researchers.

“This was in mice, not people, but our current results indicate that similar roads are important in humans,” Pfeffer told Fox News Digital.

Although the study focused on a specific genetic form of the disease, LRRK2 is also present in other cases, which means that this treatment could help various types of Parkinson’s patients and possibly with other neurodegenerative diseases, as the consequent said.

In the face, the team plans to investigate whether other forms of Parkinson’s could benefit.

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Parkinson’s, a disease that has the slow death of dopamine -producing neurons, which leads to symptoms such as tremors and rigidity, affects about one million Americans, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, which has offices in New York and Miami.

Experts agree that early intervention is key, as Parkinson’s symptoms often appear years after the disease begins.

“These findings suggest that it may be possible to improve, not just stabilizing, the condition of patients with Parkinson’s disease.”

Identify and treat individuals at risk could soon stop or reverse the loss of neurons.

“These findings suggest that it may be possible to improve, not only to stabilize, the condition of patients with Parkinson’s disease,” said Pfeffer.

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The researcher told Fox News Digital that it is important to encourage patients to undergo genetic tests for more information on their suitability for clinical trials and future treatments.

The study was funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research, the alignment of science through Parkinson’s initiative and the Medical Research Council of the United Kingdom.