An experimental drug could prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Explanations.
An experimental drug called “3K3A-APC” could prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research. Initially developed to treat stroke survivors*, 3K3A-APC has been shown to be effective in preventing the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, the cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
Beta-amyloid plaques reduce blood flow to the brain, which leads to the breakdown of brain cells. Over the years, researchers have explored many pharmacological pathways to attack these plaques, but to date none have led to the development of effective drugs.
Modified version of a protein
3K3A-APC is a modified version of “protein C” (“activated C protein” in English in the text), which protects brain cells and blood vessels from damage caused by inflammation. In the modified version, its anticoagulant properties have been removed to retain only the anti-inflammatory effects.
The scientists conducted their study using mice that carried a number of genetic mutations that research has shown increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. These animals produced high levels of beta-amyloid and exhibited cognitive decline coupled with neuroinflammation.
Before widespread beta-amyloid plaque formation
As the researchers had theorized, 3K3A-APC reduced the buildup of toxic proteins in the brains of these mice. Additionally, the mice had fewer memory deficits and their cerebral blood flow was normal. “These results suggest that the optimal time for the treatment of the pathology is the beginning of the evolution of the disease, before the generalized formation of beta-amyloid plaques”, complete the researchers. “3K3A-APC may be an effective anti-beta-amyloid treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in humans,” they conclude.
Today in France, Alzheimer’s disease directly or indirectly affects 3 million people, and nearly 225,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. By 2020, if research does not progress, France will have 1,200,000 sick people.
*Cerebrovascular accident.
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