An “iron chelator” treatment, which reduces the amount of iron in the brain, has been developed by researchers at the Lille University Regional Hospital (CHRU Lille). This discovery would slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
In 2008, the medical pharmacology, neurology and movement pathology and neuroradiology departments of Lille launched a scientific study aimed at analyzing the distribution of iron in different brain regions and its impact in patients with the disease. of Parkinson’s. Researchers have highlighted a possible link between excessive levels of iron in the brain and the occurrence of certain neurodegenerative diseases.
Deferiprone lowers iron levels
Based on this hypothesis, scientists have worked to find the right molecule and the right dosage to reduce the iron level in the cells without inducing too great a lack of iron to ensure the other functions in the body. “We discovered that deferiprone could reduce iron levels and ensure good cell survival,” explains Dr. David Devos, neurologist and co-author of the study.
A clinical trial was conducted on 40 Parkinson’s patients at the onset of their disease. The researchers observed both symptomatic effects (an effect on the motor signs of the disease), therefore an improvement in their clinical condition and their quality of life, and a neuro-protective effect. The trial also revealed that this treatment was well tolerated for up to 2 years without anemia.
“Its powerful antioxidant action seems to allow a significant slowing down of the progression of the disability of patients with Parkinson’s disease” explains Caroline Moreau, neurologist.
If the results of this research are encouraging, “clinical trials on a larger number of patients must be set up”. “We plan to set up a Franco-European study to confirm its first results” recalls Pr Luc Defebvre, neurologist at the CHRU of Lille.
Parkinson’s disease represents the second neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease in France. 150,000 people are affected by this pathology, which is currently incurable. It is caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic nerve cells in a specific area of the brain: the substantia nigra. Sick people thus develop tremors, stiffness and see their movements slow down.
