Khaberni - Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York have identified a new cause for the development of dementia, which are free radicals from specific areas of astrocytes, star-shaped brain support cells.
The researchers focused their research on mitochondria, which are tiny structures in astrocytes and other cells that take nutrients from food and convert them into chemical energy.
While mitochondria produce most of the energy needed by the body to function, they also release reactive oxygen species, which are molecules commonly known as free radicals. At normal levels, reactive oxygen types help regulate essential cellular functions, but excessive or irregular production can damage cells.
Experimental treatment
According to "Daily Mail", when the team gave an experimental compound called S3QEL to mice mimicking frontotemporal dementia, astrocyte activity decreased, inflammatory signals throughout the brain reduced, and tau proteins associated with dementia decreased.
Remarkably, these positive effects appeared even when treatment began after symptoms of dementia had appeared.
The team also reported that the mice that consumed the experimental treatment in their food lived longer than the mice that ate normal food free from the S3QEL compound.
Free radicals in mitochondria
This process is characterized by its precise targeting, as it involves specific signals that activate free radicals at a specific site in the mitochondria of the cell, causing damage to a selected set of proteins.
The drug was given to mice either by mixing it with their special food or by injection. Then, the mice exposed to dementia were treated for several months. To determine the effectiveness of the drug, they looked for major changes.
It was found that harmful free radicals emitted from astrocytes activate genes known to cause inflammation in the brain.
However, when the experimental compound was administered, this reaction decreased, similar to turning down the volume on a stereo system.
