With an antibiotic, Clioquinol, proving effective in dissolving deposits associated with Alzheimer disorder, scientists are now examining the possibility of using it for future treatment.
Clioquinol binds with metals, Copper and Zinc, which have the capabilities to dissolve the deposits called Amyloid plaques present in the brains of Alzheimer patients.
The Amyloid's primary ingredient is a protein called Beta Amyloid which is present in the body normally and does not appear dangerous in its soluble form.
The research led by Ashley Bush of the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston is based on preventing accumulation of this protein. He found that copper and zinc allow enzymes to cut this protein from a larger protein. He also found that these metals influence the properties of the protein, according to a report in the journal Science.
The team found that compounds that bind with Copper and Zinc can dissolve amyloid plaques in post mortem brain tissues of people who died due to Alzheimer disease.
It was after these observations that the team started looking for a drug which binds the metals and thus can be used for dissolving the amyloid plaques.
According to the report, Clioquinol was found to be the most potent drug for the purpose as it efficiently dissolved amyloid plaques in post mortem tissue and reduced the amyloid's ability to clump together.
Bureau Report
