阿尔茨海默病

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给大脑补“锂”后,丢失的记忆力奇迹般恢复了
Hu Xiu· 2025-08-29 00:55
Core Viewpoint - The research highlights the significant role of lithium in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that lithium deficiency may be a key driver in the early stages of the disease, and proposes potential therapeutic interventions involving lithium supplementation [6][12][16]. Group 1: Alzheimer's Disease Overview - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by severe cognitive impairment, with approximately 60% to 80% of dementia cases attributed to it [1]. - The disease's pathology includes the accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and tau protein tangles, leading to memory and cognitive decline [1][3]. Group 2: Role of Metals in Alzheimer's Disease - Abnormal accumulation of metals such as iron, copper, and zinc in the brains of Alzheimer's patients has been observed, contributing to oxidative stress and promoting Aβ deposition [4][17]. - Lithium, a less studied metal in this context, has shown potential protective effects against Alzheimer's, with lower levels found in the brains of patients [5][6]. Group 3: Lithium's Mechanism and Research Findings - A study published in Nature confirmed that lithium levels decrease in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, and its deficiency can lead to the activation of GSK3β, exacerbating Aβ accumulation and tau phosphorylation [6][11]. - Animal models demonstrated that lithium supplementation could restore memory function and reduce pathological features associated with Alzheimer's [6][10]. Group 4: Potential Therapeutic Approaches - The research identified lithium as a potential intervention for Alzheimer's, with a specific focus on a lithium compound called lithium lactate, which showed promise in reducing Aβ plaques and tau pathology in mouse models [13][16]. - The study emphasizes the need for further clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lithium supplementation in humans [16]. Group 5: Dietary Sources and Implications - Dietary sources of lithium include leafy greens, nuts, legumes, and certain mineral waters, suggesting that a diet rich in these foods may help mitigate dementia risk [16].
啊?猫猫也会老年痴呆
量子位· 2025-08-28 07:29
Core Viewpoint - Recent research indicates that elderly cats can develop dementia-like symptoms similar to human Alzheimer's disease, with the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques in their brains [2][6][21]. Group 1: Research Findings - A study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience found that elderly cats exhibit amyloid beta accumulation in their brains, which may lead to dementia-like behaviors [2][4]. - The research team analyzed the brains of 25 cats, including 18 elderly cats, and found that all elderly cats had higher levels of amyloid beta compared to younger cats [7][9]. - The study revealed that both microglia and astrocytes, immune cells in the brain, were overactive in elderly cats, indicating a response to the presence of amyloid beta plaques [13][19]. Group 2: Implications for Alzheimer's Research - The similarities in brain pathology between cats with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) and human Alzheimer's disease suggest that cats could serve as a natural model for studying Alzheimer's [21][24]. - The findings support the idea that CDS in cats may provide insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and potential therapeutic targets [25][28]. - Future research aims to explore additional Alzheimer's-related biomarkers, such as tau protein accumulation, in cats [27].
英媒:猫也会得“痴呆症”,新研究带来治愈曙光
Huan Qiu Shi Bao· 2025-08-19 22:43
Core Insights - Recent research indicates that cats can develop dementia similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, potentially leading to breakthroughs in understanding and treatment [1][2] Group 1: Research Findings - A study conducted by a team from the University of Edinburgh involved post-mortem brain examinations of 25 cats that exhibited dementia symptoms, such as confusion, sleep disturbances, and increased vocalization [1] - The presence of β-amyloid protein accumulation was found in the synapses of the affected cats' brains, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, making cats an ideal natural model for studying the disease [1][2] Group 2: Implications for Treatment - The findings may clarify how β-amyloid protein leads to cognitive dysfunction and memory loss in cats, which is valuable for human dementia research [2] - The study suggests that understanding the synaptic pruning process, where supportive brain cells consume synapses with β-amyloid accumulation, could help in developing therapies for both human Alzheimer's and feline dementia [2] Group 3: Broader Impact - The research highlights the shared nature of dementia across species, emphasizing that findings could benefit both humans and cats, as dementia causes significant distress for both [2]
维生素B3+绿茶使衰老脑细胞重获新生
Ke Ji Ri Bao· 2025-08-10 23:36
Core Findings - A team from the University of California, Irvine discovered that a combination of Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and the active component in green tea, EGCG, can rejuvenate aging brain cells and effectively clear harmful protein accumulations associated with Alzheimer's disease [1][2] - The research published in the latest issue of "Aging Science" indicates that this combination significantly enhances the levels of GTP, a key energy molecule in brain cells, and improves the ability to clear β-amyloid proteins, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease [1][3] Mechanism of Action - The study utilized a gene-encoded fluorescent sensor named GEVAL to monitor GTP dynamics in neurons of aged Alzheimer's model mice, revealing a continuous decline in GTP levels with age, particularly in mitochondria, which severely impacts autophagy, the process of clearing damaged components [1] - Neurons treated with niacinamide and EGCG showed GTP levels restored to those of younger cells, leading to improved energy metabolism, activation of key proteins responsible for cellular transport, and efficient clearance of β-amyloid aggregates, thereby reducing oxidative stress associated with neurodegeneration [2] Implications for Treatment - The findings suggest that the combination of these two natural dietary supplements may serve as a new tool in combating cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease [3]
Cell子刊:华人学者开发新型纳米药物,穿越血脑屏障,治疗阿尔茨海默病
生物世界· 2025-08-10 04:03
Core Viewpoint - The research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) has shifted focus from the traditional view of amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation and tau protein tangles as the primary causes of dementia, highlighting the role of dysfunctional microglia and chronic neuroinflammation in disease progression [2][3]. Group 1: Research Findings - Recent studies indicate that abnormal protein deposition is a pathological feature of AD rather than its causative mechanism, emphasizing the harmful effects of these proteins on disease progression [2]. - The study published by Xu Peisheng's team at the University of South Carolina introduces a ceria nanocluster-based therapy that targets activated microglia and reduces Aβ deposition [3][4]. Group 2: Innovative Treatment Approach - The developed brain-targeted ceria nanoparticles (T-CeNP) effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and alleviate neuroinflammation while reducing Aβ accumulation [4][6]. - T-CeNP operates through a triple-function mechanism: it crosses the BBB via RAGE-targeting peptides, regulates pathological processes by enhancing microglial phagocytosis of Aβ, and exhibits multi-pathway synergistic effects in AD mouse models [6][7]. Group 3: Implications for Future Research - The study's findings suggest that T-CeNP can effectively block the pathological cascade of Alzheimer's disease by modulating the neuroinflammatory microenvironment and amyloid metabolism, providing a new paradigm for multi-target therapies in neurodegenerative diseases [9].
Nature:锂可逆转老年痴呆
量子位· 2025-08-09 05:14
Core Viewpoint - Recent research indicates that supplementing natural lithium levels in the brain may prevent or even reverse Alzheimer's disease [1][5]. Group 1: Research Findings - A study titled "Lithium Deficiency and the Onset of Alzheimer's Disease" shows that decreased lithium concentrations in the brain correlate with memory decline and the neurological features of Alzheimer's, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles [3][9]. - Experiments on mice reveal that a specific type of lithium supplement can reverse neurological damage and restore memory function, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for Alzheimer's [4][12]. - The significance of these findings is profound, as dementia affects over 55 million people globally, with the majority suffering from Alzheimer's [5]. Group 2: Historical Context of Lithium - Historically, lithium has been primarily used in psychiatric medications, particularly for mood regulation and bipolar disorder treatment [7][8]. - Research has shown that lithium users with bipolar disorder experience slower brain aging compared to non-users, leading to investigations into lithium's role in cognitive function maintenance during aging [9]. Group 3: Mechanisms of Action - The study utilized inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to analyze metal ion homeostasis in Alzheimer's patients, revealing that lithium levels are significantly lower in the prefrontal cortex of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's patients [14][20]. - Lithium was found to be the only metal with significantly reduced levels in the brains of MCI and Alzheimer's patients, indicating disrupted lithium homeostasis [23]. - The research also demonstrated that lithium is captured by amyloid deposits, reducing its bioavailability, which may contribute to Alzheimer's pathology [24][31]. Group 4: Effects of Lithium Deficiency - Lithium deficiency accelerated amyloid deposition and tau phosphorylation in Alzheimer's model mice, indicating its critical role in neuroprotection [32][44]. - Behavioral tests showed that lithium-deficient mice exhibited significant learning and memory impairments, further supporting lithium's importance in cognitive function [47][49]. Group 5: Potential Therapeutic Applications - The research team is exploring therapeutic lithium salts with reduced amyloid binding capabilities, which may offer a new treatment strategy for Alzheimer's [100]. - Comparative studies of various lithium salts revealed that lithium acetate (LiO) has lower amyloid binding capacity and effectively reduces amyloid plaque load and tau protein accumulation in mouse models [114][122]. Group 6: Implications for Aging and Cognition - Low-dose lithium treatment in aging mice showed promise in preventing age-related neuroinflammation, synaptic loss, and cognitive decline, suggesting potential benefits for cognitive resilience in older populations [130][133]. - The correlation between endogenous lithium levels and cognitive resilience in aging individuals highlights the importance of maintaining lithium homeostasis for cognitive health [131].
Science重磅:破解阿尔茨海默病抗体药的脑出血副作用——突破血脑屏障,靶向递送抗Aβ抗体
生物世界· 2025-08-09 04:06
Core Viewpoint - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder with significant impacts on individuals and society, yet drug development has faced numerous failures despite substantial investments from major pharmaceutical companies [2][3]. Drug Development and FDA Approvals - In June 2021, the FDA accelerated the approval of Aducanumab, developed by Eisai and Biogen, marking the first new drug for Alzheimer's since 2003, although its approval was controversial due to associated risks like ARIA (Amyloid-related Imaging Abnormalities) [3][6]. - Following Aducanumab, the FDA approved two additional antibody drugs targeting Aβ: Donanemab by Eli Lilly and Lecanemab by Eisai and Biogen, both of which also present ARIA-related side effects [3][6]. Denali Therapeutics' Research - Denali Therapeutics published a study in August 2025 on a new antibody transport carrier, ATV cisLALA, which utilizes transferrin receptor (TfR) to enhance brain delivery of anti-Aβ antibodies while mitigating ARIA risks [4][9]. - The ATV cisLALA carrier shows improved distribution in brain tissue compared to traditional Aβ antibodies, which tend to accumulate around blood vessels, potentially triggering inflammatory responses and ARIA [9][11]. Mechanism of Action - Traditional Aβ antibodies enter the brain through cerebrospinal fluid and perivascular spaces, where amyloid deposits are located, leading to inflammation and ARIA. In contrast, the ATV carrier enhances delivery through capillaries, reducing ARIA side effects [11][12]. - Denali's TfR-based approach is not limited to Aβ; the company is also developing therapies targeting tau protein using the same delivery mechanism, aiming to address two key toxic proteins in Alzheimer's simultaneously [11].
Cell:刘尊鹏/张珊珊等揭示阿尔茨海默病进展与否,关键或在表观基因组稳态
生物世界· 2025-08-01 14:41
Core Viewpoint - The study highlights the importance of understanding the epigenomic mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression and cognitive resilience, suggesting potential new intervention strategies to delay cognitive decline [3][10]. Group 1: Research Overview - The research published in the journal Cell explores the epigenomic rewiring in Alzheimer's disease progression and cognitive resilience, utilizing single-cell multi-region epigenomic and transcriptomic techniques [4][10]. - A total of 111 individuals were selected for the study, including 57 non-AD, 33 early-stage AD, and 21 late-stage AD patients, covering six brain regions [7]. Group 2: Key Findings - The study identified over 1 million cis-regulatory elements and defined 123 functional modules, revealing cell-type specific associations with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders [7][8]. - It was found that there is a widespread phenomenon of "epigenomic information loss" in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, correlating with the functional decline of neurons and glial cells [8]. Group 3: Cognitive Resilience Insights - The research elucidated the epigenomic basis of cognitive resilience, showing that individuals with stronger cognitive resilience maintain higher levels of epigenomic information in key cell types [9]. - The study suggests that the stability of the epigenome is a critical molecular mechanism supporting cognitive resilience, providing new avenues for enhancing cognitive function and delaying Alzheimer's disease progression [9][10].
华人学者本周发表6篇Cell论文:逆转阿尔茨海默病、软骨再生、先导编辑疗法、卒中后大脑炎症、人类蛋白质组衰老图谱
生物世界· 2025-07-27 08:43
Core Viewpoint - The article highlights significant research published in the journal Cell, with a focus on groundbreaking studies from Chinese scholars in various fields, including Alzheimer's disease treatment, cartilage regeneration, and innovative RNA-protein interaction technologies [2]. Group 1: Alzheimer's Disease Research - A study by researchers from Gladstone Institutes and UCSF identified two FDA-approved cancer drugs, letrozole and irinotecan, that can reverse gene expression changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, significantly improving memory and reducing pathological features in a mouse model [4][7]. Group 2: Cartilage Regeneration - Research from Tongji University and Hainan Medical University discovered Procr+ chondroprogenitors that are sensitive to mechanical stimuli, crucial for maintaining cartilage homeostasis and promoting regeneration after joint injury, indicating potential for treating knee diseases like osteoarthritis [9][12]. Group 3: Prime Editing for Neurological Disorders - The Broad Institute's study demonstrated the use of prime editing technology in mice to correct common ATP1A3 gene mutations associated with alternating hemiplegia of childhood, leading to significant improvements in clinical symptoms and lifespan [14][17]. Group 4: RNA-Protein Interaction Technology - A new RNA-binding protein identification technique called SPIDR was developed, allowing for the analysis of multiple RNA-binding proteins' binding sites, which could enhance understanding of RNA biology and mechanisms of translational suppression under cell stress [19][21]. Group 5: Post-Stroke Brain Inflammation - Research from Johns Hopkins University revealed that the mast cell receptor Mrgprb2/MRGPRX2 mediates brain inflammation after a stroke, and inhibiting this receptor can reduce inflammation and improve neurological outcomes in mice [23][25]. Group 6: Aging Proteome Atlas - A comprehensive study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences constructed a proteome aging atlas across a 50-year lifespan, identifying aging trajectories and key proteins like GAS6 that drive vascular and systemic aging [27].
最新研究揭示:10天不运动的双重危害,胰岛素与记忆力双双"告急"
GLP1减重宝典· 2025-07-27 03:13
Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle, highlighting that just ten days without exercise can lead to significant metabolic and cognitive decline, including insulin resistance and memory impairment [6][12]. Group 1: Impact of Sedentary Lifestyle - A study led by Dr. Nathan Kerr from the University of Missouri reveals that ten days of inactivity can accelerate insulin resistance and negatively affect memory function [6]. - The research involved a hindlimb immobilization experiment on four-month-old female Wistar rats, demonstrating that lack of exercise triggers a "degenerative storm" in both the body and brain [6][8]. Group 2: Cognitive Decline Mechanisms - The hippocampus shows signs of insulin resistance after just ten days of inactivity, disrupting glucose metabolism and leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) [8][9]. - Abnormal levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau protein, markers for Alzheimer's disease, were observed, indicating a potential risk for cognitive decline [9]. Group 3: Iron Metabolism Imbalance - The study found that muscle inactivity leads to abnormal iron accumulation in muscles while causing a significant decrease in iron levels in the brain, creating a negative correlation that exacerbates oxidative stress and insulin resistance in the hippocampus [11]. Group 4: Modern Lifestyle Concerns - The article notes that modern individuals sit for over eight hours daily, contributing to a surge in type 2 diabetes rates and a decrease in healthy life expectancy post-65 years [12]. - Insulin resistance from lack of exercise is linked to both physical and cognitive health deterioration, potentially triggering early onset of Alzheimer's disease [12]. Group 5: Recommendations for Physical Activity - The article suggests that exercise is essential for maintaining cognitive function, proposing simple methods to incorporate more movement into daily life, such as taking stairs, walking, and outdoor activities [16]. - It emphasizes that immediate action yields the greatest health benefits, particularly in middle age to prevent cognitive decline [16][14].