老年痴呆症 z-bo 2020-09-23 382

　　American neuroscientists have discovered an upgraded version of the brain protein neuromodulin 1 (NRG1), which can effectively treat Alzheimer's disease. It is generally believed that Alzheimer's disease is caused by the accumulation of many pathogenic substances in the amyloid β of neurons. The beta amyloid protein is formed by the degradation of beta amyloid precursor protein (APP). APP participates in the repair of damaged proteins and can be combined with protein molecules. Amyloid beta also causes the appearance of amyloid plaques and the death of nerve cells.

　　Scientists at Soak Biology Institute in Lahoya, USA, recently discovered a protein with a clearing function, neuromodulin 1, which can not only remove but also reduce protein plaques in the brain. Beta amyloid plaques form slowly.

　　Scientists conducted experiments on Alzheimer's disease mice and put a special virus with a neuregulin 1 replication gene into the mouse brain. The purpose is to produce neuregulin during the growth of mice. During the experiment, scientists asked the mice to find the exit of the maze and observe whether neuregulin 1 can improve the memory of mice and reduce neuronal protein plaques. Experiments show that neuregulin 1 improves the memory of mice and clears β-amyloid plaques.

　　At present, scientists are still unsure of the specific reasons for this phenomenon. However, they believe that neuregulin 1 stimulates the production of another peptide, enkephalinase, which dissolves protein aggregates. However, whether this is the case or not, we still have to wait for the latest experimental results to be verified. In addition, scientists also pointed out that the main benefit of neuromodulin is that it can be used flexibly to treat Alzheimer's disease, because they can freely cross the barrier between the brain and other parts of the body.