Parkinson’s disease – Page 4

Calcineurin-mediated regulation of growth-associated protein 43 is essential for neurite and synapse formation and protects against α-synuclein-induced degeneration

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Researchers discovered that a specific protein called GAP-43 plays a crucial role in protecting brain cells from damage caused by α-synuclein, a protein involved in Parkinson’s Disease. When GAP-43 is modified through a process called phosphorylation at certain sites, it promotes the growth of neurites (neural connections) and formation of healthy synapses. The drug FK506, already approved by the FDA, appears to work by controlling this phosphorylation process, offering potential therapeutic benefits for Parkinson’s patients.

New bioactive secondary metabolites from fungi: 2024

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Scientists discovered 907 new compounds from fungi in 2024, with most being terpenoids and polyketides that show promise as medicines. These fungal compounds demonstrate strong activity against bacteria, fungi, and inflammation, with some showing potential against cancer and diabetes. The research uses advanced techniques like genome mining and metabolomics to find these compounds more efficiently. This accelerating discovery rate suggests fungi could be a major source for developing new drugs to treat various diseases.

Evidence-Based Nutraceuticals Derived from Antrodia cinnamomea

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Antrodia cinnamomea, a mushroom from Taiwan traditionally used for health, contains many beneficial compounds that fight inflammation, tumors, and oxidative stress. Research shows it can help with cancer, liver disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The mushroom can be grown in laboratories and its active compounds extracted using various modern techniques, making it promising for health supplements and medicines.

Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction to Obtain Erinacine A and Polyphenols with Antioxidant Activity from the Fungal Biomass of Hericium erinaceus

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Researchers developed an efficient ultrasonic extraction method to obtain beneficial compounds from the lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), particularly a substance called erinacine A and antioxidants. The optimized process uses 80% ethanol and takes 45 minutes, producing extracts rich in antioxidants that can protect cells from damage. These extracts showed promise in protecting brain cells and could potentially help prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

The Biological Activity of Ganoderma lucidum on Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Interplay between Different Active Compounds and the Pathological Hallmarks

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Reishi mushroom, used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries, contains over 400 bioactive compounds that show promise in protecting the brain from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The mushroom’s components work through multiple pathways to reduce inflammation, fight oxidative stress, and protect neurons from damage. While laboratory and animal studies show encouraging results, human clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness as a treatment.

Correlation between Vegetable and Fruit Intake and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing, China

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This study examined how eating different types of fruits and vegetables affects brain health in older adults in Chongqing, China. Researchers found that higher fruit intake and eating more root vegetables (like carrots and turnips) were associated with better cognitive function and lower risk of mild cognitive impairment. Some vegetables like tomatoes and peppers also showed protective benefits, while leafy greens did not show a significant effect. The findings suggest that encouraging older adults to eat more fruits and certain vegetables could help prevent memory problems and cognitive decline.

ELAV/Hu RNA-binding protein family: key regulators in neurological disorders, cancer, and other diseases

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ELAV/Hu proteins are molecular machines that control how cells read and use genetic instructions. Found mostly in the brain and nervous system, these proteins help manage which genes get turned on or off, which is crucial for proper brain development and function. When these proteins go wrong, they can contribute to serious diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and autism, making them promising targets for new treatments.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Biological Activity of the Polar and Non-Polar Fractions Obtained from the Roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim

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Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) roots contain powerful antioxidant compounds that may help with inflammation, blood sugar control, and brain health. Researchers found that certain plant fractions were particularly rich in protective compounds like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. However, the study also discovered a concerning finding: these plant compounds protected cancer cells from chemotherapy drugs, suggesting people undergoing cancer treatment should be cautious about using this supplement.

GDF11 slows excitatory neuronal senescence and brain ageing by repressing p21

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As we age, brain cells called excitatory neurons undergo senescence, similar to cellular ageing. This study found that a protein called GDF11 protects these neurons from ageing. When GDF11 was removed from excitatory neurons in mice, the neurons aged faster, leading to memory problems and shorter lifespans. The research reveals that GDF11 works by blocking p21, a molecule that promotes cellular ageing.

Polysorbate 80 Differentially Impacts Erinacine Production Profiles in Submerged Cultures of Hericium

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Lion’s mane mushroom and related Hericium species produce beneficial compounds called erinacines that may protect the brain and help with neurological conditions. This study tested how adding glucose and a substance called polysorbate 80 to mushroom cultures affects erinacine production. Interestingly, while polysorbate 80 helped mushrooms grow more, it reduced erinacine levels in most strains, though effects varied by species. The findings could help cultivators choose conditions to grow mushrooms enriched with specific beneficial compounds.

Disease: Parkinson's disease