A novel new treatment for Alzheimer’s? Xenon gas shows promise, leads to clinical trial
As we’ve often reported, there’s always new research on Alzheimer’s disease. Some of it relates to better understanding the causes and dynamics; some of it explores new possibilities for prevention and treatment. Most of the focus has been on amyloid plaques and tau tangles (masses of protein filaments) that accumulate in the brain.
But now, as reported here, new research has revealed a novel approach: inhaling Xenon gas, an anesthetic used in humans since the mid-20th century.
The research comes from Mass General Brigham and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Findings indicated that “Xenon gas inhalation suppressed neuroinflammation, reduced brain atrophy, and increased protective neuronal states in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Here’s how the study worked: “Mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease were treated with Xenon gas that has been used in human medicine as an anesthetic and as a neuroprotectant for treating brain injuries. Xenon gas penetrates the blood-brain barrier, passing from the bloodstream directly into the fluid surrounding the brain.
“The team found that Xenon gas inhalation reduced brain atrophy and neuroinflammation and improved nest-building behaviors in the Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. It also induced and increased a protective microglial response that is associated with clearing amyloid and improving cognition.”
Microglia, “the brain’s primary and most prominent immune cells, act as ‘first responders’ when something goes awry in the brain, and they play a key role in regulating brain function in all phases of development. Microglial dysregulation is a key component of Alzheimer’s disease.”
The article quotes senior and co-corresponding author Oleg Butovsky, Ph.D., of the Ann Romney Center for Neurological Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital: “It is a very novel discovery showing that simply inhaling an inert gas can have such a profound neuroprotective effect. One of the main limitations in the field of Alzheimer’s disease research and treatment is that it is extremely difficult to design medications that can pass the blood-brain barrier—but Xenon gas does. We look forward to seeing this novel approach tested in humans.”
Adds co-corresponding author David M. Holtzman, MD, from Washington University School of Medicine: “”It is exciting that in both animal models that model different aspects of Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid pathology in one model and tau pathology in another model, that Xenon had protective effects in both situations.”
A clinical trial at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, initially with only healthy volunteers, is set to begin in a few months. “The research team plans to continue to study the mechanisms by which Xenon gas achieves its effects, in addition to its potential for treating other diseases such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and eye diseases that involve the loss of neurons.”
We will definitely look for updates on this promising research, and continue to keep you informed.
More on Alzheimer’s and dementia research:
Study: Alzheimer’s blood test catches 90% of early dementia cases
FDA approves new drug for Alzheimer’s disease
Could coffee grounds be a key to preventing Alzheimer’s?
Scientists discover new key to halting brain damage in Alzheimer’s
Shingles vaccine linked to reduced risk of dementia
Can Viagra help to boost brain health an prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
The “longevity protein”: A potential breakthrough for Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia discovery could unlock successful new treatments
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