Name: Josie Current Event Posting Number: 1
Topic: Health (Medicine)
Author: Gary Stix
Publication Name: Huffington Post
Date of Publication: February 9, 2012
Length of Article: 2 Pages
Alzheimer's has been a very devastating disease in the elderly, by causing their brain to deteriorate at a rapid pace, but a new mouse study with the skin cancer drug bexarotene has reversed the symptoms of the disease in mice. This study took place in Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and it is being led by Gary Landreth. They had genetically engineered mice to exhibit Alzheimer's symptoms and then gave them the bexarotene. After only a single dose it lowered the toxic amyloid beta peptide by 25 percent with in 6 hours, and this effect lasted for 3 days. Then the regular amyloid buildup resumed its normal behavior after 72 hours. The scientists were able to tell this because the mice were able to crinkle the toilet paper to make nests which they were not able to do with increased amounts of amyloid in their brains. The drug removes the toxins by activating receptors on the brain that produces a fat-protein complex which helps get rid of any excess amyloid between neurons and increases the amount of phagocytosis. Many are saying that is study has great promise and that it is impressive, but there are some concerns about it being too early to get excited over.
Some people have a gene that does not allow the ability to clear the toxic amyloid. This gene would encourage the Alzheimer's even more and greatly complicate the development of bexarotene. Many researchers are unconcerned with this and are optimistic about the results. Another issue is that there hasn't been any testing on humans yet, but it is sure to be starting within the next few months. Scientists say that medicines that work with mice do not always work the same with humans, there are also several more complicating factors in humans brains than in a mouse's. The drug also comes with major risks such as raised triglyceride levels, and increased possibility of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Despite the hurdles that researchers face with the next few years of testing the drug, the outcome seems good and it is something the nation should keep their eye on.
This is very exciting news as the Alzheimer's association stated that it is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, cured, or slowed. While other diseases have been declining over the last decade, Alzheimer's has instead increased by 66%. However, with research and experimentation such as this, I believe we could find a cure for all these hopeless people. If a cure for mice exists, there must be a cure for humans as well. It feels great to know that people never give up on finding a way to help the sick.
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ReplyDeleteThe Alzheimer's Association stated that Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. and that it currently cannot be prevented, cured, or slowed. While other diseases have been declining over the last decade, Alzheimer's has instead increased by 66%. However, with research and experimentation such as this, I believe we could find a cure for all these hopeless people. If a cure for mice exists, there must be a cure for humans as well. Bexarotene has been succesful in treating breast cancer, lung cancer, as well as Kaposi's sarcoma, so it is a promising solution. It feels great to know that people never give up on finding a way to help the sick.
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