A new study conducted at Université Laval suggests that blocking inflammation could reduce symptoms in some patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. However, the research team emphasizes that a full understanding of the disease and the best methods of treatment are still a long way off.
Professor Chantelle Sephton, affiliated with Université Laval, said in an interview, “We know what happens to patients at this stage of the disease. We want to understand what happens earlier.”
ALS is caused by progressive damage and loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, which eventually leads to a loss of movement as the brain can no longer communicate with the muscles.
Sephton and her team studied how reducing inflammation could stop or reverse some changes in motor neurons and restore connections. The study was conducted on a genetically modified mouse model.
“Treating the mice for eight weeks allowed us to observe improvements in motor and cognitive function,” Sephton said. “We learned that reducing inflammation allows neurons to rebuild these synaptic connections, which is truly remarkable.”
Sephton believes that this study is just a small piece of the puzzle in the search for new treatment methods. “This study shows that reducing inflammation may be an important way to slow the progression of the disease, but we don’t stop there,” she added. “We still need to understand how it works and how to ultimately combat other aspects of this disease.”
The researchers used a semi-synthetic drug based on withaferin A, an extract from the ashwagandha plant. A similar drug is currently being tested at Sunnybrook Hospital in Ontario, but no such drug has been approved for use yet.
“Inflammation is something that is being heavily researched in the case of ALS, but it is complex, and we still have a lot to understand,” said David Taylor, Vice President of Research at ALS Canada.
These studies bring new hope for patients suffering from ALS. Currently, only three drugs have been approved for the treatment of ALS in Canada, and some patients are not eligible to receive them. The majority of ALS patients die within two to five years of diagnosis.
Phil Lalonde, a football coach who was diagnosed with ALS over two years ago, believes in more effective treatment methods in the future. Lalonde himself participated in clinical trials to help scientists find a “miracle drug.” The residents of Pointe-Claire organize an annual soccer tournament to raise funds for ALS research and contribute to this quest.
Q&A:
1. What are the symptoms and causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
ALS is caused by progressive damage and loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of movement as the brain can no longer communicate with the muscles.
2. What conclusions does the study conducted at Université Laval bring?
The study suggests that blocking inflammation could reduce symptoms in some patients with ALS. The research team observed improvements in motor and cognitive function in mice.
3. What are the next steps in the search for ALS treatment?
Research on ALS treatment is still ongoing. Currently, there are only three approved drugs for ALS treatment in Canada, and most patients die within two to five years of diagnosis. There is still much to understand about the various aspects of this disease and find more effective treatment methods.
Definitions:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – a disease causing progressive damage and loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of movement.
Inflammation – an excessive immune system response leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
Motor neuron – a nerve cell responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles, controlling body movements.
Clinical trials – scientific studies that evaluate the effectiveness and safety of new drugs, medical procedures, or therapies.
Links:
ALS Canada
Université Laval
The source of the article is from the blog tvbzorg.com