A copper-based compound, Cu(ATSM), has been shown to reduce toxic protein buildup and improve memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Key Findings
Researchers at Monash University reported the following quantitative results after a 56-day treatment period in laboratory experiments:
- Amyloid-beta Reduction: Soluble amyloid-beta protein levels were reduced by 42%.
- Memory Improvement: Spatial learning performance improved by nearly 44%.
- P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Levels: The abundance of P-gp clearance pumps at the blood-brain barrier increased by 24.1%.
Background
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta proteins in the brain. Under normal conditions, these proteins are cleared via P-glycoprotein (P-gp) pumps located in the blood-brain barrier. In Alzheimer's disease, the function of these pumps is reduced, leading to protein accumulation.
Cu(ATSM) is described as a brain-penetrating copper compound with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. The compound has previously undergone safety evaluations and clinical testing for other neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Researcher Statements
"This treatment engages the brain's blood vessels to lower toxic protein levels, resulting in behavioral benefits."
— Lead author Dr. Jae Pyun, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr. Pyun noted that this is the first study to show that Cu(ATSM) can increase the abundance of P-gp clearance pumps in an Alzheimer's model.
"The results support the rationale for testing this drug in early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease."
— Senior author Professor Joseph Nicolazzo, Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation
Professor Nicolazzo noted that the compound's existing safety data could potentially accelerate its path to human studies for Alzheimer's.
Future Research
The research team plans to investigate the precise clearance mechanisms to understand how amyloid-beta exits the brain into the bloodstream. They also suspect that the copper treatment may empower microglial cells to consume and degrade toxic plaques.
The study was published in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience.