In an article written on July 24, 2012, a new class of drugs was developed to solve issues concerning Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury by reducing the inflamation caused by these problems in the brain. This neuroinflammation is highly believed to be a major factor of many degenerative brain conditions. Studies show that this new class of drugs, referred to as MW151 and MW189, can prevent the full-blown development of Alzheimer's disease in a mouse that was genetically engineered to develop this disease if taken early enough. Results showed that cytokine levels returned to normal and brain synapses were functioning properly in laboratory mice when the drugs were taken before Alzheimer's memory changes are at a late stage.
MW151 and MW189 works by preventing the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines, a type of brain protein. The overproduction of cytokine can cause the synapses of the brain to misfire, thus damaging the cortex and hippocampus responsible for memory storage and decision-making.
In previous studies, the same drug reduced the damage caused by traumatic brain injury and prevented the development of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is caused by the damage of protective covering of nerve cells called the myelin sheath when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system, which then leads to the inflammation of anywhere on the brain, optic nerve, or spinal cord. In the case with multiple sclerosis, MW151 successfully inhibited the development of the disease in laboratory mice when taken orally. Now there are ongoing studies using lab mice to determine if MW151 can also prevent multiple sclerosis from reoccurring.
With traumatic brain injury, the glial cells in the brain become hyperactive over time and release a continuous stream of proinflammatory cytokines that eventually lead to epilepsy and cognitive impairment. However, researchers found that if MW151 is given three to six hours after the injury, it inhibits glial activation, preventing the uncontrollable release of proinflammatory cytokines. This in turn minimizes the risk of epileptic seizures.
This new class of drugs have shown promising results and a possible solution for preventing brain-related diseases and injuries in humans from developing or becoming worse. This may bring us closer to finding a permanent solution - a cure for these neurological problems.