Scientists have made a promising breakthrough in treating Alzheimer’s disease. A new mouse study published in Science Translational Medicine found that inhaling xenon gas can activate brain cells called microglia, which break down plaques and reduce inflammation associated with the neurodegenerative disease.
The researchers, from Washington University in St. Louis and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, used various mouse models to represent different aspects of Alzheimer’s. They found that xenon helped microglia regain their ability to break down beta-amyloid proteins, which accumulate between neurons and damage the brain. The study also showed that exposure to xenon led to reduced levels of tau and beta-amyloid in mice with APOE4, a genetic variant that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s.
The promising results have earned approval from the FDA and institutional review boards to begin a Phase 1 trial testing the safety of xenon gas in healthy volunteers. If successful, this treatment may be as simple as inhaling xenon gas, providing a new approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Currently, two types of drugs approved by the FDA target beta-amyloid plaques, but these treatments have not proven effective. Researchers are shifting their focus to targeting microglia, which offer a new direction in treatment. This study provides hope that a simple and non-invasive treatment may be available for Alzheimer’s patients.
Xenon has been used as an anesthetic and to treat brain damage caused by lack of oxygen. Studies have also shown that xenon protects neurons exposed to toxic solutions in mouse cell cultures. With further research, this breakthrough discovery could revolutionize the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/inhaling-this-gas-could-help-treat-alzheimers-disease-study-suggests/articleshow/117300466.cms