It is estimated that every 70 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's disease. Medicines targeting amyloid beta that make up the clumps in the hallmark plaques are now in many phases of experimental testing. The hope is that clearing out amyloid beta before it accumulates could stave off the disease and reduce symptoms.
A new study shows that a drug that increases the release of growth hormone failed to slow the rate of progression of Alzheimer's disease in humans. Growth hormone is naturally produced in the body and stimulates the release of another hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Studies on mice have suggested that IGF-1 helps reduce beta-amyloid, which is a form of plaque, from the brain. In the study, scientists used the investigational compound MK-677 to boost the blood levels of the hormone. The study found that MK-677 did not slow the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease even though MK-677 was effective in increasing levels of IGF-1. "This work suggests that targeting this hormone system may not be an effective approach to slowing the rate of Alzheimer's disease progression," says study author J.J. Sevigny, MD, of Merck Research Laboratories in North Wales, PA.
Scientists at the Feinstein hope to develop this natural substance, called resveratrol, or synthetic versions, for the treatment of Alzheimer's. Scientists have discovered that a specific kinase - AMPK - controls Abeta levels. AMPK is an interesting protein because it is a metabolic sensor in the cells and throughout the body. It senses levels of ATP, the body's fuel source. When ATP levels drop, AMPK is activated to prepare the cells to adjust to the metabolic change in the body - when fuel is low. It's like a driver moving along at 50 and slowing down when it realizes that there is trouble ahead. Resveratrol activates AMPK and in turn this protein lowers Abeta levels. This is an important finding because the scientists identified a new potential molecular target - AMPK - to lower Abeta levels in Alzheimer's. It also opens the door to considering more potent analogs of resveratrol. Feinstein scientists are now screening libraries of substances to see whether there are any compounds that could mimic the effects found in this substance. As it is, the amounts found in grapes and wine are small and it would not be feasible to ingest enough to have a benefit. The Feinstein chemists have identified several compounds that are now in different stages of testing. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
EFSA says no to Valio probiotic gut health claim 
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