Blocking the toxic interaction between amyloid beta and brain metals

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Prana Biotechnology (ASX:PBT; Nasdaq: PRAN) announced that an independent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, validates Prana's fundamental drug strategy for Alzheimer's Disease in blocking the toxic interaction between Abeta and brain metals, such as zinc, that damages synapses and cause cognitive loss.

The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience showed that the release of zinc from synapses is critical for Abeta to form oligomers and to aggregate. Dr Glabe, an author of the paper, noted, "These results are very exciting news for understanding the mechanism of Alzheimer pathogenesis. They help elucidate the fundamental role of metal ions like zinc in causing the formation of Abeta oligomers which damage synapses".

Prana's lead Alzheimer's disease compound, PBT2, targets a toxic form of the Abeta protein in the synapses of the brain by inhibiting the interaction between Abeta and zinc. The findings provide an explanation as to how PBT2 has demonstrated the ability to restore normal function to Abeta-impaired synapses and so reverse cognitive loss in animal models of AD. PBT2 has completed a Phase IIa study in Alzheimer's disease patients, demonstrating a lowering of Abeta levels in the CSF and signs of cognitive improvement within three months.

Commenting on the significance of these findings Dr Jeffrey Cummings of UCLA, and Chair of Prana's Scientific Advisory Board, noted that, "the role of Abeta oligomers in damaging synapses resulting in cognitive impairment is well established in the literature. What has been less clear is why oligomers congregate at the synapse. The work by Dr. Glabe and his colleagues provides an explanation, showing that synaptic activity stimulates the release of Abeta and zinc leading to the build up of toxic Abeta oligomers at the synapse. Previous studies demonstrating that PBT2, can disperse Abeta oligomers attracted by synaptic zinc, suggest that the benefit of PBT2 seen in the recent clinical trial may reflect this synaptic effect". ...http://www.medicalnewstoday.com

Irish potatoes seek to ease selenium famine

Selenium-enriched potatoes are being sold on the Irish market despite the company behind the product admitting the Irish population knew next to nothing about the mineral and may resent paying a premium given the economic slump, which so far has hit Ireland harder than most EU economies. ...http://www.nutraingredients.com

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