Scientists from Florey Institute of Neurology and Mental Health have discovered indications of brain iron deposition in animal studies of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), which has increased our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind the illness.
The research of the group offers up new avenues for researchers to look into and enhance therapy alternatives for MSA that address iron excess in the brains.
Multiple System Atrophy: Iron-Targeting Brain Therapy
Although post-mortem investigations have revealed high amounts of cerebral iron in persons with multiplex systems atrophy, the function of iron in illness development and whether lowering iron levels can assist ameliorate MSA signs remains unresolved.
The human brain system is much complex than what the other organs in the human body have. Though the experts also know a little about such functions, the brain therapy developed by them can prove much useful to many patients, said an expert.
A recent study released in the journal Neurobiology of Disease, led by Dr. Jay Shukla, Prof David Finkelstein, and colleagues, is the first to show higher cerebral metal concentrations in mice having MSA.
“Using a research model, we were able to target and reduce brain iron levels using a known iron-lowering compound. Excitingly, our results showed that the compound slowed neurodegeneration and prevented symptom progression in mice giving us confidence that we’re on the right track in understanding more about treating this disease,” said Dr. Shukla.
“What we believe may be contributing to elevated brain iron levels in multiple system atrophy is dysfunction of an enzyme that plays a role in the body’s iron metabolism. Targeting this enzyme and accumulated iron stores may prove a viable therapeutic strategy,” Dr. Shukla explained.
There are presently no illness medicines licensed to address the disorder. Because the typical expectancy once an MSA diagnosis is now fewer than ten years, new therapeutic approaches are urgently required. Various system degeneration is a parkinsonian disease that affects mobility, respiration, heart rate, and other bodily systems. In some countries, approximately 3,000 individuals suffer from the disease.
“For people living with multiple system atrophy and their families and carers, we hope this research and the work we are continuing to do in MSA at the Florey Institute sends a message of hope,” said Prof Finkelstein, Head of the Parkinson’s Disease Laboratory at the Florey Institute.
“We are constantly making progress in learning more about this rare disorder and working to find new treatment pathways to improve the lives of those who are affected,” he added.
“This exciting project by the team at Florey Institute is a great example of the excellent work supported by the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition’s research grant program. Given our goal to seed fund the development of disease-modifying therapies which can slow, stop or reverse the progression of MSA, the new evidence presented in this paper gives us hope that a successful therapeutic strategy for MSA may be in reach,” The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition’s Board of Directors, Pam Bower, commented.
To summarise, iron appears to have an underappreciated function in the fluid pathophysiology of MSA within the setting of inflammatory diseases and OS. It has certainly been overlooked in the previous. Given the lack of therapy alternatives for MSA, the aim is to discover therapeutic targets to develop disease-modifying treatments. Several solutions are required due to the intricacy and multifaceted character of MSA.
In this regard, iron chelating agents that reduce brainstem mineral content or modulate pathologic iron buildup in cellular compartments could be interesting for MSA therapy. Similarly, utilizing MRI-based measures and motor scores, therapy with the iron supplements chelator Drug in IPD led to a considerable reduction in iron deposit in SN.
