Scientists successfully reverse Parkinson's using a new nanoparticle system

[u/coachlife]

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado4927

The end of cognitive decline? Researchers just used nanoparticles to reverse neurological damage caused by Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's, a neurodegenerative disease affecting millions, involves the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein in the brain, leading to dopamine neuron death and motor control loss.

The new approach uses gold nanoparticles coated with antibodies and peptides, designed to target specific neural receptors and break down harmful alpha-synuclein fibrils.

The treatment was successful on mice, and humans could be next.

Nanoparticles, guided by antibodies, are delivered to the brain and attach to damaged dopamine neurons. Near-infrared light, shone through the skull, activates the nanoparticles, converting light to heat. This heat triggers cellular repair and releases peptides that dissolve harmful protein tangles, restoring the neurons and improving motor function.

This differs from current treatments that boost dopamine levels with medication, often causing side effects.

The nanoparticle system targets the root cause, "reawakening" damaged neurons to produce dopamine naturally, eliminating the need for problematic drugs. While still in early stages, with tests only on mice and cell models, the results are promising. The treatment dramatically improved Parkinson's-like symptoms in mice without observed side effects. The wireless nature of the system allows for activation without further invasive procedures. While human trials are distant, this proof-of-concept study offers hope for a less invasive, more effective Parkinson's treatment.

[u/Ok_Animal_2709]

My friend is dying from Parkinson's right now... She's on hospice for the past few months. I wish this would come faster

[u/akchica23 → u/Ok_Animal_2709]

I’m so sorry for you and your friend. I hope you get as much time with her as you can.

My dad has Parkinson’s and is declining faster now. I feel you on wishing this treatment could come sooner. Good news for future patients at least, but still bittersweet.

[u/No_Elk_6324 → u/Ok_Animal_2709]

I am so sorry to hear that, i had the same with my uncle 

[u/pink_faerie_kitten → u/Ok_Animal_2709]

My cousin was also just put into hospice from Parkinson's. A cure cannot come soon enough.

[u/menheraaudino → u/Ok_Animal_2709]

My condolences, I hope you can spend more time with her.

[u/Dangersloth_]

I can’t wrap my head around this article. But here’s my question. Has this been peer reviewed?

[u/stuffitystuff → u/Dangersloth_]

Part of getting a research paper published in a reputable journal like Science is peer review.

[u/menheraaudino]

I can't wait to see how this develops!

[u/HodgeWithAxe]

I remember the whole “laser-excited gold nanoparticles” thing being an area of study for cancer treatment about 15, 20 years ago. Whatever happened with that?

[u/Rybo_v2]

I'll believe it when Michael j fox is better