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| Vitamin P as a potential approach for the treatment of damaged motor neurons Posted: 01 Apr 2013 09:00 PM PDT Biologists from the Ruhr-Universität Bochum have explored how to protect neurons that control movements from dying off. In the journal “Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience” they report that the molecule 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone, also known as vitamin P, ensures the survival of motor neurons in culture. It sends the survival signal on another path than the molecule Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which was previously considered a candidate for the treatment of motoneuron diseases or after spinal cord damage. “The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor only had a limited effect when tested on humans, and even had partially negative consequences”, says Prof. Dr. Stefan Wiese from the RUB Work Group for Molecular Cell Biology. “Therefore we are looking for alternative ways to find new approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.”
Same effect, different mode of action In previous studies, researchers hypothesised that vitamin P is an analogue of BDNF and thus works in the same way. This theory has been disproved by the team led by Dr. Teresa Tsai and Prof. Stefan Wiese from the Group for Molecular Cell Biology and the Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology headed by Prof. Andreas Faissner. Both substances ensure that isolated motor neurons of the mouse survive in cell culture and grow new processes, but what exactly the molecules trigger at the protein level varies. BDNF activates two signalling pathways, the so-called MAP kinase and PI3K/AKT signal paths. Vitamin P on the other hand makes use only of the latter. The dose is crucial However, vitamin P only unfolded its positive effects on the motor neurons in a very small concentration range. “These results show how important an accurate determination of dose and effect is”, says Prof. Wiese. An overdose of vitamin P reduced the survival effect, and over a certain amount, no more positive effects occurred at all. The researchers hope that vitamin P could have less negative side effects than BDNF. “It is easier to use, because vitamin P, in contrast to BDNF, can pass the blood-brain barrier and therefore does not have to be introduced into the cerebrospinal fluid using pumps like BDNF,” says Wiese. ### Bibliographic record T. Tsai, A. Klausmeyer, R. Conrad, C. Gottschling, M. Leo, A. Faissner, S. Wiese (2013): 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone leads to survival of cultured embryonic motoneurons by 2 activating intracellular signaling pathways, Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2013.02.007 Further information Prof. Dr. Stefan Wiese, Work Group for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at the Ruhr-Universität, 44780 Bochum, Germany, Tel. +49/234/32-22041, E-mail: stefan.wiese@rub.de Editor: Dr. Julia Weiler Contact: Dr. Stefan Wiese |
| Have asthma? You likely have an allergy as well Posted: 01 Apr 2013 09:00 PM PDT Asthma is becoming an epidemic in the United States. The number of Americans diagnosed with asthma grows annually, with 26 million currently affected. And according to a new study, nearly two-thirds or more of all asthmatics also have an allergy, which can make this spring season particularly bothersome.
The study, which is published in the April issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), found that an astonishing 75 percent of asthmatic adults aged 20- to 40-years-old, and 65 percent of asthmatic adults aged 55 years and older, have at least one allergy. “Allergists have known the prevalence of allergies among asthmatic children is high at 60 to 80 percent, but it was thought allergies were not as common in asthmatic adults,” said allergist Paula Busse, MD, lead study author. “These findings are important, and can help lead to proper diagnosis and treatment.” A total of 2,573 adults were studied in a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A panel of 19 allergens was used to detect allergy among asthmatics. While asthma is frequently associated with children, it is not uncommon among adults 60 years and older, affecting three to seven percent. This number is likely higher, however, because asthma is often underdiagnosed in older adults. “Both asthma and allergies can strike at any age, and are serious diseases,” said allergist Richard Weber, MD, ACAAI president. “Anyone who thinks they may be having symptoms of an allergy or asthma should see a board-certified allergist. Allergists are experts in diagnosing and treating both conditions.” According to the ACAAI, more than 50 million Americans have an allergy, a number which is also on the rise. Is the link between asthma and allergies a reason? “It could be one of many creating this perfect storm for allergies,” said Dr. Weber. “Other factors, such as the hygiene hypothesis, climate change and an increase in awareness and education can also be reasons for this growth.” ### Those that have symptoms of asthma or allergy can get tested for free, through the ACAAI Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. Allergists will hold screenings at about 100 locations nationwide. Screenings can be found by visiting http://www.acaai.org/nasp. For more information about allergies and asthma, and to locate an allergist, visit http://www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org. About ACAAI The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 5,700 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit http://www.AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. Contact: Christine Westendorf
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