Last updated 27/12/2023 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

This is how caffeine can slow down Parkinson's disease

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but now researchers have come up with a newfound news in the form of a new study in which they have found that caffeine can prevent the buildup of a protein associated with the development of the disease. Previous studies have shown that coffee among other things can reduce liver damage. Another good reason to enjoy a good cup of freshly brewed coffee there.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the central nervous system - and especially the motor aspect. Symptoms of Parkinson's may be tremor (especially in hands and fingers), difficulty moving and language problems. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but new studies are constantly pointing out that a protein called alpha-synuclein plays an important role. This protein can deform and form protein clumps that we call Lewy bodies. These Lewy bodies accumulate in a special part of the brain called the substantia nigra - an area of ​​the brain that is primarily involved in the movement and formation of dopamine. This leads to a reduction in dopamine production, which leads to the characteristic movement problems seen in Parkinson's.

Now, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine have developed two caffeine-based components that they believe can stop alpha-synuclein from accumulating in this area.

Protection of dopamine producing cells

Previous research has been based and focused on protecting the cells that produce dopamine - but as the researchers in the new study said: "It only helps as long as there are actually cells left to defend." Therefore, they had a different approach, namely to prevent the accumulation of Lewy bodies from the beginning. With previous studies showing that caffeine – a central stimulant found in tea, coffee and cola – has a protective effect on dopamine cells, the researchers wanted to develop and identify specific components that could prevent such accumulation of the aforementioned proteins. They found that.

Conclusion: Two specific caffeine components can provide a basis for treatment

The researchers identified two components called C8-6-I and C8-6-N that both exhibited the property they wanted – namely to bind to and prevent the protein alpha-synuclein, which is responsible for the accumulation of Lewy bodies, from deforming. The study therefore concludes that their findings can provide a basis for new treatment methods that can reduce and perhaps - potentially - stop the deterioration seen in Parkinson's disease. Very exciting and important research that can increase the quality of life for those affected - and their relatives.

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References

«Novel dimer compounds that bind α-synuclein can rescue cell growth in a yeast model overexpressing α-synuclein. a possible prevention strategy for Parkinson's disease, »Jeremy Lee et al., ACS Chemical Neuroscience, doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00209, published online 27 September 2016, abstract.