"Equivalent of a few drops in four swimming pools of water"
Potential Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Cure Found In Century-old Drug
ScienceDaily (Aug. 18, 2008) =97 A new study conducted by researchers at
Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland shows that a century-old
drug, methylene blue, may be able to slow or even cure Alzheimer's and
Parkinson's disease. Used at a very low concentration =96 about the
equivalent of a few raindrops in four Olympic-sized swimming pools of
water =96 the drug slows cellular aging and enhances mitochondrial
function, potentially allowing those with the diseases to live longer,
healthier lives.
A paper on the methylene blue study, conducted by Hani Atamna, PhD,
and a his team at Children's, was published in the March 2008 issue of
the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)
Journal. Dr. Atamna's research found that methylene blue can prevent
or slow the decline of mitochondrial function, specifically an
im****tant enzyme called complex IV. Because mitochondria are the
principal suppliers of energy to all animal and human cells, their
healthy function is critical.
"The results are very encouraging," said Dr. Atamna. "We'd eventually
like to try to prevent the physical and cognitive decline associated
with aging, with a focus on people with Alzheimer's disease. One of
the key aspects of Alzheimer's disease is mitochondrial dysfunction,
specifically complex IV dysfunction, which methylene blue improves.
Our findings indicate that methylene blue, by enhancing mitochondrial
function, expands the mitochondrial reserve of the brain. Adequate
mitochondrial reserve is essential for preventing age-related
disorders such as Alzheimer's disease."
Also impressed is one of Dr. Atamna's co-authors, Bruce Ames, PhD, a
senior scientist at Children's and world-renowned expert in nutrition
and aging. "What we potentially have is a wonder drug." said Dr. Ames.
"To find that such a common and inexpensive drug can be used to
increase and prolong the quality of life by treating such serious
diseases is truly exciting."
Methylene blue, first discovered in 1891, is now used to treat
methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder. But because high concentrations
of methylene blue were known to damage the brain, no one thought to
experiment with low concentrations. Also, drugs such as methylene blue
do not easily reach the brain.
Dr. Atamna's research is the first to show that low concentrations of
the drug have the ability to slow cellular aging in cultured cells in
the laboratory and in live mice. He believes methylene blue has the
potential to become another commonplace low-cost treatment like
aspirin, prescribed as a blood thinner for people with heart
disorders.
Dr. Atamna's research, funded by the Bruce and Giovanna Ames
Foundation, was conducted at Children's research institute and will
continue when Dr. Atamna assumes a position as a professor of
Neuroscience at The Commonwealth Medical College in Pennsylvania.
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Journal reference:
Atamna et al. Methylene blue delays cellular senescence and enhances
key mitochondrial biochemical pathways. The FASEB Journal, 2007; 22
(3): 703 DOI: 10.1096/fj.07-9610com
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