21/OCT/11
Press Release 21 October 2011
Neuron Bio discovers a new neuroprotective mechanism afforded by statins
Neuron BioPharma, the pharmaceutical division of Neuron Bio, has discovered a mechanism by which statins modulate a gene related with Alzheimer’s disease, as described in a recently published paper in the renowned Journal of Alzheimer´s Disease. These drugs, which have the highest sales figures throughout the world, are habitually used to lower high cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risks of myocardial infarction and coronary death.
In their paper “Simvastatin Modulates the Alzheimer's Disease-Related Gene seladin-1” researchers at Neuron BioPharma also recount the latest advances in investigations relating cholesterol with neurodegeneration.
Within this context, simvastatin, one of the drugs that regulate cholesterol synthesis, also modulates a gene related to Alzheimer’s disease. The paper reports the results of genomic and proteomic studies in cell models concerning the effects of treatment with simvastatin upon the gene seladin-1 in. The results have also been corroborated in animal models. This new discovery has identified a new target to be focused on in the search for new pharmaceuticals for the treatment of this disease.
The Journal of Alzheimer´s Disease specializes in the field of research into Alzheimer’s disease and publishes papers and reports on the aetiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetics, behaviour, treatment and psychology of the disease.
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