Nanotechnology applied to neurodegenerative diseases represents a therapeutic and diagnostic revolution, by allowing the design of nanoparticles capable of passing through the blood-brain barrier and release drugs selectively in the brain. This approach improves the effectiveness of treatments, reduces side effects and opens the door to early detection. pathological processes through nanosensors that identify biomarkers in initial phases. In pathologies such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’snanotechnology promises to slow the progression of neuronal damagepromote cell regeneration and develop personalized therapies based on molecular precision.
Thus, nanotechnology, cell reprogramming and gene therapies have been presented as the main avenues of research to stop the impact of neurodegenerative diseases on the second day of the Longevity World Forumthe world summit on aging held in Madrid. The sessions also included several presentations on nutrition and cutting-edge nutritional supplements such as the NAD+.
“Nanotechnology is already solving problems in neurodegenerative diseases,” he stated. Palomo Valleydirector of the Biosensors in Neuroscience laboratory at IMDEA Neuroscience. The chemist explained that one of the main handicaps of drugs for these pathologies is the difficulty in reaching the brain as they cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. “Some solutions based on nanotechnology have already been presented to address this barrier and also to develop sensors that can diagnose these diseases early,” he said.
NAD+ precursors
Besides, Stephan Christenmetabolomics researcher at Nestlé Research, presented a study published in the latest issue of Nature Metabolism on the impact of supplementation for two weeks with three NAD+ precursors in healthy adults. Christen also explained the relationship of mitochondrial dysfunction with inflammation, aging and oxidative stress. «NAD molecules have an impact on multiple functions: energy metabolism, circadian rhythm, DNA repair, functions mitrochondrial or chronic inflammation», he noted.
One of the most innovative formulas in supplementation It has been presented by Klok Longevity, which has the first NAD precursor in liquid gel format, in which six synergistic ingredients are combined (calcium alpha-ketoglutarate, liposomal NAD, quercetin, L-arginine, resveratrol and rhodiola). While Solgar® – Cellular Energy – NAD+ precursor is an advanced formulation supplement with nicotinamide riboside chloride (NIAGEN®), a precursor of NAD+ and source of niacin (vitamin B3), an essential nutrient that our cells need to produce energy and maintain an active metabolism. It also contains vitamin B12 and C.
Gene therapy for frailty and Alzheimer’s
While Cristina Sánchez Puelles, researcher at Tetraneuron, presented a gene therapy for frailty and Alzheimer’s, which is about to be used in patients. “We have already finished the preclinical studies and we are in the patient recruitment phase,” he said. Regarding cellular reprogramming Jean-Marc Lemaitredirector of research at INSERM and co-founder and co-director of the Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapies (IRMB), stated forcefully: “A single early reprogramming can prevent osteoarthritis in older age.”
In another order of things, Deborah Buenodirector of the Longevity and Microbiota Unit in Olympia, Grupo Quirón Salud opted to personalize recommendations for patients. «We must interpret what is seen in the microbiota test with the clinical history and lifestyle. Limiting the microbiota to the digestive area is only seeing the tip of the iceberg and its real role in health,” he commented.
