Scientists from the Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (Ibima)and from the University of Malaga identified that the IGF-II hormone exerts a powerful protective effect on nerve cells affected by Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in the scientific journal Journal of Advanced Researchopen a new way to develop treatments that not only relieve symptoms, but can also stop the advance of this neurodegenerative pathology.
What is Parkinson?
Parkinson’s disease is the most common movement disorder and affects approximately 3 % of the elderly population. It is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the black substance of the brain, which causes motor symptoms such as bradykinesia (slowness of movements), the tremor at rest and muscle stiffness.
Research and its results
The IGF-II hormone, similar to insulin produced by the organism, acts as a real shield for neurons. The researchers observed that, when nerve cells are exposed to this hormone, the damage that would normally destroy them in the context of Parkinson’s context resists much better.
The IGF-II hormone improves the functioning of mitochondria, which are like the “batteries” of cells; Defend the DNA, since it activates processes of repair of genetic material and prevents errors that could lead to cell death; and slows the self -destruction processes of neurons when they are damaged.
The team studies the therapeutic potential of the IGF-II since 2007. In 2021 they demonstrated, in animal models, that this hormone could protect the brain against neurodegenerative damage.
“We want to know all the details of how this hormone acts in neurons. Our goal is that in the future it can be used as a treatment to stop diseases such as Parkinson’s,” said MarÃa GarcÃa-Fernández, a doctor and one of the study authors.
BT (Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga, Journal of Advanced Research, EFE)