Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have conducted a study in mice that shows a promising new way to treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Disease. The study focused on the role that Sirtuin, a protein in the body. played in neurodegenerative diseases. What they found was activating sirtuin suppressed the disease and that destroying sirtuin made the disease much worse.
Sirtuin – The Longevity Protein and Key to Health?
In our article on Resveratrol Health Benefits we define and explain Sirtuin . The Sirtuin gene has been shown to have some strong possible connections with longevity and health. In our discussion on Resveratrol we focus on its ability to increase Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), but there are 7 different Sirtuin genes in the body. This research shows that stimulating Sirtuin production can have significant health benefits.
Gizem Donmez and Leonard Guarente of MIT were able to modify mice to make them more prone to developing Alzheimer’s disease. They then activated sirtuin in one group and saw that the progression of Alzheimer’s was suppressed. A second set of mice had their sirtuin destroyed and the Alzheimer’s progressed at a much faster pace.
Does This Mean Resveratrol Supplements Can Fight Alzheimer?
No. We know some resveratrol companies will now start claiming that resveratrol can stop Alzheimer’s, and that would not be accurate.
Researchers not involved in the study agreed. “We think it is a scientifically compelling story that ties the sirtuins to the biology of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Dennis J. Selkoe, an Alzheimer’s expert at Harvard Medical School. But the therapeutic implications, Dr. Selkoe added, “remain quite up in the air.”
-Potential Found in a New Approach to Alzheimer’s, New York Times, 7/23/10
One problem is that resveratrol does not pass the blood-brain barrier at this time, so this study could not be replicated with resveratrol. In addition, the study was done with mice and not humans.
Sirtuin Research – A Field to Watch
We believe it is an exciting time for Sirtuin Research. Much more research has to be done, but the idea of activating Sirtuin to reduce disease risk is an area that should be actively explored.
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