A team of researchers in Japan has identified a potential new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease using an existing drug. In a study published in the journal Neurochemistry International, scientists found that the amino acid arginine, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, can suppress the buildup of amyloid-beta proteins associated with Alzheimer’s in mice.
The research, led by Yoshitaka Nagai, a neuroscientist at Kindai University, demonstrates that arginine can effectively reduce amyloid-beta aggregation both in laboratory settings and in live subjects. “Our study demonstrates that arginine can suppress amyloid-beta aggregation both in vitro and in vivo,” Nagai stated. He emphasized that arginine’s established clinical safety and low cost make it a promising candidate for repurposing as a therapeutic option for Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease continues to puzzle scientists, particularly regarding the role of amyloid-beta proteins. While these proteins are a normal part of brain function, they can become sticky, forming plaques that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s. Notably, not all patients with the disease exhibit these plaques, complicating the understanding of the condition.
The research team administered arginine to mice with amyloid-beta buildup through their drinking water and food. Results showed that arginine not only helped to break apart these plaques but also improved the cognitive and behavioral performance of the mice. The improvement was assessed using an elevated Y-shaped maze, which evaluates a mouse’s natural instincts to avoid open spaces. Mice treated with arginine traveled further and spent more time in the maze’s “open arms,” indicating enhanced cognitive function.
While these findings are promising, human clinical trials will be necessary to confirm arginine’s medical potential. Nagai expressed optimism about the findings, stating, “Given its excellent safety profile and low cost, arginine could be rapidly translated to clinical trials for Alzheimer’s and potentially other related disorders.”
Other research initiatives have also pursued innovative approaches to treating Alzheimer’s disease. A team from China reported progress in reversing the disease’s progression through the use of nanoparticles injected into the brain, which cleared amyloid plaques and enhanced cognitive abilities. In a separate study in Japan, synthetic peptides were utilized to reverse the disease’s progression in its early stages.
Despite these advancements, the fundamental functions of amyloid-beta in the brain remain unclear. The ongoing quest to understand its role is critical, as the effectiveness of targeting these proteins in treatment strategies continues to be debated.
As research progresses, the exploration of arginine as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease highlights the potential of existing medications to serve new purposes, offering hope for future therapeutic options.
