ASL Tse: Promising Early Results from Mistletoe-Based Approach to Alzheimer’s in Genetic Subgroup
Siena, Italy – Researchers at the University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, or ASL Tse) have reported encouraging initial findings from a year-long oral management trial of a mistletoe-derived drug on patients wiht Alzheimer’s disease carrying a specific genetic mutation. The study, led by Dr. [Name not provided in text, referred to as “the specialist” and “Dr. Mignarri’s team”], suggests the treatment stabilized the illness and even led to a reduction in brain amyloid, a hallmark protein accumulation in Alzheimer’s patients.
The research focused on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease linked to the NPC1 gene, responsible for a disruption in cerebral cholesterol metabolism. The team leveraged prior experience using the treatment in rare neurological diseases like niemann-Pick tipo C and Gaucher disease.
“We have used it on patients suffering from Alzheimer of the same family and carriers of the gene Npc1 responsible for an alteration of cerebral metabolism of cholesterol,” explained the specialist.
the rationale behind using mistletoe stems from its ability to reduce the accumulation of toxic cholesterol derivatives and, crucially, to cross the blood-brain barrier – a significant hurdle for many Alzheimer’s therapies. Researchers described it as a “natural candidate” to modulate key mechanisms in the disease’s growth.
The trial involved related patients receiving the drug orally for one year. Results exceeded expectations, demonstrating illness stabilization and a reduction in brain amyloid.
The research team included geneticist Diego Lopergolo, neurologist Daniele Gasparini, and was guided by Nicola De Stefano, head of Neurology at Scotte Hospital and incoming president of the Italian Neurology society. International experts Stelvio Sestini (nuclear medicine, neurodegenerative diseases), Valerio Leoni, and Henrik Zetterberg (brain biochemistry, Alzheimer’s biomarkers) also contributed.
While researchers caution this is a “first step,” they are optimistic. ”The results suggest that a concrete path to slow down the progression of evil can be an interaction with lipid metabolism,” the specialist stated, adding that altered lipid metabolism might potentially be fundamental to the pathology, according to recent research.
The team hopes larger studies will confirm these findings in this specific genetic form of Alzheimer’s and perhaps pave the way for a new treatment approach.