Possible breakthrough on ALS treatment

[Tecate]

Good morning/afternoon/evening for wherever you hang your hat.

https://apple.news/AeRjRw417SgWKrjvb-Pu7aQ

Western University researchers in London, Ontario have announced a possible breakthrough in treatment for ALS.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord resulting in progressive loss of motor neurons.

This process usually begins in the limbs and works its way inward. Resulting in paralysis and loss of speech until the body is incapable of breathing, etc. There’s an even rarer version that starts inwards and works outward, which can start with diaphragmatic and intercostal muscle loss before attacking the limbs.

In any event, researchers found that a specific protein has been found accumulating in spinal motor neurons that may be the culprit. But, they also found another protein that counteracts the first protein and are concentrating on it.

Very good news, as I have had a number of these patients over the years and it is quite devastating to the patients and their families and friends.

Tecate

[Maxmars]

Wow!  There on the path now!
 

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In the early 2000s, a colleague of the research team at Western University noticed a protein in mice which caused difficulty in muscle function when abnormal. The team was able to find there is a very similar protein in humans, which can reverse the process or at least pause it from further deterioration. When modified with the protein, the mice would die within 10 to 20 days, but with the second protein, they were still alive at 18 weeks.

“The importance of the report today is identifying that this protein exists, showing it actually works on two different animal models and providing some insight into how it would work,” says Strong. ‘The important piece then comes over the next three to five years.”

Researchers have spent the past 15 or so years working on this project, and the first clinic for ALS was established around the 1980s. The risk of getting ALS is around one in 300 or one in 400, averaging to around two per 100,000.

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I am so stoked for this to develop further.  ALS is a tragic affliction... especially considering how quickly someone can lose their motor functions and their independence.  

Nice Find... great news!

I am a harsh critic of "research" activities because of how easily they are abused for profit... and then this!  Excelsior!

It just goes to show you... Never give up!