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Protein could be answer to controlling Alzheimer's

01/30/12

A protein that was recently discovered in the brain could make a significant impact on regulating the creation of amyloid beta, which is a major factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers at Temple University's School of Medicine, led by Domenico Pratico, professor of pharmacology and microbiology at Temple, discovered a protein called 12/15-Lipoxygenase three years ago, but had no idea that it played a role in the development of Alzheimer's.

“For reasons we don’t yet know, in some people, 12/15-Lipoxygenase starts to work too much,” Pratico said. “By working too much, it sends the wrong message to the Beta secretase, which in turn starts to produce more amyloid beta. This initially results in cognitive impairment, memory impairment and, later, an increase of amyloid plaque.”

After two years of studying the protein, researchers discovered that it is at the top of a pathway and controls a biochemical chain reaction that leads to the development of Alzheimer's.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's. With research still pending on treatments and causes, Americans should consider investing in life insurance to make sure they are prepared for any unexpected future health expenses.

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