Multiple sclerosis drug metabolite appears to slow Parkinson’s disease onset: Study

Multiple sclerosis drug metabolite appears to slow Parkinson’s disease onset: Study The metabolite of a multiple sclerosis drug appears to slow the onset of Parkinson’s disease. The drug dimethylfumarate, or DMF, as well as its metabolite monomethylfumarate, or MMF, both increase activity of Nrf2, a protein that helps protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation characteristic of both multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, according to neuroscientist Dr. Bobby Thomas.

Thomas said, “But the new study provides the first evidence that the metabolite, which is essentially the active portion of the parent drug, more directly targets Nrf2, potentially reducing known side effects of the parent drug that include flushing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and the brain infection encephalopathy.”

After receiving the neurotoxin MPTP, mice experienced a dramatic loss of dopamine-producing neurons – in fact, losing half with a few days – and rapidly developed Parkinson’s-like symptoms. Patients, on the other hand, develop the symptoms slowly over the course of many years. By the time they seek medical care, they may have lost 30 to 50 percent of their dopaminergic neurons.

The metabolite MMF appears to activate Nrf2 more directly, and actually increases glutathione and improves mitochondrial function, as brain cell studies showed. While the DMF drug ultimately produces a higher Nrf2 activation, the researchers found the MMF effect was sufficient to stop the dramatic neuron loss in the animal model.

Dr. John Morgan, neurologist, added, “If we can catch them early enough, maybe we can slow the disease. If it can help give five to eight more years of improved quality of life that would be great for our patients.”

Morgan recommends regular exercise as a means of reducing the decline of Nrf2 associated with aging.

Early onset Parkinson’s disease symptoms

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disease, which can begin with mild symptoms that worsen over time.

Here is a list of the 12 early warning signs to pay attention to.

Tremors or shaking
Changes in handwriting
Loss of smell
Trouble sleeping
Muscle tension
Changes in walking
Constipation
Quiet voice
Muted or flat facial expressions – known as a masked face
Dizziness or fainting
Stooping or hunching over
Depression or anxiety

Early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is crucial for slowing down the disease progression, which is easier in the beginning compared to when the condition is advanced. If you spot any of the symptoms listed above, go see your doctor right away.

Early onset Parkinson’s disease symptoms

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