Compound Mixture Regenerates Old Brain Cells Naturally
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal GeroScience, researchers have discovered a promising non-pharmaceutical approach to counteracting age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease pathology. The study, titled "Treatment of age-related decreases in GTP levels restores endocytosis and autophagy," reveals the crucial role of nicotinamide (vitamin B3) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, a green tea antioxidant) in restoring guanosine triphosphate (GTP) levels in aging neurons.
As neurons age, their GTP levels decline, particularly in mitochondria, leading to impaired autophagy—the process that removes damaged components and harmful proteins such as amyloid beta. This decline is a significant contributor to Alzheimer's disease-related brain decline. However, treatment with nicotinamide and EGCG can reverse this decline within 24 hours in cell models, reviving energy metabolism and activating key GTPases (Rab7 and Arl8b) that promote efficient protein clearance.
The study, conducted on neurons isolated from aged 3xTg-AD Alzheimer's model mice, used a novel genetically encoded fluorescent GTP sensor (GEVAL) to evaluate live GTP levels in situ. The results showed that free GTP colocalized in the mitochondria decreased with age accompanied by the accumulation of free GTP-labeled vesicular structures. Twenty-four-hour supplementation of aged neurons with the NAD precursor nicotinamide and the Nrf2 redox modulator EGCG restored GTP levels.
The restoration of GTP levels enhances the brain cells’ ability to clear toxic amyloid beta protein aggregates linked to Alzheimer's disease, reduces oxidative stress, and reactivates essential intracellular trafficking pathways involved in cell maintenance and protein clearance. This suggests that boosting brain energy via these natural compounds helps neurons regain their ability to maintain protein homeostasis and reduce neurodegenerative markers.
Because both compounds are available as dietary supplements, they represent a promising avenue for counteracting age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's pathology. However, further research is needed to optimize delivery methods and confirm efficacy in humans. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the UC Irvine Foundation.
In summary, the combination of nicotinamide and EGCG combats Alzheimer's-related brain decline by revitalizing neuronal energy and enhancing the natural cleanup of toxic proteins, thus supporting better brain function during aging.
- The decline in GTP levels in aging neurons, especially in mitochondria, contributes significantly to Alzheimer's disease-related brain decline due to impaired autophagy.
- Neurons isolated from aged 3xTg-AD Alzheimer's model mice were used in a study to evaluate the role of nicotinamide (vitamin B3) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in restoring GTP levels.
- Treatment with these compounds, readily available as dietary supplements, can reverse the decline in GTP levels within 24 hours in cell models, reviving energy metabolism and promoting efficient protein clearance.
- The restoration of GTP levels enhances the brain cells’ ability to clear toxic amyloid beta protein aggregates linked to Alzheimer's disease, reduces oxidative stress, and reactivates essential intracellular trafficking pathways involved in cell maintenance and protein clearance.
- This suggests that boosting brain energy via nicotinamide and EGCG helps neurons regain their ability to maintain protein homeostasis and reduce neurodegenerative markers, offering a promising approach to counteracting age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's pathology.
- Moreover, neuroscience news indicates that these compounds have the potential to support better health-and-wellness and potentially be used as therapies-and-treatments for other medical-conditions, particularly cancer and neurodegeneration.
- The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health and the UC Irvine Foundation, also recommends further research to optimize delivery methods and confirm efficacy in humans.
- The combination of nicotinamide and EGCG combats Alzheimer's-related brain decline by revitalizing neuronal energy and enhancing the natural cleanup of toxic proteins, thus supporting better cognition during aging and contributing to the field of neuroscience.
- Nutrition and supplementation with these compounds may play a key role in enhancing cognitive function and reducing the effects of aging, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition in maintaining brain health.
