Image Credit: faizalramli/123rf.com
New research from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging reveals a significant role for glycogen, a stored form of sugar, in brain health, particularly in relation to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Traditionally seen as biologically insignificant, glycogen is now being recognized for its potential to help combat the toxic protein buildup associated with cognitive decline.
The study began with experiments on fruit fly models of Alzheimer’s disease, where researchers found that tau proteins, which are known to drive neurodegeneration, can trap glycogen within brain cells. This accumulation not only contributes to further tau buildup but also hinders neurons’ ability to manage oxidative stress, exacerbating damage to brain cells.
Crucially, the researchers validated their findings in human cell models, observing similar patterns of glycogen entrapment linked to tau accumulation. To address this issue, they increased levels of an enzyme known as glycogen phosphorylase (GlyP), which facilitates glycogen breakdown. This intervention restored the neurons’ ability to detoxify harmful reactive oxygen species, indicating a pathway to mitigate cellular damage.
Moreover, the study highlights a potential connection between GlyP and GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, commonly used for weight management and diabetes. These drugs may provide protective effects against dementia by mimicking the benefits of dietary restrictions that naturally enhance GlyP activity.
While much of the focus in Alzheimer’s research has been on targeting tau and amyloid plaques, this study suggests a shift towards enhancing the brain’s sugar metabolism as a preventative strategy. The findings propose a novel therapeutic avenue that could leverage existing medications to bolster the brain’s internal detoxification mechanisms, offering hope for combating age-related cognitive decline.
As the global population ages, insights like these could be pivotal in unlocking new tools for maintaining brain health and preventing dementia. The study has been published in *Nature Metabolism*, marking a significant advancement in the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.
Check out the original article here: Source link
