Posted on 12/21/2022 8:47:19 AM PST by ConservativeMind
A probiotic bacterium called Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 prevents neurodegeneration in the C. elegans worm, an animal model used to study amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Alex Parker and his team suggest that disruption of lipid metabolism contributes to this cerebral degeneration, and show that the neuroprotection provided by HA-114, a non-commercial probiotic, is unique compared to other strains of the same bacterial family tested.
"When we add it to the diet of our animal model, we notice that it suppresses the progression of motor neuron degeneration," said Parker. "The particularity of HA-114 resides in its fatty acid content."
By enabling the transmission of signals to muscles so that they contract, motor neurons, which are nerve cells, allow us to move our body at will.
"Recent research has shown that the disruption of the gut microbiota is likely involved in the onset and progression of many incurable neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS," explained Parker.
HA-114 stood out from the pack. The action of the probiotic helped reduce motor disorders in models with ALS and also Huntington's disease, another neurodegenerative disease.
Relying on data from the genetic study, genomic profiling, behavioral analysis and microscopy images, the scientific team identified two genes, acdh-1 and acs-20, which play a key role in this neuroprotective mechanism.
Existing in equivalent forms in humans, both genes are involved in lipid metabolism and beta-oxidation, a process through which fatty acids are broken down into energy in the mitochondria, the true cellular power plants.
"We believe that fatty acids supplied by HA-114 enter the mitochondria through an independent, non-traditional pathway, said Parker. In doing so, they restore balance to impaired energy metabolism in ALS and lead to a decrease in neurodegeneration."
They will then validate in a clinical setting. The advantage is that probiotics, unlike drugs, produce few side effects.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
https://www.amazon.com/Probiotic-Billion-60-caps-Brand-Laboratories/dp/B0045PMGF8
This appears to have Lactobacillus rhamnosus (B) HA-114 (5.0x108 CFU), which could be the same culture.
Hallelujah!...............
p
There is always a catch.
Well, this is good news ....... for C. elegans worms..............
I think that God has given us everything we need to have a good life here on Earth. We just have to figure it out.
I’ve known a couple of people/friends who have died from ALS- such a terrible disease- Would be fantastic if they could tame the beast
I would agree.
But it has to be regulated. Prescribed by doctors. Expensive here but cheaper everywhere else.
That’s awesome!!!!
Lost a cousin to ALS recently.
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