Posted on 07/17/2007 5:06:43 PM PDT by blam
Source: University of California - Los Angeles
Date: July 17, 2007
Scientists Isolate Chemical In Curry That May Help Immune System Clear Plaques Found In Alzheimer's
Science Daily — Researchers have isolated bisdemethoxycurcumin, the active ingredient of curcuminoids -- a natural substance found in turmeric root -- that may help boost the immune system in clearing amyloid beta, a peptide that forms the plaques found in Alzheimer's disease. Using blood samples from Alzheimer's disease patients, researchers found that bisdemethoxycurcumin boosted immune cells called macrophages to clear amyloid beta.
Ground turmeric in small bowl. (Credit: iStockphoto/Jenny Horne)
In addition, researchers identified the immune genes associated with this activity.
The study provides more insight into the role of the immune system in Alzheimer's disease and points to a new treatment approach. Researchers say that it may be possible to test a patient's immune response with a blood sample in order to individualize treatment. The genes involved in the process, called MGAT III and Toll-like receptors, are also responsible for a number of other key functions in the immune system.
The results also suggest a new drug development approach for the disease that differs from the amyloid-beta vaccine. The new approach relies on the innate immune system, which is present at birth rather than on antibodies produced by B cells, which is a later developed part of the active immune system.
Authors of the study include Dr. Milan Fiala, a researcher with the David Geffen School of Medicine and the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System and Dr. John Cashman, director of the Human BioMolecular Research Institute (HBRI) in San Diego.
Cashman received study funding from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation and Fiala from the Alzheimer's Disease Association.
The research appears in the July 16 early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by University of California - Los Angeles.
I think it's been popular for a pretty long time. One of my parents was English and we ate curry frequently.
Or go to an Indian restaurant. However, in recent years the English have become more demanding of good food. Some of the combination pub and restaurants will serve a quit decent meal. Twenty years ago the food was appalling at best!
That is too much aspirin for any dog!
I appreciate your reply. She’s a big dog (german shepherd). These are baby aspirins. The vet recommended it, but now you got me thinking ...
Here is another article concerning research into Alzheimer’s Disease.
Scientists ‘step closer to Alzheimer’s cure’
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1870256/posts
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