British scientists have discovered a potential treatment for the incurable neurological disease, Huntington’s disease, it has been announced.
Systematic laboratory research suggests that an anti-oxidant that occurs naturally in the body may protect nerve cells from the disease, according to the Leicester University researchers.
They have identified glutathione peroxidase from research which has included yeast, fruit flies and cultured mammal cells.
Huntington’s disease affects around 12 people in every 100,000 and is currently incurable.
The researchers say there are already drug-like compounds which could achieve the same effect in humans. They say they have also found several genes which might also help relieve symptoms.
Their findings have been reported in Nature Genetics.
Researcher Dr Flaviano Giorgini said: “It appears that glutathione peroxidase activity is a robustly protective antioxidant approach which may have relevance for Huntington’s disease.”
“We are excited by the work because it uncovers a potential new route for therapeutics in Huntington’s disease."
Glutathione peroxidase activity is neuroprotective in models of Huntington’s disease. Nature Genetics 25 August 2013
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