02/05/2025
Researchers have made significant strides in treating 's disease (a condition that affects more than 10 million worldwide) using gold nanoparticles. This approach demonstrates the potential to reverse neurological damage in mice by stimulating -producing neurons and addressing the accumulation of harmful .
The treatment involves approximately 160 in size, coated with antibodies and peptides designed to restore levels and dismantle protein aggregates known as alpha-synuclein fibrils.
These nanoparticles are activated by , which they convert into heat, triggering repair processes and promoting the breakdown of toxic protein clumps.
The researchers reported that this method effectively "reawakened" damaged dopamine neurons, leading to improvements in locomotor behaviors typical of 's disease. Unlike conventional treatments that primarily increase dopamine levels, this approach aims to restore the ' natural ability to produce , potentially reducing side effects associated with long-term use.
Initial tests showed promising results without harmful effects on surrounding brain areas. However, this is still in its , having only been conducted in animal models.
