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In the relentless pursuit of effective treatments for Parkinson’s disease, a glimmer of hope seems to emerge from an unexpected source: a commonly used artificial sweetener found in chewing gum and confectionery. As most tested molecules have fallen short in halting the progression of this debilitating disease, researchers are tirelessly exploring new avenues, hoping to uncover the elusive solution. The team of scientists from Tel Aviv University might have stumbled upon that solution, and surprisingly, they found it within chewing gum.
Mannitol: A Molecule with Extraordinary Properties
Mannitol, a molecule originally extracted from the flowering ash tree (Fraxinus ornus), also known as the manna ash, could be a new beacon of hope in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. Historically, the syrup derived from this plant has been likened to manna, the miraculous food of the Hebrews during their desert exodus, according to the Old Testament and the Quran. Mannitol is also synthesized by bacteria, fungi, algae, and other plants. While humans cannot naturally produce this sweetener, chemists have successfully replicated its structure.
Besides its use as a sugar substitute in sugar-free chewing gum and certain confections, mannitol has also been approved by health agencies for its ability to eliminate excess fluid and reduce internal pressures, particularly within the skull. Furthermore, it can traverse the blood-brain barrier, a protective barrier that prevents toxins and pathogens from reaching the brain.
Mannitol as a Chaperone for Brain Protection
Beyond its already known properties, mannitol could play a pivotal role as a “chaperone” for proteins. In cells, these molecules ensure that newly formed proteins adopt the correct three-dimensional conformation, crucial for their functionality. This step is critical because any misfolding can lead to diseases, as seen in Parkinson’s disease.
In this neurodegenerative condition, a protein called alpha-synuclein misforms and accumulates in neurons in a brain region called the substantia nigra. This accumulation ultimately destroys nerve cells and causes the characteristic motor disturbances of the disease.
Promising Results on Animal Models
Researchers embarked on experiments to assess mannitol’s effectiveness in preventing the formation of these alpha-synuclein aggregates. They presented their findings at the annual Genetics Society of America conference held in Washington from April 3 to 7. For their experiments, they chose to use the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, also known as the vinegar fly, as an animal model.
Drosophila flies are widely used in medical research due to their similarities with human biological processes. Researchers evaluated the insects’ locomotion abilities by observing their climbing of a vertical surface measuring 1 cm in 18 seconds. Over 27 days of repeated experiments, they found that 72% of normal flies succeeded in the task, while only 38% of mutant fruit flies managed it due to severe motor impairments.
However, when mutant fruit flies were fed mannitol from their larval stage, the results were remarkable. Indeed, 70% of them passed the locomotion test successfully, achieving nearly normal scores. Additionally, brain section analyses revealed a significant reduction (70%) in alpha-synuclein aggregates compared to untreated mutant fruit flies.
Towards New Horizons and Upcoming Clinical Trials
Yet, it is important to note that bridging the gap between the success in mutant fruit flies’ locomotion and an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease in humans is a complex and demanding endeavor. Researchers acknowledge that comprehensive research, including clinical trials on mammalian models like mice, is needed to better understand mannitol’s effects on the disease and to assess its safety and efficacy.
In conclusion, the discovery of mannitol’s potential to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease offers renewed hope in the battle against this devastating condition. While the path to clinical application remains long and intricate, the achieved results so far pave the way for new treatment opportunities and underscore the significance of ongoing research in this critical field of neurology.
