New Phase 2 study shows promising results for gold nanocrystals in the treatment of brain diseases such as Parkinson’s and MS
Gold nanocrystals: a revolutionary treatment for Parkinson’s and MS?
Researchers are expressing some hope as they investigate the potential of gold nanoparticles as a new approach to correcting the energy imbalance in the brain in Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS).
A very exciting phase two clinical trial has shown that daily administration of gold nanocrystals suspended in water can improve the condition of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease and MS.
This innovative treatment using gold in Parkinson’s therapy aims to correct an energy deficit in the brain, with previous studies in both animals and humans suggesting that it can slow the progression of neurodegenerative processes and perhaps even enable partial rehabilitation of affected patients.
“We are cautiously optimistic that we can halt or reverse neurological impairment with this method,” said Dr Peter Sguigna, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute at the University of Texas Southwestern and one of the principal investigators of the study.
If this approach proves successful, it could mean a completely new approach for countless people struggling with neurodegenerative problems.
According to the latest figures from the Parkinson’s associations, almost ten million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease, making it the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease.
The situation is similar with MS, with the US National MS Society, for example, recently adjusting its prevalence estimates on the basis of new data and stating that almost one million people are now affected by multiple sclerosis in the USA alone.
From laboratory to therapy: Clinical studies point the way to possible treatment of Parkinson’s and MS patients
A characteristic of both Parkinson’s and MS is an accelerated and pronounced breakdown of energy metabolism in the brain. In order to function optimally, the brain requires a constant supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s most important source of energy. This need is becoming increasingly difficult to meet as cellular processes slow down with age, a situation that is exacerbated in the context of Parkinson’s and MS.
This energy metabolism in the brain can be quantified by measuring nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (NADH or NAD+) in their reduced and oxidised states, which are crucial for the Krebs cycle – a series of enzyme reactions that are critical for ATP production.
Gold nanoparticles in clinical trials: A new approach for Parkinson’s therapy
Research on cell models, animals and humans has shown that modulating the NAD+ and NADH balance could significantly improve the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. This is where gold nanocrystals come into play, as they have been shown to improve energy metabolism and increase the NAD+/NADH ratio.
In collaboration with Clene Nanomedicine, a developer of an oral treatment based on gold nanoparticles, Dr Sguigna’s team used an experimental therapy called CNM-Au8 in their clinical trials. A total of 24 patients participated, 11 with relapsing MS in the REPAIR-MS trial and 13 with Parkinson’s disease in the REPAIR-PD trial. NAD+/NADH ratios and other indicators of energy metabolism in the brain were determined before starting a 12-week daily course of CNM-Au8.
At the end of the study, an average increase in the NAD+/NADH ratio of 10.4 per cent was observed in the participants, indicating the effectiveness of the treatment. ATP levels also normalised and Parkinson’s patients reported an improvement in motor symptoms, indicating the potential of CNM-Au8 to significantly improve quality of life.
It is worth mentioning that no serious adverse effects were observed in the participants in the studies. Although Dr Sguigna believes the results are promising, he emphasises the need for further research. The REPAIR-MS study will continue to recruit participants to validate these results in people with progressive MS.
The idea of ingesting a mixture laced with real gold every day may conjure up images of ancient rulers or strange kings, but with further positive study results, such therapies could soon pass from the annals of history into today’s clinical practice.
Summary: Gold in Parkinson’s therapy
To summarise, the Phase 2 clinical trials with gold nanocrystals offer a glimmer of hope for patients struggling with Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. This innovative treatment, which aims to correct the energy imbalance in the brain, has shown promising results in improving the condition of those affected by increasing the NAD+/NADH ratio and normalising ATP levels, with no serious adverse effects reported.
With many millions of people worldwide living with these neurodegenerative diseases, the potential of gold nanocrystals could represent an exciting new aspect in Parkinson’s therapy, offering a new approach to slowing neurological decline and improving quality of life. As research progresses, the vision of using gold nanoparticles in clinical practice is moving ever closer and could change the landscape of neurodegenerative disease treatment.
References
The study was published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology.
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