Conventional Alzheimer's treatments have generally failed over the last three decades, owing to their concentration on battling the fibrillar form of A-beta. However, current data shows that it is the soluble oligomeric form of A-beta that presents the greatest danger to neuronal health, leading to cognitive decline and neurotoxicity.
The discovery of an antibody that can distinguish between the fibrillar and oligomeric types of A-beta has recently revolutionized the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and given the field great hope. When used in conjunction with other novel therapies, patients with early-to-mild cognitive impairment can potentially delay the advancement of their condition by up to 36%.
Building on this momentum, Israeli and Italian researchers have worked together to create a novel treatment plan that targets A-beta’s early-stage aggregation prior to the production of harmful oligomers. The researchers have effectively suppressed the aggregation and toxicity of A-beta in preclinical models by utilizing ultra-low-energy X-Rays and nanotechnology, which presents a possible path for early intervention in Alzheimer’s disease.
Together with Italian scientists Profs. Angelo Monguzzi and Marcello Campione from the University of Milano-Bicocca, Prof. Shai Rahimipour of Bar-Ilan University’s Department of Chemistry created nanoparticles with a high affinity for the early-stage soluble A-beta. These nanoparticles effectively stop the aggregation process when they are activated by ultra-low-energy X-Rays.
This approach has shown promising results in neuronal cell cultures and animal models, offering new possibilities for early intervention in Alzheimer’s disease.
Shai Rahimipour, Associate Professor, Bar-Ilan University
This method has a distinct benefit in that it can irradiate and target specific brain areas that are afflicted, hence reducing the likelihood of adverse effects that are commonly linked with traditional antibody-based treatments. In preclinical models, preliminary studies have also shown the safety and effectiveness of low-energy X-Rays and nanoparticles, opening the door for more investigation in human clinical trials.
“Our ultimate goal is to develop a safe and effective treatment for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, with a focus on those at high risk, such as those with familial Alzheimer’s. By targeting the early-stage aggregation of A-beta, we aim to prevent disease progression and improve the quality of life for patients and their families,” Rahimipour added.
The study team has a patent for the method and the nanoparticles, which are made of hydrated magnesium silicate, and has shown blood-brain barrier permeability in animal models. Further study is being conducted to improve the treatment regimen and examine its long-term effectiveness in clinical settings.
This study, supported in part by the Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology, was just published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.
Journal Reference:
Senapati, S., et. al. (2024) Noninvasive Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease with Scintillating Nanotubes. Advanced Healthcare Materials. doi:10.1002/adhm.202301527