(Press-News.org) Contact information: Marcus Grimm
marcus.grimm@uks.eu
Saarland University
Study by researchers at Saarland University demonstrates preventive effect of sterols in Alzheimer's
This news release is available in German.
"Plant sterols are present in various combinations in nuts, seeds and plant oils. As plant sterols are the equivalents of animal cholesterol, they can in principal influence metabolic processes, where cholesterol is involved," explained Marcus Grimm, Head of the Experimental Neurology Laboratory at Saarland University. "Because they also lower cholesterol levels, they are extensively used in the food industry and as dietary supplements."
High cholesterol levels have long been discussed to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. "Studies have already shown that cholesterol promotes the formation of so-called senile plaques," said Grimm. These plaques, which are composed of proteins, particularly beta-amyloid proteins, deposit at nerve cells within the brain and are regarded as one of the main causes of Alzheimer's disease.
The research team based at Saarland University's medical campus in Homburg collaborated with scientists from Bonn, Finland and the Netherlands to examine how the sterols that we ingest influence the formation of these plaque proteins. It was found that one sterol in particular, stigmasterol, actually inhibited protein formation. "Stigmasterol has an effect on a variety of molecular processes: it lowers enzyme activity, it inhibits the formation of proteins implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease, and it alters the structure of the cell membrane," explained Dr Grimm. "Together, these effects synergistically reduce the production of beta-amyloid proteins." The research team has been able to confirm the positive effect of stigmasterol in tests on animals.
Overall, the researchers were able to demonstrate that the various plant sterols influence different cellular mechanisms and therefore have to be assessed individually. "Particularly in the case of Alzheimer's disease, it seems expedient to focus on the dietary intake of specific plant sterols rather than a mixture of sterols," explained Dr Grimm. In future studies, the research team wants to determine which other cellular processes in the brain are affected by phytosterols.
###
The study "Plant Sterols the Better Cholesterol in Alzheimer`s Disease? A Mechanistical Study" has been published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1506-13.2013
Link to publication: http://www.jneurosci.org/content/33/41/16072.full
A press photograph is available at http://www.uni-saarland.de/pressefotos. Please read and comply with the conditions of use.
Questions can be addressed to:
Dr. Marcus
Head of Laboratory
Experimental Neurology
E-mail: marcus.grimm(at)uks.eu
Study by researchers at Saarland University demonstrates preventive effect of sterols in Alzheimer's
2013-10-24
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
How are children affected by maternal anxiety and depression?
2013-10-24
How are children affected by maternal anxiety and depression?
Maternal symptoms of anxiety and depression increased the risk of emotional and disruptive problem behaviors in children as early as 18 months of age, according to new research findings from the ...
Bigger, better, faster
2013-10-24
Bigger, better, faster
3D structure reveals protein's Swiss-army knife strategy
The molecular machine that makes essential components of ribosomes – the cell's protein factories – is like a Swiss-army knife, researchers at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory ...
Deadly gaps persist in new drug development for neglected diseases
2013-10-24
Deadly gaps persist in new drug development for neglected diseases
New study shows that, despite some progress, only 4 percent of new drugs and vaccines approved 2000-2011 were for neglected diseases, and a 'fatal imbalance' remains in R&D for many neglected ...
Coyote more likely to make a meal out of moose than we thought: Study
2013-10-24
Coyote more likely to make a meal out of moose than we thought: Study
This news release is available in French. It has long been believed that coyotes were incapable of taking down an adult moose, but researchers have recently discovered ...
Better sex in return for good gifts
2013-10-24
Better sex in return for good gifts
A male spider that gives its selected female a nuptial gift is allowed to mate with her for a longer period of time and provide more sperm than a male that fails to come with a gift
Culinary gifts
The male's nuptial gift consists ...
Mayo Clinic study: Uterine fibroids have significant impact on quality of life, workplace performance
2013-10-24
Mayo Clinic study: Uterine fibroids have significant impact on quality of life, workplace performance
Fibroids found to be a public health issue for African-American women who have more symptoms, longer time to diagnosis and greater need for information
ROCHESTER, ...
Experts clarify conflicting criteria for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome
2013-10-24
Experts clarify conflicting criteria for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome
Endocrine Society publishes Clinical Practice Guideline on diagnosis, treatment of leading cause of infertility
Chevy Chase, MD—The Endocrine Society today issued a Clinical Practice ...
Unleashing the power of the crowd
2013-10-24
Unleashing the power of the crowd
McGill online game expands to connect global scientific community with citizen scientists
Over the past three years, 300,000 gamers have helped scientists with genomic research by playing Phylo, an online puzzle game. Now Jérôme ...
EORTC study suggests detecting ERG gene deletion useful for risk stratification in childhood ALL
2013-10-24
EORTC study suggests detecting ERG gene deletion useful for risk stratification in childhood ALL
Results of EORTC trial 58951 suggest that detecting ERG gene deletion at diagnosis of childhood B-cell precursor (BCP) acute lymphoblastic leukemia ...
Natural dyes from common (and a few uncommon) ingredients: A new video by the American Chemical Society
2013-10-24
Natural dyes from common (and a few uncommon) ingredients: A new video by the American Chemical Society
From crimson red to lavender to mustard yellow, vibrant hues can be coaxed from common — and a few uncommon — ingredients to add color to fabrics. The ...