Cerca de 350 ciudades celebran hoy La Noche de los Investigadores para ver la ciencia de cerca

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Esta noche más de 350 ciudades europeas se llenarán de ciencia a través de diferentes actos y actividades para celebrar La Noche de los Investigadores. Una iniciativa que permitirá que el público pueda ver diferentes experimentos, además de asistir a charlas y talleres sobre diferentes temas científicos como el cosmos o la biología entre otros. En España, autonomías como Madrid, Aragón, Andalucía y Canarias acogerán múltiples actividades.

Alrededor de 350 ciudades celebran hoy La Noche de los Investigadores para ver la ciencia de primera mano a través de diferentes actividades que están abiertas a todos los públicos. Una iniciativa financiada dentro del VII Programa Marco de la Unión Europea y que tiene por objeto acercar la ciencia a la sociedad, pero también atraer a los jóvenes hacia las carreras científicas. [Ver cursos de Ciencia]

Dentro de estas actividades destacan, por ejemplo, las que se llevarán a cabo en Italia, país en el que se podrá ver cómo se crea una nube, o el acto que tendrá lugar en Londres y que se centrará en mostrar cómo se fabrica un cometa. Son sólo algunos ejemplos de los actos que se desarrollarán prácticamente en toda la geografía europea, sucediéndose los eventos desde Islandia a Chipre y abarcando actividades de ciencia interactiva, visitas a laboratorios de investigación o diversos experimentos con los que las personas que asistan podrán convertirse «en científico por una noche», según explica Androulla Vassiliou, Comisaria Europea de Educación, Cultura, Multilingüismo y Juventud.

Y dentro de esta cita con la ciencia, España no es una excepción y diversas capitales celebrarán varios actos que, sobre todo, se localizarán en Madrid, Andalucía, Zaragoza o La Palma de la mano de sus universidades y de centros de investigación como el CSIC, entre otros.

Dentro de las actividades programadas en Madrid figuran la posibilidad de ver cómo se puede producir energía eléctrica para limpiar el jardín, la relación entre la ciencia y el teatro y entre la magia y la ciencia u observar de cerca el mundo de la Neurociencia o la presencia de la bioquímica en la cocina, entre otras.

Por su parte, en Andalucía –comunidad autónoma que es la primera vez que participa en la celebración-, las diferentes ciudades han organizado actividades y encuentros con científicos como el organizado por la Universidad de Córdoba en el que ocho equipos de investigadores se reunirán durante una hora con diez ciudadanos para conversar y darles a conocer sus trabajos, proyectos y resultados de las investigaciones que desarrollan.

Otros actos en Andalucía se celebrarán en Granada como es la exposición sobre ciencia y sociedad en la que a través de 35 paneles informativos se mostrará la labor de investigación de la Universidad de Granada o los talleres de pintura con acuarela en torno a las setas y la micología de la investigadora Patricia Siljeström, que tendrán lugar en Sevilla, al igual que el taller denominado «Desmontando el Mundo» de la investigadora Margarita Paneque, entre otros.

En otras ciudades como Zaragoza también hay previstos actos en los que participarán alrededor de 120 investigadores que realizarán diferentes charlas, demostraciones científicas, exposiciones, talleres, conciertos… sobre temas como la computación, el análisis de los huesos, la extracción de ADN, los polímeros, la mosca negra y los mosquitos, el cambio climático o el hidrógeno.

Y en España esta noche tan científica igualmente se celebrará en La Palma en la que se ha organizado la actividad denominada ‘La Noche de los Volcanes’ que tendrá lugar en varios lugares de la localidad de Fuencaliente y dentro de la que las personas podrán ver la vida y el trabajo de los vulcanólogos y geólogos para conocer cómo se estudian los volcanes, aparte de observar demostraciones y simulaciones de hardware y software, entre otros actos previstos y dentro de los que igualmente figuran degustaciones de vinos con los vulcanólogos, proyecciones de películas, juegos y concursos o conciertos en vivo.

Además de estos actos también se llevarán a cabo otras actividades de Investigadores con Energía –colectivo formado por entidades investigadoras de Girona, Murcia, Burgos, Las Palmas, Oviedo, Castilla y León, Mallorca, Barcelona, Lleida y Badajoz-, como experimentos, talleres, demostraciones, competiciones, una gymkhana científica y un concurso de dibujo.

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Cerca de 350 ciudades celebran hoy La Noche de los Investigadores para ver la ciencia de cerca

Escrito por

Esta noche más de 350 ciudades europeas se llenarán de ciencia a través de diferentes actos y actividades para celebrar La Noche de los Investigadores. Una iniciativa que permitirá que el público pueda ver diferentes experimentos, además de asistir a charlas y talleres sobre diferentes temas científicos como el cosmos o la biología entre otros. En España, autonomías como Madrid, Aragón, Andalucía y Canarias acogerán múltiples actividades.

Alrededor de 350 ciudades celebran hoy La Noche de los Investigadores para ver la ciencia de primera mano a través de diferentes actividades que están abiertas a todos los públicos. Una iniciativa financiada dentro del VII Programa Marco de la Unión Europea y que tiene por objeto acercar la ciencia a la sociedad, pero también atraer a los jóvenes hacia las carreras científicas. [Ver cursos de Ciencia]

Dentro de estas actividades destacan, por ejemplo, las que se llevarán a cabo en Italia, país en el que se podrá ver cómo se crea una nube, o el acto que tendrá lugar en Londres y que se centrará en mostrar cómo se fabrica un cometa. Son sólo algunos ejemplos de los actos que se desarrollarán prácticamente en toda la geografía europea, sucediéndose los eventos desde Islandia a Chipre y abarcando actividades de ciencia interactiva, visitas a laboratorios de investigación o diversos experimentos con los que las personas que asistan podrán convertirse «en científico por una noche», según explica Androulla Vassiliou, Comisaria Europea de Educación, Cultura, Multilingüismo y Juventud.

Y dentro de esta cita con la ciencia, España no es una excepción y diversas capitales celebrarán varios actos que, sobre todo, se localizarán en Madrid, Andalucía, Zaragoza o La Palma de la mano de sus universidades y de centros de investigación como el CSIC, entre otros.

Dentro de las actividades programadas en Madrid figuran la posibilidad de ver cómo se puede producir energía eléctrica para limpiar el jardín, la relación entre la ciencia y el teatro y entre la magia y la ciencia u observar de cerca el mundo de la Neurociencia o la presencia de la bioquímica en la cocina, entre otras.

Por su parte, en Andalucía –comunidad autónoma que es la primera vez que participa en la celebración-, las diferentes ciudades han organizado actividades y encuentros con científicos como el organizado por la Universidad de Córdoba en el que ocho equipos de investigadores se reunirán durante una hora con diez ciudadanos para conversar y darles a conocer sus trabajos, proyectos y resultados de las investigaciones que desarrollan.

Otros actos en Andalucía se celebrarán en Granada como es la exposición sobre ciencia y sociedad en la que a través de 35 paneles informativos se mostrará la labor de investigación de la Universidad de Granada o los talleres de pintura con acuarela en torno a las setas y la micología de la investigadora Patricia Siljeström, que tendrán lugar en Sevilla, al igual que el taller denominado «Desmontando el Mundo» de la investigadora Margarita Paneque, entre otros.

En otras ciudades como Zaragoza también hay previstos actos en los que participarán alrededor de 120 investigadores que realizarán diferentes charlas, demostraciones científicas, exposiciones, talleres, conciertos… sobre temas como la computación, el análisis de los huesos, la extracción de ADN, los polímeros, la mosca negra y los mosquitos, el cambio climático o el hidrógeno.

Y en España esta noche tan científica igualmente se celebrará en La Palma en la que se ha organizado la actividad denominada ‘La Noche de los Volcanes’ que tendrá lugar en varios lugares de la localidad de Fuencaliente y dentro de la que las personas podrán ver la vida y el trabajo de los vulcanólogos y geólogos para conocer cómo se estudian los volcanes, aparte de observar demostraciones y simulaciones de hardware y software, entre otros actos previstos y dentro de los que igualmente figuran degustaciones de vinos con los vulcanólogos, proyecciones de películas, juegos y concursos o conciertos en vivo.

Además de estos actos también se llevarán a cabo otras actividades de Investigadores con Energía –colectivo formado por entidades investigadoras de Girona, Murcia, Burgos, Las Palmas, Oviedo, Castilla y León, Mallorca, Barcelona, Lleida y Badajoz-, como experimentos, talleres, demostraciones, competiciones, una gymkhana científica y un concurso de dibujo.

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Exercise, melatonin help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms

Escrito por

In a new study, researchers have shown the combined effect of neuroprotective therapies – voluntary physical exercise and daily intake of melatonin, against Alzheimer’s.

According to a group of researchers from the Barcelona Biomedical Research Institute (IIBB), in collaboration with the University of Granada and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, daily voluntary exercise and daily intake of melatonin, both of which are known for the effects they have in regulating circadian rhythm, show a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in the 3xTg-AD mouse, which has three mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.

«For years we have known that the combination of different anti-aging therapies such as physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and not smoking adds years to one’s life,» Coral Sanfeliu, from the IIBB, told SINC.

«Now it seems that melatonin, the sleep hormone, also has important anti-aging effects,» Sanfeliu said.

For the study, the experts analysed the combined effect of sport and melatonin in 3xTg-AD mice which were experiencing an initial phase of Alzheimer’s and presented learning difficulties and changes in behaviour such as anxiety and apathy.

The mice were divided into one control group and three other groups which would undergo different treatments: exercise –unrestricted use of a running wheel–, melatonin –a dose equivalent to 10 mg per kg of body weight–, and a combination of melatonin and voluntary physical exercise. In addition, a reference group of mice were included which presented no mutations of the disease.

«After six months, the state of the mice undergoing treatment was closer to that of the mice with no mutations than to their own initial pathological state. From this we can say that the disease has significantly regressed,» Sanfeliu said.

The results show a general improvement in behaviour, learning, and memory with the three treatments.

These procedures also protected the brain tissue from oxidative stress and provided good levels of protection from excesses of amyloid beta peptide and hyperphosphorylated TAU protein caused by the mutations. In the case of the mitochondria, the combined effect resulted in an increase in the analysed indicators of improved performance which were not observed independently.

«Transferring treatments which are effective in animals to human patients is not always consistent, given that in humans the disease develops over several years, so that when memory loss begins to surface, the brain is already very deteriorated,» Sanfeliu added.

The study has been published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.

Descargar

Exercise, melatonin help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms

Escrito por

In a new study, researchers have shown the combined effect of neuroprotective therapies – voluntary physical exercise and daily intake of melatonin, against Alzheimer’s.

According to a group of researchers from the Barcelona Biomedical Research Institute (IIBB), in collaboration with the University of Granada and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, daily voluntary exercise and daily intake of melatonin, both of which are known for the effects they have in regulating circadian rhythm, show a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in the 3xTg-AD mouse, which has three mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.

«For years we have known that the combination of different anti-aging therapies such as physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and not smoking adds years to one’s life,» Coral Sanfeliu, from the IIBB, told SINC.

«Now it seems that melatonin, the sleep hormone, also has important anti-aging effects,» Sanfeliu said.

For the study, the experts analysed the combined effect of sport and melatonin in 3xTg-AD mice which were experiencing an initial phase of Alzheimer’s and presented learning difficulties and changes in behaviour such as anxiety and apathy.

The mice were divided into one control group and three other groups which would undergo different treatments: exercise –unrestricted use of a running wheel–, melatonin –a dose equivalent to 10 mg per kg of body weight–, and a combination of melatonin and voluntary physical exercise. In addition, a reference group of mice were included which presented no mutations of the disease.

«After six months, the state of the mice undergoing treatment was closer to that of the mice with no mutations than to their own initial pathological state. From this we can say that the disease has significantly regressed,» Sanfeliu said.

The results show a general improvement in behaviour, learning, and memory with the three treatments.

These procedures also protected the brain tissue from oxidative stress and provided good levels of protection from excesses of amyloid beta peptide and hyperphosphorylated TAU protein caused by the mutations. In the case of the mitochondria, the combined effect resulted in an increase in the analysed indicators of improved performance which were not observed independently.

«Transferring treatments which are effective in animals to human patients is not always consistent, given that in humans the disease develops over several years, so that when memory loss begins to surface, the brain is already very deteriorated,» Sanfeliu added.

The study has been published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.

Descargar

Exercise helps reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms

Escrito por

In a new study, researchers have shown the combined effect of neuroprotective therapies – voluntary physical exercise and daily intake of melatonin, against Alzheimer’s in mice.

According to a group of researchers from the Barcelona Biomedical Research Institute (IIBB), in collaboration with the University of Granada and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, daily voluntary exercise and daily intake of melatonin, both of which are known for the effects they have in regulating circadian rhythm, show a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in the 3xTg-AD mouse, which has three mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.

«For years we have known that the combination of different anti-aging therapies such as physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and not smoking adds years to one’s life,» Coral Sanfeliu, from the IIBB, told SINC.

«Now it seems that melatonin, the sleep hormone, also has important anti-aging effects,» Sanfeliu said.

For the study, the experts analysed the combined effect of sport and melatonin in 3xTg-AD mice which were experiencing an initial phase of Alzheimer’s and presented learning difficulties and changes in behaviour such as anxiety and apathy.

The mice were divided into one control group and three other groups which would undergo different treatments: exercise -unrestricted use of a running wheel-, melatonin -a dose equivalent to 10 mg per kg of body weight-, and a combination of melatonin and voluntary physical exercise. In addition, a reference group of mice were included which presented no mutations of the disease.

«After six months, the state of the mice undergoing treatment was closer to that of the mice with no mutations than to their own initial pathological state. From this we can say that the disease has significantly regressed,» Sanfeliu said.

The results show a general improvement in behaviour, learning, and memory with the three treatments.

These procedures also protected the brain tissue from oxidative stress and provided good levels of protection from excesses of amyloid beta peptide and hyperphosphorylated TAU protein caused by the mutations. In the case of the mitochondria, the combined effect resulted in an increase in the analysed indicators of improved performance which were not observed independently.

«Transferring treatments which are effective in animals to human patients is not always consistent, given that in humans the disease develops over several years, so that when memory loss begins to surface, the brain is already very deteriorated,» Sanfeliu added.

The study has been published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.

Descargar

Exercise helps reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms

Escrito por

In a new study, researchers have shown the combined effect of neuroprotective therapies – voluntary physical exercise and daily intake of melatonin, against Alzheimer’s in mice.

According to a group of researchers from the Barcelona Biomedical Research Institute (IIBB), in collaboration with the University of Granada and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, daily voluntary exercise and daily intake of melatonin, both of which are known for the effects they have in regulating circadian rhythm, show a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in the 3xTg-AD mouse, which has three mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.

«For years we have known that the combination of different anti-aging therapies such as physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and not smoking adds years to one’s life,» Coral Sanfeliu, from the IIBB, told SINC.

«Now it seems that melatonin, the sleep hormone, also has important anti-aging effects,» Sanfeliu said.

For the study, the experts analysed the combined effect of sport and melatonin in 3xTg-AD mice which were experiencing an initial phase of Alzheimer’s and presented learning difficulties and changes in behaviour such as anxiety and apathy.

The mice were divided into one control group and three other groups which would undergo different treatments: exercise -unrestricted use of a running wheel-, melatonin -a dose equivalent to 10 mg per kg of body weight-, and a combination of melatonin and voluntary physical exercise. In addition, a reference group of mice were included which presented no mutations of the disease.

«After six months, the state of the mice undergoing treatment was closer to that of the mice with no mutations than to their own initial pathological state. From this we can say that the disease has significantly regressed,» Sanfeliu said.

The results show a general improvement in behaviour, learning, and memory with the three treatments.

These procedures also protected the brain tissue from oxidative stress and provided good levels of protection from excesses of amyloid beta peptide and hyperphosphorylated TAU protein caused by the mutations. In the case of the mitochondria, the combined effect resulted in an increase in the analysed indicators of improved performance which were not observed independently.

«Transferring treatments which are effective in animals to human patients is not always consistent, given that in humans the disease develops over several years, so that when memory loss begins to surface, the brain is already very deteriorated,» Sanfeliu added.

The study has been published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.

Descargar

Combination of two neuroprotective therapies shows promise against Alzheimer’s

Escrito por

The combination of two neuroprotective therapies, voluntary physical exercise, and the daily intake of melatonin has been shown to have a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in rodents with three different mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.

A study carried out by a group of researchers from the Barcelona Biomedical Research Institute (IIBB), in collaboration with the University of Granada and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, shows the combined effect of neuroprotective therapies against Alzheimer’s in mice.

Daily voluntary exercise and daily intake of melatonin, both of which are known for the effects they have in regulating circadian rhythm, show a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in the 3xTg-AD mouse, which has three mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.

«For years we have known that the combination of different anti-aging therapies such as physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and not smoking adds years to one’s life,» Coral Sanfeliu, from the IIBB, explains to SINC. «Now it seems that melatonin, the sleep hormone, also has important anti-aging effects».

The experts analysed the combined effect of sport and melatonin in 3xTg-AD mice which were experiencing an initial phase of Alzheimer’s and presented learning difficulties and changes in behaviour such as anxiety and apathy.

The mice were divided into one control group and three other groups which would undergo different treatments: exercise -unrestricted use of a running wheel-, melatonin -a dose equivalent to 10 mg per kg of body weight-, and a combination of melatonin and voluntary physical exercise. In addition, a reference group of mice were included which presented no mutations of the disease.

«After six months, the state of the mice undergoing treatment was closer to that of the mice with no mutations than to their own initial pathological state. From this we can say that the disease has significantly regressed,» Sanfeliu states.

The results, which were published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, show a general improvement in behaviour, learning, and memory with the three treatments.

These procedures also protected the brain tissue from oxidative stress and provided good levels of protection from excesses of amyloid beta peptide and hyperphosphorylated TAU protein caused by the mutations. In the case of the mitochondria, the combined effect resulted in an increase in the analysed indicators of improved performance which were not observed independently.

Treatment not easily transferable to humans

«Transferring treatments which are effective in animals to human patients is not always consistent, given that in humans the disease develops over several years, so that when memory loss begins to surface, the brain is already very deteriorated,» the IIBB expert points out.

However, several clinical studies have found signs of physical and mental benefits in sufferers of Alzheimer’s resulting from both treatments. The authors maintain that, until an effective pharmacological treatment is found, adopting healthy living habits is essential for reducing the risk of the disease appearing, as well as reducing the severity of its effects.

The melatonin debate

The use of melatonin, a hormone synthesized from the neurotransmitter serotonin, has positive effects which can be used for treating humans. With the approval of melatonin as a medication in the European Union in 2007, clinical testing on this molecule has been increasing. It has advocates as well as detractors, and the scientific evidence has not yet been able to unite the differing views.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, melatonin is probably effective in sleeping disorders in children with autism and mental retardation and in blind people; and possibly effective in case of jet-lag, sunburns and preoperative anxiety.

«However, other studies which use melatonin as medication show its high level of effectiveness,» Dar-o Acu-a-Castroviejo explains to SINC. He has been studying melatonin for several years at the Health Sciences Technology Park of the University of Granada.

The expert points out that international consensus already exists, promoted by the British Association for Psychopharmacology -also published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2010-, which has melatonin as the first choice treatment for insomnia in patients above the age of 55. This consensus is now being transferred to cases of insomnia in children.

Its use in treating neurodegenerative diseases is acquiring increasing scientific support in lateral amyotrophic sclerosis, in Alzheimer’s, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

«Even though many more studies and clinical tests are still required to assess the doses of melatonin which will be effective for a wide range of diseases, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of melatonin mean that its use is highly recommended for diseases which feature oxidative stress and inflammation,» Acu-a-Castroviejo states.

This is the case for diseases such as epilepsy, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and even the aging process itself, where data is available pointing to the benefits of melatonin, though said data is not definitive.

Descargar

Combination of two neuroprotective therapies shows promise against Alzheimer’s

Escrito por

The combination of two neuroprotective therapies, voluntary physical exercise, and the daily intake of melatonin has been shown to have a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in rodents with three different mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.

A study carried out by a group of researchers from the Barcelona Biomedical Research Institute (IIBB), in collaboration with the University of Granada and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, shows the combined effect of neuroprotective therapies against Alzheimer’s in mice.

Daily voluntary exercise and daily intake of melatonin, both of which are known for the effects they have in regulating circadian rhythm, show a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in the 3xTg-AD mouse, which has three mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.

«For years we have known that the combination of different anti-aging therapies such as physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and not smoking adds years to one’s life,» Coral Sanfeliu, from the IIBB, explains to SINC. «Now it seems that melatonin, the sleep hormone, also has important anti-aging effects».

The experts analysed the combined effect of sport and melatonin in 3xTg-AD mice which were experiencing an initial phase of Alzheimer’s and presented learning difficulties and changes in behaviour such as anxiety and apathy.

The mice were divided into one control group and three other groups which would undergo different treatments: exercise -unrestricted use of a running wheel-, melatonin -a dose equivalent to 10 mg per kg of body weight-, and a combination of melatonin and voluntary physical exercise. In addition, a reference group of mice were included which presented no mutations of the disease.

«After six months, the state of the mice undergoing treatment was closer to that of the mice with no mutations than to their own initial pathological state. From this we can say that the disease has significantly regressed,» Sanfeliu states.

The results, which were published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, show a general improvement in behaviour, learning, and memory with the three treatments.

These procedures also protected the brain tissue from oxidative stress and provided good levels of protection from excesses of amyloid beta peptide and hyperphosphorylated TAU protein caused by the mutations. In the case of the mitochondria, the combined effect resulted in an increase in the analysed indicators of improved performance which were not observed independently.

Treatment not easily transferable to humans

«Transferring treatments which are effective in animals to human patients is not always consistent, given that in humans the disease develops over several years, so that when memory loss begins to surface, the brain is already very deteriorated,» the IIBB expert points out.

However, several clinical studies have found signs of physical and mental benefits in sufferers of Alzheimer’s resulting from both treatments. The authors maintain that, until an effective pharmacological treatment is found, adopting healthy living habits is essential for reducing the risk of the disease appearing, as well as reducing the severity of its effects.

The melatonin debate

The use of melatonin, a hormone synthesized from the neurotransmitter serotonin, has positive effects which can be used for treating humans. With the approval of melatonin as a medication in the European Union in 2007, clinical testing on this molecule has been increasing. It has advocates as well as detractors, and the scientific evidence has not yet been able to unite the differing views.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, melatonin is probably effective in sleeping disorders in children with autism and mental retardation and in blind people; and possibly effective in case of jet-lag, sunburns and preoperative anxiety.

«However, other studies which use melatonin as medication show its high level of effectiveness,» Dar-o Acu-a-Castroviejo explains to SINC. He has been studying melatonin for several years at the Health Sciences Technology Park of the University of Granada.

The expert points out that international consensus already exists, promoted by the British Association for Psychopharmacology -also published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2010-, which has melatonin as the first choice treatment for insomnia in patients above the age of 55. This consensus is now being transferred to cases of insomnia in children.

Its use in treating neurodegenerative diseases is acquiring increasing scientific support in lateral amyotrophic sclerosis, in Alzheimer’s, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

«Even though many more studies and clinical tests are still required to assess the doses of melatonin which will be effective for a wide range of diseases, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of melatonin mean that its use is highly recommended for diseases which feature oxidative stress and inflammation,» Acu-a-Castroviejo states.

This is the case for diseases such as epilepsy, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and even the aging process itself, where data is available pointing to the benefits of melatonin, though said data is not definitive.

Descargar

Combination of two neuroprotective therapies shows promise against Alzheimer’s

Escrito por

The combination of two neuroprotective therapies, voluntary physical exercise, and the daily intake of melatonin has been shown to have a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in rodents with three different mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.

A study carried out by a group of researchers from the Barcelona Biomedical Research Institute (IIBB), in collaboration with the University of Granada and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, shows the combined effect of neuroprotective therapies against Alzheimer’s in mice.

Daily voluntary exercise and daily intake of melatonin, both of which are known for the effects they have in regulating circadian rhythm, show a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in the 3xTg-AD mouse, which has three mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.

«For years we have known that the combination of different anti-aging therapies such as physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and not smoking adds years to one’s life,» Coral Sanfeliu, from the IIBB, explains to SINC. «Now it seems that melatonin, the sleep hormone, also has important anti-aging effects».

The experts analysed the combined effect of sport and melatonin in 3xTg-AD mice which were experiencing an initial phase of Alzheimer’s and presented learning difficulties and changes in behaviour such as anxiety and apathy.

The mice were divided into one control group and three other groups which would undergo different treatments: exercise -unrestricted use of a running wheel-, melatonin -a dose equivalent to 10 mg per kg of body weight-, and a combination of melatonin and voluntary physical exercise. In addition, a reference group of mice were included which presented no mutations of the disease.

«After six months, the state of the mice undergoing treatment was closer to that of the mice with no mutations than to their own initial pathological state. From this we can say that the disease has significantly regressed,» Sanfeliu states.

The results, which were published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, show a general improvement in behaviour, learning, and memory with the three treatments.

These procedures also protected the brain tissue from oxidative stress and provided good levels of protection from excesses of amyloid beta peptide and hyperphosphorylated TAU protein caused by the mutations. In the case of the mitochondria, the combined effect resulted in an increase in the analysed indicators of improved performance which were not observed independently.

Treatment not easily transferable to humans

«Transferring treatments which are effective in animals to human patients is not always consistent, given that in humans the disease develops over several years, so that when memory loss begins to surface, the brain is already very deteriorated,» the IIBB expert points out.

However, several clinical studies have found signs of physical and mental benefits in sufferers of Alzheimer’s resulting from both treatments. The authors maintain that, until an effective pharmacological treatment is found, adopting healthy living habits is essential for reducing the risk of the disease appearing, as well as reducing the severity of its effects.

The melatonin debate

The use of melatonin, a hormone synthesized from the neurotransmitter serotonin, has positive effects which can be used for treating humans. With the approval of melatonin as a medication in the European Union in 2007, clinical testing on this molecule has been increasing. It has advocates as well as detractors, and the scientific evidence has not yet been able to unite the differing views.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, melatonin is probably effective in sleeping disorders in children with autism and mental retardation and in blind people; and possibly effective in case of jet-lag, sunburns and preoperative anxiety.

«However, other studies which use melatonin as medication show its high level of effectiveness,» Dar-o Acu-a-Castroviejo explains to SINC. He has been studying melatonin for several years at the Health Sciences Technology Park of the University of Granada.

The expert points out that international consensus already exists, promoted by the British Association for Psychopharmacology -also published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2010-, which has melatonin as the first choice treatment for insomnia in patients above the age of 55. This consensus is now being transferred to cases of insomnia in children.

Its use in treating neurodegenerative diseases is acquiring increasing scientific support in lateral amyotrophic sclerosis, in Alzheimer’s, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

«Even though many more studies and clinical tests are still required to assess the doses of melatonin which will be effective for a wide range of diseases, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of melatonin mean that its use is highly recommended for diseases which feature oxidative stress and inflammation,» Acu-a-Castroviejo states.

This is the case for diseases such as epilepsy, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and even the aging process itself, where data is available pointing to the benefits of melatonin, though said data is not definitive.

Descargar

Exercise and melatonin ‘help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms’

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In a new study, researchers have shown the combined effect of neuroprotective therapies – voluntary physical exercise and daily intake of melatonin, against Alzheimer’s in mice.
According to a group of researchers from the Barcelona Biomedical Research Institute (IIBB), in collaboration with the University of Granada and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, daily voluntary exercise and daily intake of melatonin, both of which are known for the effects they have in regulating circadian rhythm, show a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in the 3xTg-AD mouse, which has three mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.
«For years we have known that the combination of different anti-aging therapies such as physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and not smoking adds years to one’s life,» Coral Sanfeliu, from the IIBB, told SINC.
«Now it seems that melatonin, the sleep hormone, also has important anti-aging effects,» Sanfeliu said. For the study, the experts analysed the combined effect of sport and melatonin in 3xTg-AD mice which were experiencing an initial phase of Alzheimer’s and presented learning difficulties and changes in behaviour such as anxiety and apathy.
The mice were divided into one control group and three other groups which would undergo different treatments: exercise -unrestricted use of a running wheel-, melatonin -a dose equivalent to 10 mg per kg of body weight-, and a combination of melatonin and voluntary physical exercise. In addition, a reference group of mice were included which presented no mutations of the disease.
«After six months, the state of the mice undergoing treatment was closer to that of the mice with no mutations than to their own initial pathological state. From this we can say that the disease has significantly regressed,» Sanfeliu said.
The results show a general improvement in behaviour, learning, and memory with the three treatments. These procedures also protected the brain tissue from oxidative stress and provided good levels of protection from excesses of amyloid beta peptide and hyperphosphorylated TAU protein caused by the mutations. In the case of the mitochondria, the combined effect resulted in an increase in the analysed indicators of improved performance which were not observed independently.
«Transferring treatments which are effective in animals to human patients is not always consistent, given that in humans the disease develops over several years, so that when memory loss begins to surface, the brain is already very deteriorated,» Sanfeliu added. The study has been published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.
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Exercise and melatonin ‘help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms’

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In a new study, researchers have shown the combined effect of neuroprotective therapies – voluntary physical exercise and daily intake of melatonin, against Alzheimer’s in mice.
According to a group of researchers from the Barcelona Biomedical Research Institute (IIBB), in collaboration with the University of Granada and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, daily voluntary exercise and daily intake of melatonin, both of which are known for the effects they have in regulating circadian rhythm, show a synergistic effect against brain deterioration in the 3xTg-AD mouse, which has three mutations of Alzheimer’s disease.
«For years we have known that the combination of different anti-aging therapies such as physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and not smoking adds years to one’s life,» Coral Sanfeliu, from the IIBB, told SINC.
«Now it seems that melatonin, the sleep hormone, also has important anti-aging effects,» Sanfeliu said. For the study, the experts analysed the combined effect of sport and melatonin in 3xTg-AD mice which were experiencing an initial phase of Alzheimer’s and presented learning difficulties and changes in behaviour such as anxiety and apathy.
The mice were divided into one control group and three other groups which would undergo different treatments: exercise -unrestricted use of a running wheel-, melatonin -a dose equivalent to 10 mg per kg of body weight-, and a combination of melatonin and voluntary physical exercise. In addition, a reference group of mice were included which presented no mutations of the disease.
«After six months, the state of the mice undergoing treatment was closer to that of the mice with no mutations than to their own initial pathological state. From this we can say that the disease has significantly regressed,» Sanfeliu said.
The results show a general improvement in behaviour, learning, and memory with the three treatments. These procedures also protected the brain tissue from oxidative stress and provided good levels of protection from excesses of amyloid beta peptide and hyperphosphorylated TAU protein caused by the mutations. In the case of the mitochondria, the combined effect resulted in an increase in the analysed indicators of improved performance which were not observed independently.
«Transferring treatments which are effective in animals to human patients is not always consistent, given that in humans the disease develops over several years, so that when memory loss begins to surface, the brain is already very deteriorated,» Sanfeliu added. The study has been published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.
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ALZHEIMER: La mélatonine efficace contre la maladie?

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Deux traitements neuro-protecteurs combinés, l’exercice physique et la prise quotidienne de mélatonine aurait un effet synergique contre la détérioration du cerveau liée à la maladie d’Alzheimer. Du moins chez la souris, démontre cette étude espagnole. Ces résultats publiés dans la revue Neurobiology of Aging, laissent espérer l’efficacité de la mélatonine grâce à ses propriétés anti-oxydantes, pour un large éventail de maladies, liées au stress oxydatif et à l’inflammation.

L’utilisation de la mélatonine, une hormone –dite du « sommeil »- synthétisée à partir de la sérotonine, un neurotransmetteur, a des effets positifs qui pourraient être utilisés pour traiter des maladies humaines, comme la maladie d’Alzheimer. Cette étude réalisée par des chercheurs de l’Institut de recherche biomédicale de Barcelone, de l’Université de Grenade et de l’Université Autonome de Barcelone, montre en effet l’effet combiné de l’exercice et de la prise de mélatonine, sur des souris modèles de la maladie d’Alzheimer.

Si la pratique d’un exercice volontaire et l’apport quotidien de la mélatonine, sont deux thérapies déjà connues pour leurs effets positifs sur la régulation du rythme circadien, la combinaison des deux montre un effet synergique contre la détérioration du cerveau chez la souris porteuse de 3 mutations de la maladie d’Alzheimer et présentant des difficultés d’apprentissage et des troubles du comportement comme l’anxiété et l’apathie. Réparties en un groupe témoin et 3 autres groupes exercice sans restriction, mélatonine à dose équivalent à 10 mg par kg de poids corporel et combinaison mélatonine-exercice physique, les souris de ce dernier groupe présentent, après 6 mois de traitement combiné, un état plus proche de celui des souris sans mutations que de leur état pathologique initial. Sur ce groupe, les chercheurs constatent une amélioration générale du comportement, de l’apprentissage et de la mémoire. A l’analyse, ils montrent également que ces traitements ont également protégé le tissu cérébral du stress oxydatif et fourni de bons niveaux de protection contre les excès de peptide bêta-amyloïde et de protéine Tau

On savait déjà que la combinaison de différentes thérapies antivieillissement telles que l’exercice physique, le régime méditerranéen et l’absence de tabagisme apporte des années supplémentaires de vie, la mélatonine ou hormone du sommeil, présente elle-aussi un effet antivieillissement significatif, explique Coral Sanfeliu, auteur de l’étude.

Le traitement sera-t-il transposable à l’Homme ? «Le transfert des traitements efficaces sur l’animal à des patients humains n’est pas toujours cohérent, étant donné que chez l’homme la maladie se développe sur plusieurs années, de sorte que lorsque la perte de mémoire est détectable, le cerveau est déjà très dégradé », explique les auteurs. Cependant, plusieurs études cliniques ont déjà montré des signes de bienfaits physiques et mentaux chez les personnes atteintes de la maladie d’Alzheimer résultant de ces deux traitements.

L’utilisation de la mélatonine pose débat. Elle a en effet ses partisans et ses détracteurs, et les données scientifiques n’ont pas encore permis de trancher, même si depuis 2007, la mélatonine est autorisée comme médicament dans l’UE. Elle bénéficie néanmoins, selon les auteurs, d’un soutien scientifique dans le traitement de maladies neuro-dégénératives comme la sclérose latérale amyotrophique, la maladie d’Alzheimer et la myopathie de Duchenne. Néanmoins, de nombreuses études et tests cliniques restent nécessaires pour évaluer les doses de mélatonine efficaces et sans danger pour la prise en charge de ces maladies.

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