Beijing, March 13, 2024, The Europe Today: Chinese researchers from Tianjin University’s School of Life Sciences and the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital have successfully engineered a nanomedicine tailored for women grappling with Alzheimer’s disease. The research, published in the Nano Today journal, addresses the gender-specific challenges associated with the neurodegenerative disorder.
Alzheimer’s disease, characterized by the progressive degradation of memory and cognitive function, disproportionately affects women, who are at a higher risk compared to men. Notably, rates of disease progression and mortality are two to three times higher among women. Recent studies have suggested that the decline in estrogen levels post-menopause contributes to this increased susceptibility, as estrogen plays a crucial role in safeguarding the female central nervous system, promoting neuronal growth, and maintaining brain redox homeostasis.
The research team has developed a multi-functional nanomedicine utilizing plant-derived estrogen glycyrrhetinic acid, specifically designed for targeted treatment in postmenopausal female Alzheimer’s patients. This innovative nanomedicine activates neuroprotective signaling pathways mediated by specific estrogen receptors, thereby addressing cognitive functions impacted by estrogen deficiency.
The nanomedicine represents a significant step forward in providing targeted therapeutic interventions for women facing Alzheimer’s disease, considering the unique challenges posed by hormonal changes after menopause. The researchers are actively screening more precise nanomedicines for preclinical research, aiming to refine and expand the therapeutic options available for individuals affected by this neurodegenerative disorder. The development holds promise for a more effective and personalized approach to Alzheimer’s treatment in women, potentially revolutionizing the landscape of neurodegenerative disease management.
