Rett reversed in mice

The childhood neurological disease, which primarily affects females, can cause a number of severe symptoms, including loss of speech, abnormal movements, tremors and seizures, along with breathing, chewing and swallowing problems.

In this University of Edinburgh study, researchers fully restored the function of a gene (MECP2) associated with Rett syndrome. This resulted in a reversal of symptoms in mice, even those that were on the verge of death.

The findings suggest that it may be possible to reverse Rett syndrome and related disorders in humans, even in the late stages of the disease, the researchers said in a prepared statement. – (HealthDayNews)

February 2007