One approach being tested by University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Rush University researchers uses the nerve growth factor neurturin to protect and rescue dying brain cells that produce dopamine, the Associated Press reported.

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Growth factors are protective proteins naturally found in healthy brains. Dopamine is a chemical that's essential for cellular communication that controls muscle movement. Parkinson's disease slowly destroys the brain cells that produce dopamine.

In a study, the UCSF and Rush loaded the gene for neurturin into a harmless virus injected into the brains of 12 people with Parkinson's disease. The study is designed to determine if this method is safe, not whether it is an effective treatment, the AP reported.

Other researchers at UCSF are trying to find a way to use gene therapy to extend the length of time that Parkinson's medication benefits patients.

A company called Neurologix Inc. recently released preliminary results from a study that used gene therapy in an attempt to calm the abnormal movements of 12 Parkinson's patients. A year after the treatment, there was some improvement in the patients, the AP reported. – (HealthDayNews)

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December 2005
 

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