The role of stomach hormones in
Parkinson’s
Project information
Lead researcher
Dr Jeff Davies
Location
Swansea University
Cost
£34,939.63 over 12 months
Start date
December 2010
Type of project
Innovation grant
Project code
K-1008
Project background
Parkinson’s is a progressive condition associated with the death of nerve cells in specific
regions of the brain. However, we don’t know what causes the condition and therefore at
present can only treat the symptoms rather than the Parkinson’s itself. However, it is likely
that there are chemicals within the body that may help to slow or halt the progression of
Parkinson’s. One of these is called ghrelin.
•
Ghrelin is a hormone produced by the stomach and it is secreted when the
stomach is empty. It travels to the brain to signal that it is time to eat and it is one of the
ways in which the body regulates our appetite.
•
What work has led up to this finding? Studies in animals have shown that ghrelin
may actually protect nerve cells from damage by making them less fragile. In particular,
it has a beneficial effect on the specific nerve cells that die in Parkinson’s. However,
disruption of the natural rhythm of the hormone may lead to continuously high level of
ghrelin in the brain and this may actually be harmful to nerve cells. So we need to
understand how the hormone is working and whether we could use it as a potential
therapy for Parkinson’s.
•
How does ghrelin work? Once it is released from the stomach, ghrelin travels to the
brain where it sparks off a number of chemical reactions. One of these is to stimulate
the cells that produce the chemical dopamine that die in Parkinson’s. However, it can
also cause other chemicals to be secreted from cells in the brain, some of which can
be harmful. So it appears that the actual amount of ghrelin within the brain may be very
important.
What the researchers are doing
Dr Davies and his team will test a new hypothesis. Does ghrelin protect nerve cells when it
is given in regular pulses but may actually be harmful if the levels in the blood remain high
all of the time? To test this theory, rats will be fed on two different diets. They will be
allowed to eat when they like, or will be fed at specific times (just as we do when we eat
regular meals). They will measure how fragile the nerve cells are and how well they can
stand up to toxins. At the same time, the researchers will use brain tissue from the
Parkinson’s UK brain bank to investigate whether there are changes in the levels of the
hormone in Parkinson’s brains.
How the research will help people with Parkinson’s
This innovation grant will give us a greater insight into why specific nerve cells die in
Parkinson’s. While diet may be important, this may not be the whole story. The results
from the study will give us an insight into how the ghrelin works to potentially protect nerve
cells. It will also help us to understand what other factors may also be working in the brain
in collaboration with the hormone. From this, can we make use of the information to design
new drugs that will treat Parkinson’s – to slow down or halt the death of nerve cells.
For more information, please talk to the Research Team
Call
Email
Write
020 7963 9313
research@parkinsons.org.uk
Parkinson’s UK, 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1EJ
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guarantee. Registered in England and Wales (948776). Registered office: 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V
1EJ. A charity registered in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554). © Parkinson’s UK, June 2010