Running Mice Live Longer With Degenerative Brain Disorder

Cognitive decline with aging is an increasingly important research topic. This week Science Magazine has produced a special issue on the brain and a summary article and one main articles discusses the impact on a specific neurodegenerative disease (spinocerebellar ataxia type 1) in mice.

A “mild” exercise regimen helped the mice live significantly longer. The effects lasted for a considerable time, even after stopping the exercise program. The disease studied has features in common with Alzheimer’s in that an insoluble protein that accumulates in nerves is involved. Exercise has been shown to have positive effects on Alzheimer’s disease and the research here on how exercise impacts the proteins and future exercise on a variety of growth factors produced during exercise may help in producing strategies for Alzheimer’s disease and numerous other degenerative diseases.

The accompanying summary article states:

“In addition to the benefits of exercise on brain health and cognitive function, it may promote slowing neurodegenerative disease progression. For example, exercise slowed the decline in cognitive abilities of Alzheimer’s disease patients and improved postural stability and balance in Parkinson’s disease patients.”

References:

Another Reason to Exercise Aaron D. Gitler. Science 4 November 2011: Vol. 334 no. 6056 pp. 606-607. DOI: 10.1126/science.1214714

Exercise and Genetic Rescue of SCA1 via the Transcriptional Repressor Capicua. John D. Fryer, Peng Yu et. al. Science 4 November 2011: Vol. 334 no. 6056 pp. 690-693 DOI: 10.1126/science.121267

Micro NMR (Sci Trans Med)

Miniaturization of technology continues to bring new innovations in science and technology. The very latest innovation which you probably have not seen yet is a miniature NMR. On a larger scale this is the old familiar MRI machine. The micro-NMR is coupled to a Smart Phone and used to analyze cell surface proteins. A study published this week in Science Translational Medicine showed that this micro-NMR (μNMR) device run by a smart phone could be used to analyze a series of proteins/markers (pCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule), MUC-1 (mucin 1, cell surface associated), HER2, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), B7-H3, CK18, Ki-67, p53, and vimentin]) showed a 10% to 20% improved diagnostic accuracy over traditional cell staining and other traditional techniques.

The current study analyzed needle aspiration biopsies. The study was limited to intra-abdominal cancers. The researchers found that 4 markers: MUC-1, HER2, EGFR, and EpCAM provided high diagnostic accuracy. These 4 markers used in conjunction gave the  correct diagnoses in 48 of the 50 initial patients examined and in 20 of 20 in the next round. For biology, science and technology geeks this was a fascinating article. I’ll link below to the Editor’s summary.

As we wonder what our Smart Phones can do besides play music surf the web, and track our running mileage, we see that forward thinkers are finding new ways to use the smart phone along with creative and new ways to use current technology. And yes, genomics and proteomics have a future.

Reference:
Sci Transl Med 23 February 2011: Vol. 3, Issue 71, p. 71ra16 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3002048. Micro-NMR for Rapid Molecular Analysis of Human Tumor Samples. Haun J. et. al.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Jan. 13, 2010 gave disappointing results in using plasma rich protein to treat non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. It showed no difference between using a sham injection of saline and combining it with a painful eccentric stretching protocol  in comparison with an injection of plasma rich protein injection along with the standard painful eccentric stretching protocol.

The authors note that previous studies did not have good control groups. In this small study, 27 patients were in the placebo group and 27 in the treatment group. The VISA-A score was used to assess improvement. Both groups improved somewhat without a significant difference between the two groups.

The study was called a “preliminary communication” which is often done with small studies. Other studies on similar topics with fewer than 30 individuals studies have also been billed as “preliminary studies”, but when they are talked up afterward, the “preliminary study” status is usually forgotten. As far as study design goes, the design, blinding, and performance of the study seems just right. I am not entirely convinced of the efficacy of the painful eccentric stretching protocol and would have not minded another study group omitting that treatment. Apparently it is not a panacea (or there would not be studies looking to add to the results), although the initial preliminary study made it sound as though it would be. Follow up journal articles by the primary author of the first study have been positive and are referenced below. Others have expressed reservations on the methodology. (see Woodley et. al. 2007 and Kingma et. al. 2006) Eccentric stretching and overload for tendinopathy has mixed results at best in other body areas.

Note: VISA-A is the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles

References:

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Robert J. de Vos; Adam Weir; Hans T. M. van Schie; et al. JAMA. 2010;303(2):144-149 (doi:10.1001/jama.2009.1986)

Alfredson H. Chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy: an update on research and treatment. Clin Sports Med. 2003;22(4):727-741.

Alfredson H and Cook J (2007), A treatment algorithm for managing Achilles tendinopathy, new treatment options, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 41, 4, 211.

J J Kingma, R de Knikker, H M Wittink, T Takken. Eccentric overload training in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med 2007;41:e3 (http://www.bjsportmed.com/cgi/content/full/41/6/e3). doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.030916 (concludes: Studies on the effectiveness of eccentric overload training in patients with Achilles tendinopathy show many methodological shortcomings)

Woodley, B.L., R.J. Newsham- West, and D.B. Baxter, Chronic tendinopathy: effectiveness of eccentric exercise. Br J Sports Med, 2007. 41: p. 188-199.

Additional Information:

Pribut, S.M.,  Top 5 Running Injuries. Podiatry Management, 2008

Blog on: Heel Lifts and Achilles Tendinitis

Dr. Pribut on Achilles Tendinopathy

Dr. Pribut on The Science of Tendinopathy