Researchers at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) of the Czech Academy of Sciences have developed a new compound that could potentially address two major health challenges: obesity and Alzheimer’s disease. This modified version of a naturally occurring brain peptide demonstrates improved stability and effectiveness in suppressing appetite and protecting the brain against Alzheimer’s-type diseases.
From Brain Peptide to Promising Treatment
The research team, led by Dr. Lenka Maletínská, focused on modifying the CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) peptide, which plays a role in regulating food intake. By attaching fatty acids to the natural peptide – a process called lipidization – the scientists created a more stable compound capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, a crucial factor for its effectiveness.
Vilém Charvát, the study’s first author, explains: “We have found that when a lipidized analogue of the CART peptide is applied subcutaneously, it then passes into the brain, where it acts by suppressing appetite and, if administered for a long time, also has a neuroprotective effect. It could therefore work in the treatment or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.”
Dual Action: Appetite Suppression and Brain Protection
The modified CART peptide showed promising results in both cell cultures and animal models. Obese mice prone to diabetes lost weight after receiving the compound. Surprisingly, the researchers also observed a reduction in the pathology of the tau protein in the mice’s brains – a key indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Andrea Pačesová, the principal author of the study, highlights the potential of their discovery: “We have a potentially successful anti-obesity drug in hands that also appears to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. To develop this potential to its fullest, we need to know why the substance works the way it does.”
However, questions remain about the exact mechanism of action. The team is yet to identify the specific receptors that the modified peptide binds to in the body, a crucial step in fully understanding and optimizing its effects.
Why it matters: Obesity and Alzheimer’s disease are two of the most pressing health concerns in modern society. A compound that could potentially address both conditions simultaneously represents a significant advancement in medical research. If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatments for millions of people worldwide, improving quality of life and reducing healthcare costs.
Dr. Maletínská, who leads the research into peptides for anti-obesity drugs at IOCB Prague, sees potential beyond just weight loss. “We already know, contrary to what was originally assumed, that new neurons are formed even in adulthood. This regenerative process is supported by several anorexigenic peptides, which can thus help repair damaged brain tissue,” she explains.
The researcher adds an optimistic note about the potential for treating Alzheimer’s disease: “If Alzheimer’s disease can be diagnosed early on, in a phase called mild cognitive impairment, the chances of it being cured appear to be quite high.”
This research builds on previous work by Dr. Maletínská’s team, which led to a licensing agreement with pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk for another promising anti-obesity substance. The current study, published in the European Journal of Pharmacology, represents a significant step forward in understanding the potential of modified neuropeptides in treating complex health conditions.
As encouraging as these results are, it’s important to note that the research is still in its early stages. While the compound has shown promise in animal models, extensive clinical trials will be necessary to determine its safety and efficacy in humans. Additionally, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action and potential long-term effects of the modified CART peptide.
The intersection of obesity and neurodegenerative diseases is an exciting area of research that could lead to novel therapeutic approaches. As our understanding of the complex relationships between metabolism, appetite regulation, and brain health continues to grow, we may see more integrated approaches to treating these seemingly disparate conditions.
