Lost memory can be returned in Alzheimer’s & Dementia – New Research by India & USA

A path breaking research  published in May 2014  (attached )  in Journal of Molecular Biology Reports  (impact factor 2.51 ) and done by researchers from Department of Biochemistry , Sir Ganga Ram Hospital , New Delhi , India and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA has for the first time established that there is a role of MMP-9 gene in decline of cognitive and hearing functions and that the ablation or removal of MMP-9 gene decreases Hyperhomocystenemia induced cognition and hearing dysfunction . This research was carried on mice but has large implication on humans .

Hyperhomocystenemia (HHcy)  is a medical condition which is due to abnormally large levels of homocysteine in blood which leads to vascular inflammation . HHcy  has been independently described as an early risk factor for cognitive impairment .   HHcy is known to promote cognitive dysfunction and Alzhemer’s disease through MMP-9 gene induced disruption of the blood brain barrier .

Currently , 45 % of adults between 45-92 years of age suffer from hearing impairment . Deficiency of Vitamin B-12 and folate and high homocyteine levels have also been associated with impaired hearing in women . HHcy is a common factor in the occurrence of cognitive and hearing disabilities in large section of population.

According to Dr Seema Bhargava , lead author of the research and Senior Consultant , Department of Biochemistry , Sir Ganga Ram Hospital , “ In our  research , for the first time , MMP-9 has been correlated directly to functional deficits of brain  and cochlea , and found to have significant role . “

To better understand the role of MMP-9 gene during HHcy –induced cognition and hearing defects ,  CBS +/- mice were chosen as model of mild HHcy and   DKO (Double Knock Out ) mice represented HHcy without MMP-9 . This study , for the first time , associated the presence of MMP-9 (in CBS +/_ mice) , with HHcy –induced reduction in blood flow across internal carotid artery , leading to diminished cognition and hearing loss . We observed that vascular flow , cognition and hearing were significantly improved despite HHcy by knocking-out MMP-9 gene (in DKO mice).  To our knowledge , this is the first study demonstrating this correlation . Our data suggests that HHcy-induced MMP-9 mediated functional deficits of brain and cochlea can be mitigated by genetic ablation of MMP-9 gene .

“It is , therefore , important to identify individuals at risk for HHcy (e.g. elderly population) and treat them to prevent the development of pathology . To reduce plasma Homocysteine levels , adequate dietary vitamin supplements should be given . However, if HHcy is already present , vitamins will take several months to reduce plasma Homocysteine concentration . In such situations , our research study has advocated the role of MMP-9 inhibitors by Pharmaceutical companies as a therapeutic option .” added Dr Bhargava .