Nasal spray shows the potential to delay Alzheimer’s

A nasal spray developed by Italian researchers has shown potential in slowing down Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of death among those aged 65 or older, afflicting nearly 7 million Americans.
Researchers at the Catholic University of Milan, led by physiologist Francesca Natale, found out that the nasal spray, shows promising results in halting brain deterioration in mice genetically engineered to exhibit Alzheimer’s-like conditions. They found a link between Alzheimer’s and insulin resistance, which could pave the way for new treatments for the neurodegenerative disease. The team found an excess of a key enzyme in the post-mortem brains of Alzheimer’s patients called S-acyltransferase. This enzyme plays a role in modifying beta-amyloid and tau proteins, which accumulate in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Earlier research revealed that insulin resistance can influence the amount of this enzyme, which typically attaches the fatty acid molecules to the infamously suspicious beta-amyloid and tau protein clumps. However, in cases of brain insulin resistance (BIR)-related deterioration, this process can go out of control.

“In previous studies, we demonstrated that altered S-palmitoylation of synaptic proteins plays a critical role in cognitive decline induced by metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes (Spinelli et al., Nature Communications) and that brain insulin resistance may impact the amount of active zDHHC enzymes in the brain,” Prof. Fusco explains in the release. The authors also noted the link between insulin resistance and neurodegenerative diseases, so much so that Alzheimer’s is often called type III diabetes.

The scientist further adds, “In this new study, we showed that in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, molecular changes resembling a scenario of brain insulin resistance cause an increase of zDHHC7 enzyme levels and alter the S-palmitoylation of key proteins involved in cognitive functions and beta-amyloid accumulation.”
The scientist tested the nasal spray containing 2-bromopalmitate, a compound that disables S-acyltransferase, on genetically modified mice with an Alzheimer ’s-like condition. They found out that the nasal spray reduced symptoms, slowed neurodegeneration, and extended the rodents’ lifespans.

However, the treatment showed no effects in normal mice, and 2-bromopalmitate is not yet suitable for human trials due to its potential to interfere with other biological processes. The researchers are exploring safer alternatives, including engineered proteins or genetic therapies to target the enzyme, and possibly a nasal spray could be the cure for Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
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