A study has found that gastrointestinal medications may have potential for use in the treatment of brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
On June 25, the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine announced that a research team led by Dr. Gunhyuk Park and Dr. Hyesun Lim at the Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center has identified that 'Rebamipide,' a type of gastrointestinal drug, is effective in protecting nerve cells and alleviating brain inflammation.
Rebamipide is a widely used gastrointestinal medication known for its protective effects on the gastric mucosa, as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Until recently, Rebamipide has primarily been used to treat gastritis and gastric ulcers.
The research team focused on the traditional medical concept that the 'Spleen' (Pi), which governs gastrointestinal function in Oriental medicine, also plays a role in mental activity. They interpreted gastrointestinal and brain functions as an interacting physiological system.
Based on this traditional theory, the team hypothesized that the gastric protective effects of Rebamipide could also be applied to nerve cell protection, potentially improving motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease models. They conducted experiments to test and verify this hypothesis.
The results showed that Rebamipide increased the survival rate of dopaminergic neurons by 2.1 times and dopamine secretion by 1.4 times in experimental animals with induced Parkinson's disease. At the same time, the study identified a mechanism by which Rebamipide inhibits the formation of the NLRP3-NEK7 protein complex, thereby regulating brain inflammation pathways.
Additionally, the experiments confirmed that Rebamipide blocks hydrogen bonding and halogen interactions between the two proteins, suppressing the formation of the complex and reducing the expression of inflammation-inducing substances by approximately 3.7 times.
The research team also found, through virtual docking analysis, that Rebamipide can simultaneously bind to both proteins, structurally destabilizing the complex.
Parkinson's disease is a representative neurodegenerative disorder in which dopaminergic neurons gradually degenerate, leading to motor dysfunction. Many patients with Parkinson's disease also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation and gastroparesis. Given the close connection between gut and brain functions, there is a need for a shift in treatment paradigms.
The research team stated, "This study is the result of interdisciplinary research that presents a new approach to modern neuroscience based on traditional theories of Oriental medicine. It is significant in that it demonstrates the potential to expand the scope of treatment by reinterpreting not only herbal medicine but also conventional Western drugs from an Oriental medicine perspective."
Meanwhile, this research project (Project Title: Development of Innovative Technologies for Future Value of Herbal Medicine Resources) was supported by the basic research program of the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT.
The research findings were published in the international journal 'Journal of Neuroinflammation' in the field of allergy and immunology on May 17. Dr. Hyesun Lim is the first author, and Dr. Gunhyuk Park is the corresponding author.
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