Neuroprotective effects of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ in a model of

[wchagas]

"Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor neuron degeneration that ultimately results in progressive paralysis and death. Growing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contribute to motor neuron degeneration in ALS. To further explore the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction and nitroxidative stress contribute to disease pathogenesis at the in vivo level, we assessed whether the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant [10-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-methyl-3,6-dioxo-1,4-cyclohexadien-1-yl)decyl]triphenylphosphonium methane sulfonate (MitoQ) can modify disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. To do this, we administered MitoQ (500 µM) in the drinking water of SOD1G93A mice from a time when early symptoms of neurodegeneration become evident at 90 days of age until death. This regime is a clinically plausible scenario and could be more easily translated to patients as this corresponds to initiating treatment of patients after they are first diagnosed with ALS. MitoQ was detected in all tested tissues by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry after 20 days of administration. MitoQ treatment slowed the decline of mitochondrial function, in both the spinal cord and the quadriceps muscle, as measured by high-resolution respirometry. Importantly, nitroxidative markers and pathological signs in the spinal cord of MitoQ-treated animals were markedly reduced and neuromuscular junctions were recovered associated with a significant increase in hindlimb strength. Finally, MitoQ treatment significantly prolonged the life span of SOD1G93A mice. Our results support a role for mitochondrial nitroxidative damage and dysfunction in the pathogenesis of ALS and suggest that mitochondria-targeted antioxidants may be of pharmacological use for ALS treatment."

Anyone knows more about this research? Is it a hope for all of us?

 

[nebrhahe53]

Chagas, its good to have hope but in my opinion no research is close enough to actually help those who have the disease now. You need to come to terms with this-its hard but if you dont you will lose what days you have left.
Of course I'm not a doctor maybe i'm wrong, but try to enjoy each day you have given to you.
Easy to say, I don't do that either many times.
I'm told it gets easier with time.

 

[dhuntley]

I saw the same abstract several months ago. Based on the abstract, I ordered MitoQ and have done two DIY trials, each time at a dose of 20 mg/day. During the first trial, from March 10 to May 4 of this year, I saw my hand strength go up from 40 lbs to 49 lbs, even though my FRS continued to decline. My use of MitoQ was interrupted between May 4 and June 10, when I was able to resume the 20 mg/day dose. During the time I was not taking MitoQ, my FRS declined very rapidly and my hand strength declined from 49 back down to 40. The second trial, since June 10 (continuing today) was not as successful. Initially, while taking MitoQ, my hand strength continued to decline from 40 to 30 lbs, but after two weeks stabilized at about 30 lbs. The decline in my FRS may also have slowed. Other, more subjective measures (ease of swallowing, difficulty getting up from a seated position, walking ability, etc) have continued to decline.

So, in my case, the MitoQ MAY have produced some modest positive effects, but it was certainly not a cause of hope for reversal or even long-term stabilization. Sorry.