School of Biomedical Sciences researcher Dr Karin Borges has identified a potential treatment to delay motor neuron loss and symptoms in the inevitably fatal motor neuron disease (MND).
Dr Karin Borges said triheptanoin, a synthetic triglyceride oil, might help to address problems with energy metabolism associated with the neurodegenerative disease.
“MND is characterised by degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord which leads to muscle weakness, paralysis and death, usually due to respiratory failure,” Dr Borges said.
“There is evidence showing the disease interrupts the process providing the primary cellular energy source necessary for cell function and survival.”
Dr Borges’ research tested if giving oral triheptanoin could prevent cell death and symptom onset in an animal model of MND.
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