Across Alzheimer’s disease, ischemic stroke, and multiple sclerosis, researchers are using very different tools to better understand and protect the nervous system. One Alzheimer’s study combined genetics, multiomics, laboratory models, and real-world health data to identify new treatment targets, including EPHX2, while also highlighting existing drugs associated with lower Alzheimer’s incidence. In experimental stroke, Cordyceps polysaccharides reduced neuronal loss, inflammation, and brain injury while improving blood flow and neurological outcomes.
A third study focused on multiple sclerosis, where higher blood levels of CHIT1 were linked to chronic active lesions and greater glial inflammation in the brain. Together, these findings show how drug discovery, natural compounds, and blood biomarkers can each contribute to earlier detection and more targeted treatment of neurological disease. The broader significance lies in finding better ways to identify ongoing damage, protect vulnerable neurons, and guide therapies toward the biological processes driving disease.
1. Alzheimer’s disease target and drug discovery by leveraging multiomics and electronic health data
Researchers combined genetics, multiomics, lab models, and real-world health data to uncover new Alzheimer’s treatment candidates. Inhibiting EPHX2 improved cognition in an AD mouse model, while 12 existing drugs were associated with lower Alzheimer’s incidence in people with mild cognitive impairment.
2. Cordyceps Polysaccharides Attenuate Experimental Ischemic Stroke Injury: Association with IL-17/NF-κB Signaling
Cordyceps polysaccharides reduced brain injury, neuronal loss, and neuroinflammation in experimental ischemic stroke while improving blood flow and neurological outcomes. The effects were linked to suppression of IL-17/NF-κB inflammatory signaling, suggesting a potential natural neuroprotective strategy.
3. Serum Chitotriosidase Links to Activated Glia at Chronic Active Lesion Rims in Multiple Sclerosis Brain
Higher serum CHIT1 levels were linked to chronic active MS lesions and greater glial inflammation seen on PET imaging. The findings suggest CHIT1 could become a useful blood biomarker for detecting ongoing inflammatory damage in the MS brain.
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