Michael J. Fox is best known for the classic sci-fi film
released in 1985 as Marty McFly in ‘Back to the Future’ and for not only his
personal challenges with Parkinson’s disease, but for his renowned work towards Parkinson’s
Research. The film, ‘Back to the Future’ brings the audience
through the adventure of time travel, thanks to eccentric scientist Doc Brown (role
played by Christopher Lloyd). Marty
travels through time in the DeLorean (a car created specifically for time
travel) and when Marty finds himself in the ‘50s with the young versions of his
parents, he must make sure his parents fall in love or he will cease to exist.
It was Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
(MJFF) that made it possible for the researchers at the National Hospital for
Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) to conduct a study inspired by previous animal
models that demonstrated the benefits ‘exenatide’ had on motor function. Researchers realized that this drug could be used as a
disease modifying agent for Parkinson’s. They took 60 individuals with Parkinson’s’
to test the effects of the drug ‘exenatide’. It was when an open-labeled trail
that was conducted which strengthened this evidence as the first randomized,
placebo-controlled trial of the drug for Parkinson's patients. [A]
Dr. Emmett Brown: The way I see it, if you're gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?”
INTRODUCTION:
The Gila Monster Lizard, a venomous lizard found in
southwest regions in US and northwest areas in Mexico, is known for its saliva
which has helped individuals with diabetes world-wide to reach healthy glucose
levels and progressive weight loss in those with type 2 diabetes. This lizard’s
saliva has the hormone ‘exendin-4’ which is 50% identical to a hormone found in
the human digestive tract. Previously conducted 3-year study showed that this
very hormone, when used it its synthetic form now makes up the key ingredient
of the successful diabetes drug, ‘exenatide’, hence the drug’s name. [E]
The development of this new medication,
exenatide, activates the GLP-1 hormone receptors in the pancreas which in turn
stimulates insulin release. These GLP-1 receptors are also located in the brain.
Whenever these GLP-1 receptors are activated the dopamine connections in the
brain are enhanced/boosted in function producing anti-inflammatory effects as
well as improving energy production and turning on cell survival signals. It is
clear to see the benefits of the Glia Monster Lizard’s saliva and why it has
been used since 2005 to treat Type 2 Diabetes. [C]
The lizard hormone is about 50 percent identical to a
similar hormone in the human digestive tract, called glucagon-like peptide-1
analog, or GLP-1, that increases the production of insulin when blood sugar
levels are high. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body
tissues where it is used for energy. The lizard hormone remains effective much
longer than the human hormone, and thus its synthetic form helps diabetics keep
their blood sugar levels from getting too high. Exenatide also slows the
emptying of the stomach and causes a decrease in appetite, which is how it
leads to weight loss. [E]
Current
medications for Parkinson’s are targeted to control symptoms of the disease,
but no medications exist to slow down or stop its progression all together. A
drug used most commonly for type 2 diabetes, exenatide, could possibly help
those living with Parkinson’s too. [A]
“George
McFly: Lou, give me a milk.
[dramatic pause]
George McFly: Chocolate.”
[dramatic pause]
George McFly: Chocolate.”
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Parkinson's is the second most common neurodegenerative
disease worldwide. This disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system
that affects movement. It develops gradually with a barely noticeable tremor in
one hand. While this is the most well-known sign of Parkinson’s, stiffness and
slowed movements are also common. About 1 in 500 people are affected and are
not aware until over 70% of the brain’s dopamine-producing cells have been
affected. [C] This late diagnosis occurs more times than not, because its
early stages have very mild signs like little facial expression, cessation of
arm movement when walking, and soft or slurred speech. Although symptoms worsen
with time and vary from person to person, they usually appear on one side of
the body worsening on that side as the disease affects the whole body. [D]
Unconscious movements such as blinking, smiling, or swinging
arms while walking become lost as time progresses. Speech becomes soft, quick,
slurred or a noticeable pause or hesitation before speaking. Speech also can
become increasingly monotone. Writing also becomes more difficult as the script
begins to shrink in size as time progresses. The microscopic markers of Parkinson’s disease are clumps of
specific substances located in brain cells called Lewy bodies. Researchers
believe that these Lewy bodies hold an important clue to the cause of
Parkinson's disease. Inside these Lewy bodies, besides the many substances
located in them, it is the widespread clumped protein, alpha-synuclein
(A-synuclein) which cannot be broken down by cells. This is currently an
important focus among Parkinson's disease researchers.
“Marty
McFly: Whoa. Wait a minute, Doc. Are
you trying to tell me that my mother has got the hots for me?
Dr. Emmett Brown: Precisely.
Marty McFly: Whoa. This is heavy.
Dr. Emmett Brown: There's that word again. "Heavy." Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the Earth's gravitational pull?”
Dr. Emmett Brown: Precisely.
Marty McFly: Whoa. This is heavy.
Dr. Emmett Brown: There's that word again. "Heavy." Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the Earth's gravitational pull?”
In Parkinson's disease, certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain gradually break down or die. Many of the symptoms are due to a loss of neurons that produce a chemical messenger in your brain called dopamine. When dopamine levels decrease, it causes abnormal brain activity, leading to signs of Parkinson's disease. Although the cause of Parkinson's disease is ultimately unknown, there are many factors that play a vital role in identifying the specific genetic mutation (s) that cause Parkinson’s. One such example are the genes in our bodies. It is very rare unless many family members are affected by Parkinson’s. The certain gene variations have been shown to increase the risk of getting Parkinson’s but even in this scenario the risk is small for each of these genetic markers.
Some of the factors
that could trigger Parkinson’s if the disease is in the family, include the
following. Age, heredity, gender, and exposure to toxins are the risk factors
of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson’s disease typically begins in middle age or
late in life as the probability of developing the disease increases with age.
Majority of individuals develop the disease around age 60. Family members such
as close relative(s) who have Parkinson’s increases the likelihood of
developing the disease. The good news is that your risks are small unless many
relatives have the disease in the family. Men are also more likely to develop
Parkinson’s than women. Also, exposure to toxins such as herbicides and pesticides
can increase the risks.
Because environmental
triggers, such as toxins, can trigger alterations in the configuration in the
brain which lead some people to develop Parkinson’s, is so miniscule that makes
it so difficult for scientists to confirm why these changes occur. Parkinson's
disease can't be cured, but medications have proven to improve many symptoms
that people experience. There are cases where physicians suggest surgery to
regulate certain areas of the brain to improve symptoms. [D]
There exists a
132-point scale that measures tremors, agility, and speech that was
specifically designed for Parkinson’s symptoms and used in this study to
measure the results. Researchers observed a statistically significant
difference between the two groups’ scores- a total of 4-point difference. [C]
“Dr. Emmett Brown: If my calculations are correct, when
this baby hits 88 miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit.”
RESEARCH:
Many studies have revealed the difficulties that exist
when dealing with insulin signaling in the brain and its link to
neurodegenerative disorders. Subsequently, researchers concluded the
possibility of diabetic drugs helping those with Parkinson’s. Led by Professor
Foltynie, his team of researchers discovered that ‘exenatide’ also helped to
improve symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. [C]
The study had a total of 60 volunteers who were diagnosed
with Parkinson’s randomly split into two groups. Group A was injected once a
week with ‘exenatide’ for 48 weeks and Group B was injected with a placebo.
Both groups took their regularly prescribed medications. Group A, the individuals who took ‘exenatide’, revealed
better motor function at the end of the 48-week study. The benefits of
‘exenatide’ to their symptoms persisted after treatment had ended, 12 weeks
later. Those who took the placebo, Group B, declined in motor function at both
the end of the study at 48 weeks as well as 12 weeks later (60-week mark). [C]
“[repeated line also said by George]
Marty McFly: If
you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.”
RESULTS:
The team of researchers discovered that Group A scored a
total of 4 points higher on the 132-point scale compared to Group B despite
many varying factors including disease severity. The 132-point scale is used to
measure symptoms of Parkinson’s such as tremors, agility, and speech. Even
after the trail was over, exactly 12 weeks after, participants of Group A
showed better motor function than those in Group B. [A] These observations show that the drug may be slowing down
the progression of the disease. Those who were injected with the placebo showed
a decline in motor function at both the end of the trial (at 48-week mark) and
after (at the 60-week mark). The drug holds potential to affect the progression
of the disease and its symptoms. [C]
Although, the participants themselves did not report
noticeable difference in their symptoms to the team of researchers, or during
the time post-trial period, the scores speak for themselves. The participants
were also tested while temporarily off all medication, to determine how the
disease itself was progressing. The research did not determine conclusively
whether the drug was modifying the disease itself, so the next stage in the
research will investigate this area. [C]
“[last lines] Marty McFly: Hey,
Doc, we better back up. We don't have enough road to get up to 88.
Dr. Emmett Brown: Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads.”
CONCLUSION:
Dr. Emmett Brown: Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads.”
CONCLUSION:
Developing new treatments from scratch can be very
difficult and time consuming, so it is reasonable to see why scientists often
use already approved therapies for one condition or disease to treat another
(this is also known as ‘drug repurposing’). This allows for new approaches in
therapeutic developments and advancements in treatment options for many
diseases not just Parkinson’s. More specifically, the results of these ‘exenatide’
studies’ have proven that this drug has great potential in treating Parkinson’s
symptoms. But, before new treatments can be built centered around ‘exenatide’, it
will take years of testing before it will be safe for patients to use it.
The brain scans showed no clear after-effects, making
scientists question how the drug works and why some individuals benefited more
than others. Next, longer termed study with a larger pool of participants have
to be held to produce more conclusive results. [C] Such scientific breakthroughs, brings humanity a step closer
to give people their lives back and better quality of living. The future of Parkinson’s
disease and the individuals who live with the condition seems brighter than
ever.
LINKS:
[D] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/definition/con-20028488
*Please note! These images are not mine. They were found
on various tumblr, pinterest, google image sites! If any are yours please let
me know so that I can give you credit for them! Also the people in the images
have no relation to the diseases, illnesses, or cancers I write about. Thanks
so much & enjoy~
*Quotes by:
It took almost one year for my first real outbreak but it was the hardest thing in the world to get along with. I felt so unwanted and dirty. I tried many formulas, suggestions, methods to get rid of it permanently. Booked appointment with many doctors, professionals, even religiously until I started getting away spiritually and still it won't go. The worst is my outbreaks occurs within short period and take as long as even weeks to go away. I was at last placed on antiviral treatment which is a good treatment but for how long? I prayed every four times a day for God to cure me miraculously or direct me to cure because I know there is. During outbreaks I thought it's the end of the world but it's not, with time I will become normal again. I started trying fruits and herbs, take herbal produced, and with time became very interested in herbs. I read blogs, websites, and comments on herbs and built a stronger hope. I saw comments and decided to try Dr Utu African Traditional Herbal meds. I know of one mr Brown who was HIV and now brags he was cured of HIV with Dr Utu traditional meds but never give it a thought because I believed HIV already has a cure and never think it through or make a research. And for herpes my doctor told me that there is no known cure. When I saw testimonies of his Herpes cure on sites. I copied his contact drutuherbalcure@gmail.com. I showed it to brown who confirmed it was Dr Utu contact. I contacted him immediately and he also prepared and sent me herbal herpes meds through DHL. Right after getting this traditional meds I followed the prescription cautiously and withing days I started noticing rapid change and I know within me it's the cure. I used it for up to two weeks and when my test result was out not only did this herbal meds cure me but boost my immune and I feel real and free. Dr Utu African Traditional meds have successfully cured Herpes, Warts, HIV, Cancers, Kidney Stone, Asthma, most importantly this traditional meds boost immune and have no after effect.
ReplyDeleteI was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a year ago at the age of 68. For several months I had noticed tremors in my right hand and the shaking of my right foot when I was sitting. My normally beautiful cursive writing was now small cramped printing. And I tended to lose my balance. Neurologist had me walk down the hall and said I didn’t swing my right arm. I had never noticed! I was in denial for a while as there is no history in my family of parents and five older siblings, but now accept I had classic symptoms. I was taking pramipexole (Sifrol), carbidopa/levodopa and Biperiden, 2 mg. and started physical therapy to strengthen muscles. nothing was really working to help my condition.I went off the Siferol (with the doctor’s knowledge) and started on parkinson’s herbal formula i ordered from Solutions Health Herbal Clinic, my symptoms totally declined over a 5 weeks use of the Parkinsons disease natural herbal formula. i am now almost 70 and doing very well, the disease is totally reversed! Visit there website www.solutionhealthherbalclinic.com
ReplyDeleteMy symptoms started at the age of 47. My fingers on my left hand were stiff and were difficult to move. People noticed that my walk was not normal. I was often asked did I hurt. I noticed nothing different about my walk. It was difficult getting up from` a chair and getting out of a car. I was diagnosed a year later ,it was the onset of tremors starting in my right hand that caused my other symptoms to be recognized as Parkinson's.. I am now 59. With the new herbal medicine i purchase from totalcureherbsfoundation .c om was my only way to get rid of my PD,the herbal formula effectively reverse my condition and alleviate all symptoms.
ReplyDeletei have being suffering from Parkinson disease for 4 years now at 47 yearsof age till i used Madida herbal medicine. I used to have sleepless night, tremors, weakness, slow movement etc. I was placed on Sinemet for 7 months and then Sifrol and Rotigotine was introduced which replaced the Sinemet but I had to stop due to side effects. Last year, I started on Parkinsons disease herbal treatment from Madida Herbal Clinic, this natural herbal treatment totally reversed my Parkinsons disease. Visit: www.madidaherbalclinic.weebly.com, email madidaherbalcenter@gmail.com for more information. The treatment worked incredibly for my Parkinsons disease, i have a total decline in symptoms including tremors, stiffness, slow movement and others.
ReplyDeleteI am a 51 year old female that just found out I have Parkinson's about a year and half, but I have been having signs of it for years, tremors, depression, body weakness. ECT. I honestly don't think my doctor was reading the signs because of my gender and age. A few years ago I had my shoulder lock up on me and I was sent to a P.T since x-rays didn't show any physical damage. My shaking was getting worse and I began falling. Only when my speech became so bad that it brought concern to my dentist was Parkinson's even considered. He phoned my doctor with his concerns about my shaking and balance problems. By this time I was forgoing shots in the back of my neck for back and neck pain to which once again I was sent to a P.T (although x-rays showed no damage) I was told I had a few spurs which were most likely causing the pain. Here I was feeling like my whole body was falling apart and doctor could not find anything wrong, maybe in was all in my head? My doctor even seemed annoyed with me and things just kept progressing and I just kept it to myself, why bother going through testing and them finding nothing? Well, it was after my second P.T called my doctor about the weakness in my legs and arms, by this time I have developed a gait in my walk and I fell more frequently. Only then did my doctor send me to a specialist and it was found that I had Parkinson's, and that I have had it for awhile. I think because I was a woman that my signs and symptoms weren't taken seriously and therefor left untreated for so long,I was taking pramipexole dihydrochloride three times daily, I Was on carbidopa levodopa but only lasted 90 minutes then wore off.I found that none of the current medications worked effective for me.I got tired of using those medication so I decided to apply natural herbs formula that was prescribed to me by my second P.T, i purchase the herbal formula from totalcureherbsfoundation. com, There has been huge progression ever since I start the treatment plan which will last for 15 weeks usage.all the symptoms and sign has begin to disappear .
ReplyDeleteMy husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 68. His symptoms were shuffling of feet, slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of hand writing, horrible driving skills, right arm held at 45 degree angle. Things were tough for me, I too was diagnosed of COPD but now we both finally free from these diseases with the help of total cure herbal foundation, He now walks properly and all symptoms has reversed. He had trouble with balance especially at night, getting into the shower and exiting it is difficult. Getting into bed is also another thing he finds impossible. We had to find a better solution for his condition which has really helped him a lot,The biggest helped we had was totalcureherbsfoundation. com They walked us through the proper steps, im highly recommending this herbal formula to anyone who needs help.
ReplyDeleteI am here to express my profound warm gratitude to Doctor Lewis Hill herbal medicine, which i got from Dr Lewis Hill. I am now leaving a healthy life since the past 1 Year i am now Parkinson disease free after the application and usage. You can contact for your medication from via Email lewishill247@gmail.com. Wish you all the best and a happy healing. Thanks and God Bless you for your help doctor
ReplyDeletei started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate Health Home, the treatment worked incredibly for my lungs condition. I used the herbal treatment for almost 4 months, it reversed my COPD. My severe shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness gradually disappeared. Reach Ultimate Health Home via their website www.ultimatelifeclinic.com I can breath much better and It feels comfortable!
ReplyDelete