Scientists have found a way to target both obesity and Alzheimer’s

Czech researchers have developed a promising new compound, derived from one of the peptides naturally present in the brain, a double-edged sword – against obesity and Alzheimer’s.

Starting from the neuropeptide CART, naturally secreted by the body, they created, at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, a stronger and more effective compound.

The CART neuropeptide, which is abundantly found in the hypothalamus, is mainly related to the regulation of food intake. Developed in the laboratory, it has been proven that it not only suppresses appetite but also protects the brain by reducing the pathogenicity of the tau protein, which is associated with the dreaded disease Alzheimer’s, according to a report to be published by European Journal of Pharmacology.

The new compound has successfully passed laboratory tests, but also on animals, he writes Technology networks. Obese and diabetic mice lost weight after being given it and were also shown to reduce the pathology of the dangerous tau protein in their brains.

The authors of the study are optimistic that the new product could work in the treatment or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.