Melatonin Said to Reverse Formation of Protein Linked to Alzheimer's

Melatonin reverses the formation of a protein complex that is linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers at the University of South Alabama Medical College.

Their findings, published in the journal Biochemistry, are based on animal and human cell culture studies.

"Our results clearly demonstrate the ability of melatonin to inhibit the process of forming the 'signature' amyloid protein bundles seen in Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Miguel Pappolla of USAMC and co-author of the study. "What is equally intriguing is that persons with Alzheimer's disease also show remarkably lower concentrations of melatonin in their brains."

Researchers added melatonin to solutions containing abnormal brain amyloid fibrils along with another protein linked with Alzheimer's disease, apoE. Melatonin inhibited the formation of amyloid Beta, which kills nerve cells in the brain.

"This activity attributed to the 'indole' structure of melatonin appears to be specific," said Pappolla. "We also observed melatonin completely preventing neurotoxicity to human nerve cells exposed to amyloid beta.

"These exciting findings, however, mandate much more research before we can convincingly state melatonin can halt or prevent Alzheimer's disease," added Pappolla.

Other sources: Biochemistry