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Designed for Diabetes: The Triple Receptor Agonist
For the study, researchers used old mice with genetic mutations that provoke a form of hereditary Alzheimer's seen in humans. The mice were injected daily with three hormones, GLP-1, GIP and glucagon. The first two stimulate a reduction in blood glucose by increasing insulin production. GLP-1 also reduces appetite. Glucagon improves liver function and the rate at which calories are burned. The drug is called a triple receptor agonist. It has already shown promising results in reducing blood sugar, body fat and weight in diabetes studies. The three hormones also act as brain growth factors. These are impaired in patients with Alzheimer's.Protects the Brain in Multiple Ways
At the end of two months the researchers found:- a significant improvement in learning and memory - the treated mice performed much better in a maze test compared to those not given the drug
- a slowdown in the rate of neuron (brain cell) loss
- increased levels of a critical brain growth hormone called BDNF that helps create new brain cells and protects existing ones
- reduced quantities of a signaling molecule that promotes death of neurons and increased levels of another that prevents nerve cells from dying
- enhanced numbers of a protein that helps maintain communication between neurons
- reduction in the total volume of beta amyloid - the protein linked to Alzheimer's
- less inflammation in the brain
- lower amounts of damaging oxidative stress