Prevention and/or Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases by Elevation of Glutathione and Phase Detoxification Enzymes

A wealth of data has unambiguously showed that cellular glutathione (GSH) protects neurons against degeneration (possibly by preventing apoptosis). Phase 2 enzymes such as GSH transferase that also help reduce cellular oxidative stress may play an important role in preventing neurodegerenation as well. Since GSH and Phase 2 enzyme activities can be coordinately raised by chemical inducers, we claim that a strategy to raise GSH and Phase 2 enzyme activities in neural cells and tissues will lead to effective prevention and even treatment of many neurodegenerative diseases, including, but not limited to Amyotrophic Leteral Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, based on our findings, we also claim that sulforaphane, a potent Phase 2 enzyme inducer previously isolated by us from broccoli, is capable of elevating GSH and probably Phase 2 enzymes in neural tissues. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) A. The strategy that prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases may be achieved by elevating cellular GSH level and Phase 2 enzymes in neural cells and tissues with selected chemical inducers. B. Sulforaphane significantly elevated GSH level in spinal cord in vitro and prevented motor neurons in the spinal cord tissue from death induced by a toxic chemical. Patent (Set) 6,812,248; aban WO 02/02190

Patents:
US 6,812,248

Inventor(s): Zhang, Yuesheng

Type of Offer: Licensing



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