A research team led by Brazilian specialists has discovered that medicines used in the treatment of HIV and hepatitis B may be effective in combating Rett syndrome, as reported by Brasil 247, a partner of TV BRICS.
This rare genetic disease mainly affects girls, causing regression of cognitive, motor and speech skills, as well as leading to serious respiratory difficulties, TV BRICS reported.
To conduct comprehensive studies of the syndrome, researchers sent mini-brains grown in the laboratory into space, where microgravity conditions stimulate brain ageing. This made it possible to identify that the disease is triggered by an inflammatory response. This reaction can be blocked through a combination of the medicines lamivudine and stavudine, promoting the recovery of normal brain functions.
In addition to being effective in the treatment of Rett syndrome, this combination of medicines may also help prevent premature brain ageing, a problem that can occur during prolonged space missions. Scientists hope that this treatment will also open up novel possibilities for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
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