Popular Insect Repellent Deet Is Neurotoxic Aug 7, 2009
In a series of experiments, Corbel and his colleagues found that deet inhibits the acetylcholinesterase enzyme the same mode of action used by organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. These insecticides are often used in combination with deet, and the researchers also found that deet interacts with carbamate insecticides to increase their toxicity. (Science Daily)
Common Insect Repellent Affects Nervous System Aug 6, 2009
It does so by blocking the enzyme that normally degrades ACh, acetylcholinesterase, or AChE. The result is a toxic build-up of ACh that ultimately prevents the transmission of signals across the neuron synapse, the study found. A class of insecticides called carbamates, as well as the nerve gas sarin, work in the same way, only the effects are stronger and last much longer. (Newsmax)
Deet inhibits cholinesterase Aug 6, 2009
Deet is commonly used in combination with insecticides and we show that deet has the capacity to strengthen the toxicity of carbamates, a class of insecticides known to block acetylcholinesterase. Conclusion. (BioMed Central)
Avipaxin Is First Entrant in Medical Arsenal for Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Connection(C) Product and Testing Protocols Aug 5, 2009
Avipaxin supports acetylcholine levels by providing substrates for its production and by inhibiting its metabolizing enzyme, acetylcholinesterase. Initial studies at NeuroScience, Inc. revealed a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines after Avipaxin use. (PR Newswire)
Deet bug repellent 'toxic worry' Aug 5, 2009
In work on rodents at the cellular level, deet blocked an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, whose job is to control one of the main chemical messengers used by the nervous system. The findings of animal studies do not always match what happens in humans. (BBC News -- UK)
Eisai Receives Approval for a New Oral Jelly Formulation of Aricept(R) for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease in Japan Jul 24, 2009
Aricept is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor developed by Eisai, which works to increase levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. It is the only approved treatment for Alzheimer's disease in Japan, and is used in the treatment of patients with mild to severe forms of the disease. (JCN Network, Japan)
Close caregiver relationship may slow Alzheimer's decline Jul 23, 2009
Patients with close spouses declined the slowest overall, with scores on the MMSE showing changes over time similar to patients participating in recent clinical trials for FDA-approved Alzheimer's drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. "We've shown that the benefits of having a close caregiver, especially a spouse, may be substantial. The difference in cognitive and functional decline over time between close and not-as-close pairs can mean the difference between staying at home or going... (EurekAlert!)
Toxin Detection As Close As An Inkjet Printer Jul 20, 2009
The researchers demonstrated the concept on the detection of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors such as paraoxon and aflatoxin B1 on paper using a "lateral flow" sensing approach similar to that used in a home pregnancy test strip. The process involves formulating an ink like the one found in computer printer cartridges but with special additives to make the ink biocompatible. (Science Daily)
Lower Dementia Drug Dose Boosts Brain Function, Cuts Side Effects Apr 30, 2009
Rivastigmine is part of the drug class called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors ... Gastrointestinal adverse events are associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, but we see fewer with the smaller patch compared with the larger patch, Birks noted ... Although acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as rivastigmine do affect cognitive function in people with Alzheimer s, patients and their caregivers should understand that these drugs do not change the ultimate progression of this degenerative... (Science Daily)
ExonHit Therapeutics Reports Advancements in the Clinical Development of EHT 0202, its Phase II Drug for Alzheimer's Disease Feb 26, 2009
The effect of two different doses of EHT 0202 as adjunctive therapy to an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor will be evaluated in comparison to placebo. Ambulatory patients suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease are randomized and receive oral treatment, twice a day, of either 40 or 80 mg of EHT 0202, or placebo over a three-month period. (PR Newswire)
Medical Students Target Aphids With Insecticide Safe For Humans Feb 16, 2009
"We're reporting the development of a small molecule that blocks nearly all acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the greenbug and the soybean aphid, but without inhibiting AChE in humans," says Dr. Pang. "Now we need to see how well that translates to the field." Overseeing that phase will be David Ragsdale, Ph. (Science Daily)
