Researchers in Germany have shown that the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC), administered in combination with laser irradiation, can reduce amyloid-β aggregation in human neuroblastoma cells. Previous animal studies have indicated that ECGC can cross the blood–brain barrier, and that near-infrared laser light can penetrate several centimeters into the brain. Taken together, these findings raise the possibility of developing this approach as a therapy for Alzheimer disease.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Sommer, A. P. et al. 670 nm laser light and EGCG complementarily reduce amyloid-β aggregates in human neuroblastoma cells: basis for treatment of Alzheimer's disease? Photomed. Laser Surg. doi:10.1089/pho.2011.3073
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A novel therapeutic approach for Alzheimer disease?. Nat Rev Neurol 8, 4 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2011.209
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2011.209