Chemical compounds capable of stopping the degeneration of neurons in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other severe brain pathologies have been synthesized by Ural scientists, RIA Novosti reports. Scientists have obtained substances that may provide a breakthrough in the treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies. New molecules of indolyl and pyrrolilazins series activate intracellular mechanisms to combat one of the major causes of age-related brain diseases – excess of so-called amyloid structures accumulated in human brain with age. The study was published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

Our compounds activate the synthesis of special heat shock proteins and cause their accumulation in the cell. Proteins of this type allow to secure neuronal tissue from an excess of toxic amyloids and protect cells from various types of stress, including proteotoxic stress characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases, said Irina Utepova, professor of the Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry at UrFU.

Advantages of indolyl- and pyrrolylazins are their advantageous synthesis technology and low toxicity. The compounds were tested on cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease and secondary damage after brain injury. In both cases, the new substances demonstrated a significant therapeutic effect, increasing the survival of neuronal cells.

The most effective compound was tested on living tissues of rats with secondary injuries after craniocerebral injuries. According to the scientists, the use of pyrrolilazine in rehabilitation therapy allowed the animals to avoid the appearance of motor disorders and degeneration of hippocampal neurons.

According to the scientists, the use of pyrrolazine in rehabilitation therapy allowed the animals to avoid motor impairment and degeneration of hippocampal neurons. The scientific team continues to study the mechanism of action of the new compounds and is preparing for their preclinical trials.