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PCOM RESEARCHERS DISCOVER A COMMON BACTERIA ENHANCES AMYLOID PROTEIN PROCESSING IMPORTANT IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

-- Antibiotic Studies, As a Revolutionary Treatment, are Underway

Philadelphia (12/9/99) -- In a landmark study, researchers at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) have discovered that a common bacteria, Chlamydia pneumoniae, which causes pneumonia and bronchitis, can enhance the processing of beta amyloid -- a major protein in the senile plaques found in Alzheimer's patient's brains. The study was conducted by a team of scientists led by Drs. Brian Balin and Denah Appelt at PCOM, in collaboration with Dr. Alan Hudson at Wayne State University.

For the first time, the preliminary study establishes the possibility that the bacterium stimulates an increase in beta amyloid in infected cells, thereby increasing the amyloid burden in the nearby vicinity. These results suggest that C. pneumoniae infection may trigger one form of the pathology characteristic of sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

"Having first identified an infectious organism in Alzheimer's brains, we now are trying to understand how it may promote neuropathogenesis," said Dr. Balin. The research was partly funded by the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases; findings were presented recently to the Society for Neuroscience in Miami, FL.

In an ongoing study, the PCOM researchers, with funding from the Foundation for Research into Diseases of Aging (FRIDA), are studying the effects of antibiotics in reducing the mental deterioration of early stage Alzheimer's patients. "We believe that antibiotics may reduce the effects of the disease, and unsolicited feedback from physicians who have initiated this treatment shows the approach is plausible and revolutionary."

Also noteworthy, a recent PCOM national public opinion survey reveals that Alzheimer's is a "top three" medical condition that Americans believe will be cured first in the new millennium. Further, 20% of PCOM's medical students think that a cure for Alzheimer's would be identified first.

"The research conducted by Dr. Balin and his team has created hope for a cure," adds Leonard H. Finkelstein, D.O., president of PCOM.

PCOM is the largest osteopathic medical school in the country and the nation's fifth largest medical college. The College is experiencing a surge in research, with the most sponsored research projects it has ever had at one time in its 100-year history. A leader in primary care, over 65% of PCOM's graduates choose careers in family practice, general internal medicine, OB/GYN and pediatrics.

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