Researchers at Tulane University have actually discovered that drugs called FGFR inhibitors might be efficient in treating long-lasting neurological symptoms of Lyme disease. Credit: SciTechDaily.com Fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors, a type of drug previously studied in the context of cancer, reveals pledge in decreasing inflammation and cell death in brain and nerve tissue samples infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.Tulane University researchers have determined a promising brand-new technique to treating relentless neurological symptoms related to Lyme disease, using hope to clients who struggle with long-term results of the bacterial infection, even after antibiotic treatment. Their results were released in Frontiers in Immunology.Lyme disease, triggered by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transferred through tick bites, can result in a series of signs, including those affecting the peripheral and central anxious systems. While prescription antibiotics can effectively clear the infection for the most part, a subset of patients continues to experience symptoms such as memory tiredness, discomfort, and loss– a condition frequently referred to as post-treatment Lyme illness syndrome.Breakthrough in TreatmentPrincipal private investigator Geetha Parthasarathy, PhD, an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, has actually discovered that fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors, a type of drug previously studied in the context of cancer, can substantially reduce swelling and cell death in brain and nerve tissue samples contaminated with Borrelia burgdorferi. This discovery recommends that targeting FGFR paths might use an exciting new healing technique to dealing with persistent neuroinflammation in patients with post-treatment Lyme illness syndrome.”Our findings unlock to brand-new research approaches that can help us support patients experiencing the long lasting results of Lyme illness,” Parthasarathy stated. “By focusing on the underlying inflammation that contributes to these symptoms, we wish to develop treatments that can enhance the lifestyle for those affected by this debilitating condition.”Implications for Future TreatmentResearchers treated nerve tissue with live or inactivated Borrelia burgdorferi, followed by an application of FGFR inhibitors. Research study results revealed a considerable decrease in both inflammatory markers and of cell death.While more research is required to translate these findings into medical treatments, the research study represents an important advance in understanding and potentially managing the complex after-effects of Lyme disease.Reference: “Fibroblast development factor receptor inhibitors reduce the neuropathogenicity of Borrelia burgdorferi or its remnants ex vivo” by Geetha Parthasarathy, 19 March 2024, Frontiers in Immunology.DOI: 10.3389/ fimmu.2024.1327416 This research study was moneyed by the Bay Area Lyme Foundation and supported with resources from the Tulane National Primate Research Center base grant of the National Institutes of Health, P51 OD011104.
