A study by researchers from NIMHANS has found that peripheral inflammation may play a significant role in triggering brain inflammation and neurodegeneration in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) , a rare neurological disorder for which there is currently no disease-modifying treatment.
PSP is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by loss of balance, difficulty in walking, swallowing and speaking, as well as impairment of eye movements. the mechanisms through which inflammation outside the brain influences brain pathology have remained poorly understood Although previous research has suggested that abnormal immune responses contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The study, led by Monojit Debnath, professor of human genetics at NIMHANS, sought to bridge this knowledge gap by investigating inflammatory pathways both within the central nervous system and in the peripheral immune system. Explaining the significance of the findings, Dr. “Finding a definite and reliable biomarker in peripheral blood is the need of the hour for the accurate diagnosis of various neurodegenerative diseases, including PSP. Dr. the factors that trigger these abnormal immune responses have remained unclear While rogue immune cells are believed to contribute to this process. The present study suggests that inflammatory changes occurring in the peripheral immune system may influence immune activity within the brain, thereby contributing to neuronal damage and disease progression.
Because many of its early symptoms overlap with Parkinson’s disease, it is frequently misdiagnosed during the initial stages.
The findings, recently published in Frontiers in Immunology , provide fresh insights into how the disease develops and raise the possibility of identifying blood-based biomarkers that could improve diagnosis and potentially guide future therapeutic strategies, researchers said. Debnath told The Hindu that the study is the first to establish a direct connection between peripheral inflammation and brain inflammation in patients with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Our study raises hope in that direction,” he said. Debnath said the findings strengthen the hypothesis that the immune system outside the brain plays an active role in the disease process, especially in the ongoing neurodegeneration. The researchers said PSP is caused by degeneration of nerve cells in brain regions that control movement and cognition and is characterised by abnormal accumulation of tau protein.
Multi-pronged investigation
The researchers examined three major inflammatory pathways — the NLRP3 inflammasome, NF-κB pathway, and Th17 pathway — all of which are known to regulate immune responses. Using a multi-pronged approach, the team analysed inflammatory markers in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid while simultaneously employing PET-MRI imaging to assess inflammation in the brain. The combined analysis demonstrated a clear association between inflammation in the peripheral immune system and neuroinflammation in patients with PSP.
