J Pharm Pharmacogn Res 2(Suppl. 1): S103, 2014
Special supplement with the abstract book of LATINFARMA 2013
Conference
C 034: EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR AND GROWTH HORMONE-RELEASING PEPTIDE-6: COMBINED THERAPEUTIC APPROACH FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
García del Barco D1, Subirós Martínez N1, Perez-Saad H1, Coro RM2, Suárez Alba J1, Berlanga J.1
Abstract
Introduction: Considering the multiple pathophysiological mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, stroke and others), we sustain the convenience of a combined therapy to induce brain protection. Such strategy could allow a concerted blockade of key points of the complex pathophysiology characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases.
Material and methods: We have developed a therapeutic approach based on the co-administration of EGF+GHRP6 which is in agreement with the principle that successful protection of the central nervous system compels the protection of all the cells thereof.
Results: Some of the pathophysiological phenomena produced during brain damage are targeted by the cytoprotective effects of both EGF and GHRP6. The most relevant of these effects act on oxidative stressinduced damage, on mitochondrial dysfunction and on glutamateinduced excytotoxicity. All this properties can explain the salutary therapeutic effects of EGF+GHRP6 co-administration observed in different experimental models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and stroke during preclinical evaluations.
Conclusions: The combined therapy of EGF and GHRP6 simultaneously targets different patho-physiological key points involving not only neurons, but also glial cells and vascular endothelium. In the biology of brain damage, neuroprotection is a limited concept, so it is necessary to think of a more complete praxis involving brain-protection. The results of this work could be considered as an example of therapeutic alternative holistically directed to brain-protection.