Reviving Aging Muscles and Nerves: The Breakthrough Discovery
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine and Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered a new approach to accelerate recovery from peripheral nerve injury by targeting an enzyme associated with aging. Inhibiting this enzyme in a mouse model promoted the regeneration of motor nerves and formation of neuromuscular synapses, leading to faster recovery of strength. The enzyme, called 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), degrades a compound called prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) that is crucial for muscle regeneration. Inhibiting 15-PGDH could be a potential treatment for nerve damage and muscle wasting disorders.