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Study Suggests Maintaining Klotho Protein Levels Protects Against ALS-Related Nerve Degeneration

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gherig’s Disease after the famous baseball player who was forced to retire after experiencing the disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. The medical term for ALS accurately describes the effects the disease has on patients. Amyotrophic refers to three root terms: a meaning “no,” myo meaning “muscle,” and trophic meaning nourishment, all of which combine to indicate that the condition leads to no nourishment of muscle tissue and atrophy, or wasting away, of the affected tissue. Lateral indicates the upper and lower areas of the spinal cord that lead to muscle atrophy, and sclerosis refers to the hardening and scarring of the affected regions.

In ALS, motor neurons that provide an essential connection between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body degenerate or deteriorate rapidly. When the motor neurons eventually die, the brain can no longer cause or control muscle movement, leading to their eventual atrophy. Soon after, individuals can experience partial or total paralysis of voluntary muscles, leading to an inability to control muscle movement, speak, eat, and even breathe. The average life expectancy after receiving an ALS diagnosis is between three and five years.

Lack of Available Treatments

Currently, there is no cure for ALS. While familial, or inherited, ALS accounts for some cases of the disease, nearly 95% of cases occur sporadically, without any known genetic precursor. 

In an effort to find a potential preventive treatment for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, researchers at Boston University’s School of Medicine have turned to study biological models that simulate neurodegenerative conditions. As a result, scientists have identified a certain protein that appears to serve a unique, beneficial purpose in protecting the brain from the mechanisms of ALS.

Klotho Protein

In Boston University’s School of Medicine laboratory model, researchers identified an anti-aging protein called klotho protein that showed neuroprotective effects. In fact, increasing klotho protein levels reduced neurological deficits in experimental models of both Alzheimer’s Disease and multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers then posited that klotho protein increases may aid in protecting the brain against other neurodegenerative diseases, as well.

In a subsequent study on a laboratory model, klotho protein provided similar neuroprotective effects against ALS. Klotho protein was shown to reduce ALS-associated neurological deficits, thus providing a potential decrease in the manifestation of symptoms. In conjunction with the presence of anti-inflammatory brain cells called microglia, klotho protein shows potential to protect the brain against inflammation, degeneration, and motor neuron loss.

Future Implications

Klotho protein therapy, along with other activities that increase klotho levels, have been shown to potentially prolong the life of an ALS patient by as much as 300 days. Further, increasing klotho levels appears to improve quality of life by reducing ALS symptoms in patients who have already discovered the disease.

While the klotho protein has long shown benefits for other neurodegenerative diseases, this new information provides hope and potential therapeutic applications for the thousands of patients currently suffering from ALS.

Resources:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-06/buso-pop062719.php
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12031-019-01356-2

https://www.als.org/understanding-als/what-is-als 

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

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Health

Dr. Rajesh Bindal: Revolutionizing The Future Spinal Care

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Spinal care is undergoing a period of change, driven by patient-centric demands, emerging technologies, and a more profound understanding of musculoskeletal health. Healthcare providers such as Dr. Rajesh Bindal are rethinking traditional surgical methods, focusing instead on minimally invasive techniques that prioritize faster recovery and lower complications. 

With tools like telemedicine and wearable tech, access to care is broadening, allowing for continuous monitoring and remote management of spine conditions. Simultaneously, data-driven diagnostics and AI are enhancing precision in treatment planning, while interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that care is comprehensive and personalized.

Minimally Invasive Techniques and Their Benefits

Minimally invasive spine procedures are becoming the preferred choice in modern care. Surgeons now rely on techniques that allow smaller incisions, leading to less tissue damage and quicker recovery times. Patients often return to daily routines faster compared to those who undergo traditional open surgeries, and the need for less general anesthesia further reduces associated risks.

Procedures such as endoscopic discectomy and laser-assisted spinal decompression are gaining traction in outpatient settings. These options carry fewer risks and often reduce the need for prolonged hospital stays. As a result, both patient satisfaction and clinical efficiency have improved immensely.

What once required long recovery periods is now being treated with same-day procedures. This shift is not only changing how surgeries are performed but also how treatments are integrated into overall patient wellness. The trend also reflects a broader shift toward value-based care models within the healthcare system.

Diagnostic Technology and Data-Driven Insights

High-resolution imaging tools like MRI and CT scans have become central to accurate spine assessments. These technologies provide detailed views of spinal structures, helping specialists detect abnormalities that might be missed through physical exams alone. In complex or chronic cases, such imaging helps trace the root of persistent symptoms more effectively.

Artificial intelligence is adding another layer of precision by analyzing patterns in imaging data and patient history. With AI-assisted tools, clinicians are developing more targeted treatment plans that account for individual anatomy and risk factors. Early intervention is now more achievable thanks to these innovations. When spine conditions are caught in earlier stages, patients often avoid surgery altogether or benefit from less invasive interventions.

Expanding Access Through Telemedicine and Remote Care

Virtual spine consultations are helping bridge the gap between patients and specialists, especially in rural or underserved regions. Video-based appointments allow for quicker evaluations, timely follow-ups, and better continuity of care without requiring travel. These innovations have proven especially useful during times when in-person visits are limited, such as public health emergencies.

Wearable devices that track posture, movement, and pain levels are now contributing to real-time monitoring. These tools give providers valuable data that can influence treatment decisions, especially when in-person visits are limited or unnecessary. Remote apps also help patients stay consistent with prescribed rehabilitation exercises.

Despite these advancements, some cases still demand hands-on assessment or surgical intervention. The key lies in blending digital convenience with careful clinical judgment to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care. Providers must be trained to know when to escalate care to in-person settings, ensuring patient safety is never compromised.

Putting Patients at the Center of Spinal Care

Modern care is moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches. More providers are focusing on understanding a patient’s lifestyle, goals, and emotional well-being as part of the treatment strategy. Addressing the mental and physical aspects of chronic spine pain leads to more sustainable outcomes. This approach empowers patients to become active participants in their recovery.

Integrated care teams that include physical therapists, pain management specialists, and behavioral health professionals are becoming more common. This collaboration helps patients stay engaged in their recovery and builds a stronger therapeutic alliance between providers and individuals. Response to treatment tends to improve when patients feel heard and supported throughout the process.

Training, Innovation, and Future Directions

Medical training is evolving alongside advancements in spine care. Surgeons and clinicians are learning to work with robotics, navigation systems, and biologics that weren’t part of traditional education just a decade ago. Simulation-based learning and virtual reality platforms are also being used to enhance skills.

As new therapies emerge—from regenerative injections to AI-assisted surgical robotics—ongoing education is crucial. Providers must not only master new tools but also develop communication skills that allow them to explain complex options in relatable terms. This new wave of technology demands both technical proficiency and empathetic patient interaction.

Looking ahead, policy reforms may further shape access and innovation in spine treatment. These changes could influence everything from insurance coverage to how new procedures are adopted in mainstream care. Continuous collaboration between clinicians, tech developers, and policymakers will be essential to ensure the best outcomes for patients.

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