The Problem
There are few treatment options for rare pediatric neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
Growing evidence suggests that plasmalogen deficiency causes impairments of various cellular functions, which leads to neuronal inflammation.
Our Solution
Nearly two decades of research with natural plasmalogen clinical trials have shown evidence for the potential efficacy and safety of the plasmalogen derivatives for treating diseases such as Rett syndrome and Alzheimer’s.
Our Solution
Nearly two decades of research with natural plasmalogen clinical trials have shown evidence for the potential efficacy and safety of the plasmalogen derivatives for treating diseases such as Rett syndrome and Alzheimer’s.
What are Plasmalogens?
Plasmalogens are a type of phospholipid that is present in the membranes of cells throughout the body, particularly in the brain, heart, and other organs with high metabolic activity.
Plasmalogens were thought to be involved in the membrane bilayer formation and anti-oxidant function. However, extensive studies revealed various beneficial biological activities including prevention of neuroinflammation, improvement of cognitive function, and inhibition of neuronal cell death.
The biological activities of Plasmalogens have been associated with the changes in cellular signaling and gene expression. Membrane-bound GPCRs have been identified as possible receptors for Plasmalogens suggesting they may function as ligands or hormones
In Rett syndrome (RTT) patients, plasmalogen levels are reduced in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and the composition of membrane lipids is compromised, contributing to central nervous system dysfunction.” Neuroinflammation caused by MeCP2 mutation may decrease plasmalogens, and the reduced plasmalogens increase neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation could compromise neuronal membrane composition, and the reduced neurogenesis contribute to central nervous system dysfunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE PLASMALOGENS?
Plasmalogens are a unique type of phospholipid and an essential component of cell membranes. Unlike typical phospholipids, plasmalogens have distinctive structural and functional characteristics that make them important in various biological processes.
Essentially, plasmalogens are made up of fatty acids along with a phosphate group, with chemical bonds that make them more flexible. The membrane surrounding each cell is composed of phospholipids, some of which are rigid due to their composition, and then plasmalogens, which are more flexible.
Plasmalogens contain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA.
Types of Plasmalogens
Plasmalogens differ from other phospholipids in that they have an ether linkage instead of the more common ester linkage found in other phospholipids. Specifically, this ether linkage is often a vinyl ether linkage, which is more chemically reactive. At the sn-2 position, plasmalogens typically contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which make them fluid and flexible. In addition, plasmalogens contain a phosphate group that can be attached to various head groups such as choline or ethanolamine to form choline plasmalogen or ethanolamine plasmalogen, respectively.
In fact, about 10-20% of the phospholipids in the body are classified as plasmalogens. When plasmalogens are incorporated into the plasma membrane of the cell, they make it more fluid.
The ethanolamine plasmalogens are abundant in the brain and are thought to be important in neurodegenerative diseases.
The choline plasmalogens are found abundantly in the heart and are thought to play a role in protecting against heart disease.
WHAT DO PLASMALOGENS DO?
Plasmalogens are found in many tissues but are particularly abundant in the heart, brain, immune cells, and muscle tissue. The biosynthesis of plasmalogens takes place in the peroxisomes and endoplasmic reticulum of cells. It involves the formation of the ether bond and subsequent steps to form the complete plasmalogen molecule.
Why are plasmalogens important in Rett Syndrome?
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene, leading to severe neurological impairments.
The most common type of MeCP2 mutations are known to cause neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Evidence has shown that plasmalogen significantly decreases neuroinflammation and recovers mitochondrial function. In addition, plasmalogen facilitates neurogenesis and increases cognition. These functions are expected to modify the disease course of Rett Syndrome.
Why is this science so exciting?
Plasmalogen has been elucidated to have strong anti-neuroinflammatory effects. NeuroCores’ plasmalogen derivatives are engineered to exert more potent therapeutic effects with the same safety profile as natural plasmalogen, more chemically stable and safe in the GI tract.
Plasmalogens have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of both common and rare diseases: Rett Syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata, Zellweger syndrome and Huntington’s disease.