A commonly prescribed antibiotic may prove effective in treating genetic diseases such as Hurler Syndrome, according to a recent study by UAB researchers. Details of the study appeared in the February issue of Human Molecular Genetics.
With Hurler Syndrome, cells do not produce a particular enzyme essential for breaking down chains of sugars. Sugar chains accumulate in the cells causing progressive damage and eventually death, usually by age 10 or 12.
"In laboratory studies we found Hurler cells treated with the antibiotic gentamicin showed increased enzyme activity," says David Bedwell, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology at UAB. "Further research is needed but findings suggest that this treatment may work for this and similar other genetic diseases."
Contact Joy Carter, Media Relations, 205-934-1676 or [email protected].
RSS