A study from University of Houston recommends a different approach in developing drugs to treat Alzheimer’s, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases. Scientists from the Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling (CNRCS) at UH are finalizing the results of their study that was conducted in 1996, according to an interview was published on Nature Reviews Drug Discovery magazine for their October issue.

This extensive study, about the Estrogen Beta receptors, was led by Dr. Jan-Åke Gustafsson, UH professor and CNRCS director, and an expert when it comes to estrogen receptors. He is known for the discovery of Estrogen Beta Receptors during his tenure at the Karolina institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

"We have known for some time that female sex hormones – estrogens – influence a number of functions in the human body," said Gustafsson to Eurek Alert.

"Only recently have we and others found that one of the estrogen receptors – ERβ – is a potential target for the treatment of Alzheimer's and other chronic diseases."

Estrogen alpha Receptor has been known and used to different drugs. However, Gustafsson found out that aside from the alpha receptor, it is also essential to include the beta receptors.

Both alpha and beta estrogen receptors have effects on cells. They are essential in influencing cells for fertility, cardiovascular, metabolism, and neurological. And because Gustafsson’s study proved that these Estrogen receptors have numerous effects on human, the team suggested drug manufacturers to include both receptors in creating drugs for different health problems including Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder that is most commonly described as the deterioration of brain cells. It is a type of dementia which is characterized by mood changes, loss of memory, problems with reasoning and communication.

This disease is common with aging people. Therapy can be used to enhance and improve the situation of a person with Alzheimer’s. However, drugs and medications still remain to be the most efficient treatment for this disorder.

Gustafsson found out that the Estrogen Beta receptors can also improve neurological functions and suggested to use for Alzheimer’s cases.

The effectiveness of Estrogen Beta receptors was challenged and proven on breast cancer. But the research team believes that the Beta receptors can do more than that.