Shi research focuses on the discovery of effective dose levels of acrolein to fight.We currently are testing to see whether hydralazine can reduce symptoms if treatment begins after the start, he said. If the drug continues to be effective, we have good reason to believe that might be useful in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Riyi Shi Purdue professor is to examine the effects of hydralazine in acrolein, a compound that can affect the central nervous system and damages the nerve cells. Acrolein reacts with proteins and lipids that make up cells, including neurons. Acrolein and hydralazine escrow acrolein-protein compounds, leading to their expulsion from the body.
Hydralazine therapy for multiple sclerosis is not ready for clinical use, said Shi, a physician and a professor of neuroscience and biomedical engineering at Purdue in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Paralysis Research and Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering.
Shi first study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, tested the effectiveness of hydralazine, before the symptoms of multiple sclerosis developed.
It will be followed by studies to identify the optimal time of treatment and dosage.