Research
Cerebrolysin Peptide Structure
PubChem SID: | 472407974 |
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What is Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin® is a mixture of peptides and amino acids derived from porcine central nervous system tissue. It is known for its potential neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. Clinical trials have studied Cerebrolysin for its effects on various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, cerebral impairment and traumatic brain injuries.
Cerebrolysin and Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Cerebrolysin mimics the effects of neurotrophic factors, which are proteins that support neuron growth and survival. It helps in reducing amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles, which are hallmarks of AD [R, R, R].
Several studies have shown that Cerebrolysin improves cognitive function and daily living activities in patients with mild to moderate AD. It has been found to be more effective than a placebo in improving cognitive performance and global clinical outcomes [R, R, R].
When used with cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, Cerebrolysin can prolong and enhance the effects of these drugs, providing better overall outcomes for patients [R].
The benefits of Cerebrolysin can last for several months after treatment ends, suggesting it may have disease-modifying properties rather than just symptomatic relief [R].
Cerebrolysin and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Studies have shown that Cerebrolysin is safe and well-tolerated by patients with TBI. It has been associated with improvements in cognitive and functional outcomes, although some studies did not find statistically significant differences in primary outcome measures [R, R, R].
Cerebrolysin mimics the action of neurotrophic factors, which are important for brain health. It helps in neuroprotection, neurogenesis (growth of new neurons), and reducing inflammation, which are beneficial for TBI recovery [R, R].
Meta-analyses of multiple studies have confirmed that Cerebrolysin can improve clinical outcomes in TBI patients, though the exact benefits can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the timing of the treatment [R, R].
Cognitive Enhancement and Memory Improvement
Studies found that Cerebrolysin can improve global and cognitive functions in patients aged 50 and older with Alzheimer’s Disease. It showed significant effects on functional and cognitive decline in some trials [R].
In mice models, Cerebrolysin reduced anxiety and improved spatial memory. It also helped reverse changes in the brain associated with PTSD [R].
In mice treated with the chemotherapy drug Carmustine, Cerebrolysin helped protect against cognitive deficits. It reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain [R].
In relatives of Alzheimer’s patients, Cerebrolysin helped delay the progression of cognitive decline. It showed positive effects on cognitive functioning over a long period [R].
Neuroprotection and Neurogenesis
Studies have shown that Cerebrolysin can protect brain cells and improve outcomes in various conditions. For example, it helps reduce cell death and improve neurological scores in mice with brain hemorrhages by inhibiting necroptosis, a type of programmed cell death [R].
Cerebrolysin also shows promise in treating autism spectrum disorder by improving social behavior and reducing repetitive actions in animal models [R].
Additionally, the neuropeptide has been found to upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuron survival and growth, in studies involving oxidative stress models [R].