This is hot off the internet; published online yesterday.

The FASEB Journal, Published online February 27, 2007
Multifunctioonal tellurium molecule protects and restores dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease models
Benjamin Sredini, Revital Geffen-Aricha,Wenzhen Duan, Mchael Albeck, Frances Shalit, Harry M. Lander, Noa Kinnnor, Ortal Sagi, Ammon Albeck, Sigal Yosef, Miri Brodsky, Dvoora Sredni-Kenisngsbuch, Talil Sonino, Dan L. Longo, Mark P Mattson and Gal Yadid

Abstract: In Parkinson's disease (PD) dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) become dysfunctional and many ultimately die. We report that the tellurium immunomodulating commpound ammonium trichloro(diethoxyethylene-O,O'-)tellurate (AS1011) protects dopaminergic neurons and improves motor function in animal models of PD. It is effective when administered systemically or by direct infusion into the brain. Multifunctional activities of AS101 were identified in this study. These were mainly due to the peculiar Tellur-IV -thiol chemistry of the compound, which enabled the compound to interact with cysteine residues on both inflammatory and apoptotic caspases, resulting in their inactivation. Conversely, its interaction with a key cysteine residue on p21-ras, led to its activation, an obligatory activivity for AS101-induced neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, AS101 inhibited IL-10, resulting in up-regulation of GDNF in the SN. This was associated with activation of the neuroprotective kinases Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases, and up-regulation of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Inhibition of caspase-1 and caspase-3 activities were associated with decreased neuronal death and inhibition of IL-1 beta. We suggest that, because multiple mechanisms are involved in the dysfunction and death of neurons in PD, use of a multifunctional compound, exerting antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuerotrophic-inducing capabilities may be potentially efficacious for the treatment of PD.(end of abstract)


This compound, AS101, is currently in Phase II clinical trials in cancer patients, and is described in this publication as nontoxic.

Too good to be true, or the long sought-for "Holy Grail" for PD treatment?

Robert