Soy Compound Combats Degenerative Brain Disorders

Phosphatidylserine is a natural compound found abundantly in soy, beef, and oysters. Some previously published studies suggest a role in improving cognition and slowing memory loss.il Ast, from Tel Aviv University (Israel), and colleagues report that phosphatidylserine may improve the functioning of genes involved in degenerative brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Familial Dysautonomia (FD).  The researchers applied phosphatidylserine to cells collected from FD patients. Noticing a robust effect on the gene, including a jump in the production of healthy IKAP proteins, they then tested the same supplement on mouse models of FD, engineered with the same genetic mutation that causes the disease in humans.  The mice received the supplement orally, every two days for a period of three months. Researchers then conducted extensive genetic testing, finding a significant increase of the protein in all the tissues of the body – notably, an eight-fold increase in the liver and 1.5-fold increase in the brain. Observing that:  “genes associated with transcription regulation and developmental processes were up-regulated in the cerebrum of [phosphatidylserine]-treated mice,” the study authors submit that: "[Phosphatidylserine] holds promise for the treatment of [Familial Dysautonomia].