Inhibitor for Preventing the Onset of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis and the Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health in Japan have collaborated to develop an enzyme inhibitor that prevents the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Full Description

Prior research has confirmed that maternal infection during pregnancy increases the risk of offspring developing neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) later in childhood or adulthood. One effect of maternal immune activation during pregnancy is a measurable increase in soluble epoxide hydrolase in affected juveniles. However, limited understanding exists currently regarding the precise mechanisms of how these infections during pregnancy trigger later neurological disorders in children. So research has focused instead on mitigating the symptoms associated with these disorders in children.

Researchers have developed an inhibitor that can help reduce neuroinflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the brains of affected offspring. Thus the inhibitor could exhibit prophylactic or therapeutic effects in individuals with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. It has also been determined that early interventions may prove effective in subjects with specific, high risks for developing a psychosis later in life.

Applications

• Preventing the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders, including psychosis.

Features/Benefits

• Inhibits and/or reverses neurodevelopmental disorders related to maternal immune activation.

Patent Status

Additional Patent Pending