In Principio August 2017

REDUCED BRAIN DAMAGE FOR STROKE SUFFERERS Research by Notre Dame and the Perron Institute into the treatment of stroke indicates that a simple injection – that can be administered on-the-spot by paramedics – could reduce brain damage by up to 40% . Researchers have identified a peptide-based treatment that could provide a new frontier in the treatment of stroke and its devastating consequences for more than 60,000 Australians each year. “The research findings highlight the possibility that a simple injection of a new peptide, composed of the amino acid arginine and administered within 40 minutes of the onset of the stroke could significantly reduce brain damage,” said Notre Dame PhD researcher, Dr Diego Milani, who is leading the research program. Laboratory studies have so far shown no visible side effects to the treatment. Clinical trials, to be conducted in the next few years, will not only assess the effectiveness of the peptide in treating brain injury, but also chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, life-saving stroke treatment can only be administered in hospitals which often leads to delays as patients are ferried over long distances to hospital facilities. “It could be particularly effective in remote and rural areas as stroke sufferers could get immediate attention from paramedics,” added Dr Milani. “I hope to one day see the treatment carried in every ambulance in the country as, currently, almost 90 per cent of stroke sufferers do not receive any treatment before they get to hospital.” BREAKTHROUGH MIGRAINE RESEARCH Notre Dame researchers are on the cusp of a world-first breakthrough in the treatment of chronic migraines – a condition suffered by more than three million Australians. An 18-month study by Professor Eric Visser, Notre Dame’s Churack Chair of Chronic Pain, and Medicine graduate, Dr Eamon McDonnell, is investigating whether vitamins C and E could be a solution to this debilitating condition. Ninety people across the country are involved in this study with half receiving placebo tablets and the rest, vitamins, to assess the effectiveness of the latter in reducing migraines. “This is the first time that a combination vitamin trial has been undertaken anywhere in the world and we’re hoping, through further clinical trials, to see a 30-50 per cent reduction in migraine symptoms,” said Professor Visser. “Vitamin B2 and magnesium have already been found to reduce migraine frequency, however, we feel vitamin C and E may also be effective due to their distinctive antioxidant activities which reduce inflammation in the brain.” Migraine sufferers not only report a reduction in social activities and work capacity, but also experience additional physical and psychological pain which can linger for many weeks. Yet despite its frequency and recognition, many patients remain undiagnosed or untreated for migraine. “We hope this research leads to a reduction in suffering for migraine patients using a simple and inexpensive vitamin therapy,” Professor Visser said. Photo: Perron Institute R E S E A R C H D R D I E GO M I L A N I P R O F E S S O R E R I C V I S S E R I N P R I N C I P I O | 1 0