Venomous Treatments and Neurodegenerative Diseases

February 3, 2013

Venomous Treatments and Neurodegenerative Diseases

The video I posted tells the story of John Harvey and his fight to save his grandson from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy using spider venom. There is a protein in the venom that helps slow the symptoms of the disease. It is not a cure but a step closer to finding one. I also came across this article, Spider Venom to be tested as a cancer cure, as a possible cure for breast cancer. Researchers have discovered that there are certain toxins within the venom that can block cancer causing enzymes. Although Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a muscle disease, spider venom could also be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. What hampers more research, is getting sufficient amounts for testing. Snake venom looks promising too, as certain toxins could help treat the symptoms of CBGD or PSP. The complexity of snake venom poses the problem of removing the deadly toxins so it could be used as a safe treatment. Research is also exploring bee venom as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. It increases T-cells (cells that fight disease and a key part in the immune system) and help prevent neuronal degeneration. I’ve posted information on a trial for bee venom here.