German scientists have discovered that excess amounts of certain “microRNA” molecules found in the blood are a precursor to mental illness.
These microRNAs are also responsible for controlling the production and metabolism of proteins in our bodies.
Initially, these experiments were performed on mice, which were later repeated on human blood samples, with the same results as in mice.
In addition to 132 healthy volunteers, 53 middle-aged people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) were also observed for further verification.
MCI is a condition in which the ability to learn and understand begins to be affected. This condition could worsen over the next few years and lead to a number of mental illnesses, including Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and dementia.
Research on mice and human cell cultures has uncovered three types of microRNAs that interfere with the ability of brain cells to interact with each other and affect their ability to acquire them.
Excess amounts of these three microRNAs were also noted in the blood of people with MCI.
According to a report published online in the latest issue of the research journal EMBO Molecular Medicine, looking at these microRNAs can not only lead to early detection of mental illnesses but also their treatment. Is possible
During further experiments on mice, when these microRNAs were blocked, the acquired abilities in mice improved.
It should be noted that most mental illnesses are detected only after the symptoms become apparent, due to which there are severe difficulties in their prevention.
If a somehow premature diagnosis of mental illness is possible, various precautions can be taken to prevent it from progressing further. This research is part of a similar global effort.
