Chromium complexes as enhancers of brain glucose transporters

Abstract

The embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions for enhancing brain glucose transporters, such as GLUT1 and GLUT3, and methods of treating and / or preventing diseases or disorders associated with the regulation GLUT1 and GLUT3. Also provided are compositions that include chromium and an agent that targets the brain or the central nervous system. Further provided are improved methods of delivering therapeutic agents that target the brain and / or central nervous system.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 380,940 which claims the benefit of priority to and is a U.S. National Phase Application of PCT International Application Number PCT / US2010 / 040679, filed Jun. 30, 2010, designating the United States of America and published in the English language, which is an International Application of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 222,255, filed on Jul. 1, 2009. The disclosures of the above-referenced applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The embodiments disclosed herein relate to uses of chromium for the enhancement of cerebral glucose metabolism, the enhancement of brain glucose transporters, for the treatment and / or prevention of conditions associated with altered cerebral metabolism and / or brain glucose transporter expre...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes methods for improving brain glucose transporters by giving a specific amount of chromium to individuals with brain glucose transporter deficiencies. This can help increase the levels of GLUT1 or GLUT3 in the brain, which can enhance brain function.

Problems solved by technology

Chromium picolinate is reported to produce modest weight loss and changes in body composition.

Chromium depletion results in biologically ineffective insulin and compromised glucose metabolism.

Under these conditions, the body must rely primarily on lipid metabolism to meet its energy requirements, resulting in the production of excessive amounts of acetyl-CoA and ketone bodies.

Some of the documented acetyl-CoA is diverted to increased cholesterol biosynthesis, resulting in hypercholesterolemia.

The introduction of inorganic chromium compounds per se into individuals is not particularly beneficial.

Further, in insulin resistance, dementia, and cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease, there is a reduced sensitivity to insulin resulting in hyperinsulinemia.

Toxic levels of insulin negatively influence neuronal function and survival, and elevation of peripheral insulin concentration acutely increases its cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration.

This leads to cellular cascades that trigger a neurodegenerative phenotype and decline in cognitive function.

Additionally, seizures are a common symptom of Juvenile Huntington's Disease.

Babies with GLUT1 deficiency syndrome have a normal head size at birth, but growth of the brain and skull is often slow, in severe cases resulting in an abnormally small head size (microcephaly).

GLUT1 deficiency syndrome is also associated with other neurological problems, such as stiffness caused by abnormal tensing of the muscles (spasticity), difficulty in coordinating movements (ataxia), and speech difficulties (dysarthria).

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains a major obstacle to the successful delivery of drugs to treat central nervous system (CNS) disorders, brain tumors, and the like.

Overcoming the difficulty of delivering therapeutic agents to specific regions of the brain presents a major challenge to treatment of most brain disorders, and disorders affecting the CNS.

Therapeutic molecules and genes that might otherwise be effective in diagnosis and therapy do not cross the BBB in adequate amounts.

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