Protective functions of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) agonist MR-409 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

We and others have demonstrated the beneficial effects of GHRH agonist MR-409 in muscle atrophy, cerebral ischemic stroke, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by inhibiting degradation pathways, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Additionally, results from our laboratory suggest protective functions of GHRH agonists on in vitro and in vivo models of Alzheimer’s disease (doi:10.1530/endoabs.81.P436). Thus, MR-409 may positively target pathophysiological mechanisms involved in MN injury, associated with both familial and sporadic features unrelated with ALS-linked mutations. Of note, GHRH agonists have never been tested in ALS, thus, we expect positive results. The in vivo effects in ALS mice, combined with the in vitro analysis in ALS patient-derived MN cell models, will increase the potential translation to the clinic of GHRH agonists as promising therapeutic tools for counteracting such a complex disease.