Russian scientists have synthesized a remedy for aging
The A.E. Favorsky Institute of Chemistry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences has synthesized a substance capable of slowing down aging processes. It can be used to create drugs for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular and cancer diseases, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.The new chemical compound was obtained in vitro, and its main component is the trace element selenium.
"The role of this element is enormous," explains the head of the laboratory of chalcogen-organic compounds, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor Vladimir Potapov. - The human body has a protector against premature aging of cells - this enzyme is glutathione peroxidase. But the problem is that it is a selenium-dependent enzyme. Without selenium, the antioxidant activity of the enzyme decreases.
According to the scientist, there is not much selenium in nature. In some regions of Russia, including Priangarye, or, for example, in the north of China, it is even critically low. And getting the necessary amount of this trace element with food is problematic.
The discovery of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase and its dependence on selenium occurred in the 1970s. Over time it was proved that the lack of selenium in the body contributes to the development of cardiovascular, cancer, autoimmune and many other diseases. Since then, scientists all over the world have been trying to synthesize selenium-organic compounds. At the Irkutsk Institute of Chemistry, they have been working on this topic for more than 20 years. Finally a new class of compounds containing selenium and having high glutathione peroxidase-like activity was discovered.
After the laboratory stage of tests was completed, chemists continued experiments in the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia and the Far East and the Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. The experiment was successful: laboratory mice receiving the drug even in rather high concentrations felt normal.
And then a new idea was born! Scientists decided to see how their substance affected the vaccine process. Specifically, on the immune system and overall performance. It turned out that in mice receiving the synthesized drug, the immune system reacts more actively to a possible pathogen and, in general, creates a robust immune response. At the same time, the burden on immunogenesis organs is reduced due to the compound's antioxidant properties.
"We got a double-action drug: it both stimulates the immune system well and does not let the immune response create any problems in the body, - concluded leading researcher, candidate of chemical sciences Maksim Musalov. - Moreover, you can use less vaccine."
"Vaccination without complications is a very significant aspect in today's world," noted Vladimir Potapov. - And a promising area for further study. The list of vaccines that need to be administered to humans at different stages of life and in different climatic conditions is very extensive.
Experiments carried out at the Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry also confirmed the claimed properties of the compound.
Research and experiments are continuing. The compound has been discovered and tested by chemists and biologists. Now the word belongs to practical medicine. After all, the safety of the compound must be proved, both on animals and volunteers.
By the way, many countries are intensively searching for organoselenium compounds with glutathione peroxidase-like activity. There is even a registered drug that is used abroad to treat and prevent strokes and heart attacks. But its cost runs into thousands of dollars.
Affordable raw materials and an effective manufacturing method proposed by Irkutsk chemists will make it possible to produce an affordable drug.