Heavy isotopes to avert ageing?
Oxidative modifications of cellular components by free radicals are thought to be the cause of ageing and age-associated diseases. Extensive prior research has aimed to lessen such damage by counteracting the free-radical oxidizers with antioxidants, but there have been no attempts to protect the oxidizer-targeted biomolecules by making them more stable against oxidation. A recent paper describes an original and promising method based on the use of non-radioactive heavy isotopes, which might enable living cells to resist the free-radical oxidation and consequently allow us to live a healthier, longer life.
Demidov
Vadim V
VV
Center for Advanced Biotechnology, Boston University, 36 Cummington St., Boston, MA 02215, USA. vvd@bu.edu
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D000601:Amino Acids, Essential / Q000737:chemistry*; D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000737:chemistry
D000601:Amino Acids, Essential; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species