Prolonging life: Synthetic molecule activates sirtuin 1
The sirtuin 1 protein (SIRT1) plays an important role in maintaining the metabolic balance of many tissues. Studies on various model organisms have shown that the activation of this protein increases life expectancy, postpones the appearance of age-related diseases and generally improves health. There is also evidence that drugs stimulating the activity of sirtuin 1 have similar effects.
Researchers at the US National Institute on Aging, working under the leadership of Dr. Rafael de Cabo, analyzed the effects of a small molecule activating sirtuin 1, known as SIRT1720, on the health and life expectancy of mice. Animals from the age of 6 months to the end of life were kept on a standard diet enriched with SIRT1720 at a concentration of 100 mg/kg.
The full name of this molecule according to the international chemical nomenclature looks like this: N-[2-[3-(piperazin-1-ylmethyl)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazol-6-yl]phenyl]quinoxaline-2-carboxamide (figure from Wikipedia).
The observations obtained at the same time showed that the use of SIRT1720 increased the average life expectancy of mice by 8.8%. Moreover, the animals contained in the feed enriched with this compound had a lower body weight and a lower relative body fat content. At the same time, throughout their lives, they demonstrated better functioning of muscle tissue and better coordination of movements compared to the mice of the control group.
Additional studies devoted to the study of the effect of SIRT1720 on various indicators of the state of metabolism demonstrated that the experimental drug reduced the content of total cholesterol in the blood, as well as low-density lipoproteins, which potentially protects against the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system. It also had a positive effect on the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, which can prevent the development of diabetes mellitus. Moreover, SIRT1720 had an anti-inflammatory effect, manifested in various tissues of the body. This is an extremely important factor, since it is believed that chronic mild inflammatory processes contribute to aging and the development of age-related diseases.
Diagram from an article in Cell Reports
According to the authors, they were able to demonstrate that the artificial activator of sirtuin 1 increases life expectancy and improves the health of animals that eat standard food. This proves the possibility of developing drugs that will ease the burden of metabolic and other chronic diseases associated with aging.
Article by Sarah J. Mitchell et al. The SIRT1 Activator SRT1720 Extends Lifespan and Improves Health of Mice Fed a Standard Diet is published in the journal Cell Reports.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru04.03.2014