A Potentially Safe Mitochondrial Uncoupling Drug Candidate

Mitochondrial uncoupling is the mechanism by which cells generate heat. Mitochondria are the power plants of the cell, a herd of bacteria-like structures that conduct energetic processes to generate the chemical energy store molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is used to power all of the vital biochemical machinery of a cell. Mitochondrial uncoupling is a regulatory mechanism that changes the operation of a mitochondrion such that the energy it accumulates is dissipated as heat rather than powering the chemical reactions needed to generate ATP. This uncoupling is how mammals regulate body temperature. Raised levels of mitochondrial uncoupling can produce useful outcomes to health over the long term. It can be protective of tissues by reducing the degree to which mitochondria generate oxidative molecules. Unfortunately, this class of intervention so far doesn't appear to increase life span, despite tending to reduce excess visceral fat tissue, a significant contributing cause of age-related disease. The practice of calorie restriction does increase mitochondrial uncoupling, but it is unclear as to the degree to which this is important to the outcome of improved health and longevity that occurs in calorie restricted animals. Nonetheless, there has been some effort over the years to produce drugs that can increase mitochondrial uncoupling. The primary objection to the use of such compounds in the clinic is that, historically, they have not been all that safe...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Medicine, Biotech, Research Source Type: blogs