Research from the University of Exeter has shown that drugs releasing small amounts of hydrogen sulfide could enhance health and activity in aging adult worms by improving mitochondrial integrity and muscle activity. Targeting H2S to specific cellular areas using a molecule called AP39, the study reveals potential for new therapies in healthy aging and age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and muscular disorders.
Future treatments to help people live healthy lives for longer could emerge from drugs that emit minute quantities of hydrogen sulfide gas , new research has indicated., funded by the US Army and charity The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, found that targeting tiny amounts of H2S to specific areas of cells in adult worms using a H2S-releasing molecule called AP39, greatly improved health and activity as they aged.
A number of age-related conditions are linked to loss of mitochondrial function, including natural aging, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s andas well as muscular dystrophy and primary mitochondrial diseases. Senior author Professor Tim Etheridge, of the University of Exeter, said: “Worms are a powerful genetic tool to study human health and disease and offer a strong platform to quickly identify new potential therapeutics. Diseases related to aging take a huge toll on society.