Antibiotics that suppress the functioning of “cell energy stations” managed to extend the life of worms C. elegans. The research was published in the journal Aging.
In a new study on worms Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) scientists tested doxycycline and azithromycin, antibiotics that suppress the functioning of mitochondria, structures responsible for energy production in cells.
Doxycycline was able to increase the average lifespan of the worms from 11 days to 18 days and the maximum lifespan from 25 days to 31 days. Azithromycin and the drug combination had similar effects.
The increase in life expectancy was associated with suppression of mitochondria, leading to a decrease in cells’ oxygen consumption, biologists found. Presumably the result of this was a reduction in oxidative stress, meaning the worm cells were less likely to be damaged by reactive oxygen species.
The drugs also reduced the accumulation of lipofuscin, a yellow-brown pigment that accumulates in the tissues of various species, including humans, with age. This substance is formed as a result of the oxidation of fats and glycoproteins. Decreased accumulation also indicates decreased oxidative stress levels.
Previous scientists to create Way to reduce the effects of stroke.