non PD-Enzyme may protect against aging

[Judith Richards <judithr@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Monday June 1, 1998

NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Recent studies have shown that the accumulation of
"reactive oxygen species" -- toxic byproducts of cellular metabolism --
plays an important role in the aging process. Now, research in fruit
flies indicates that an enzyme involved in the detoxification of
reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, may help protect against
aging and actually increase lifespan.

A role for the aging effects of reactive oxygen species has been
specifically examined in motorneurons -- neurons involved in controlling
muscles -- in the brain and spinal cord, which tend to deteriorate with
age. Researchers have linked the gradual loss of these neurons with the
build-up of reactive oxygen species, either the result of increased
production of the molecules with age or decreased detoxification of
them. <snip>
--
Judith Richards, London, Ontario, Canada
judithr@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx