This group of molecules can extend life expectancy and health

Globally, life expectancy has increased due to advances in health and technology, but improvements in living standards for the elderly have lagged far behind
.
One of the biggest problems facing medicine is prolonging life
without worsening health.
Professors Einav Gross and Shmuel Ben-Sasson of the School of Medicine of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) are the authors of a recent study in which they have discovered a set of molecules that allow cells to repair damaged components and keep these tissues functioning
properly.

A model organism is used to demonstrate the efficacy
of molecules.
The team studied how different treatments affect longevity and quality of life, and they successfully demonstrated that they can protect organisms and human cells from harm
.
Their study was published in the journal Autophagy
.

At present, the efficiency of the cell quality control mechanism decreases, leading to the accumulation of defective mitochondria, which is an important cause
of tissue aging.

As Gross explains, "Mitochondria are the 'power plants' of cells and are responsible for producing energy
.
They can be likened to miniature batteries
that help cells work properly.
Despite the constant loss of these 'batteries', our cells have a complex mechanism that removes defective mitochondria and replaces them
with new ones.
"However, this mechanism declines with age, leading to cellular dysfunction and deterioration
of tissue activity.
"

This degenerative process is at the heart of many age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, heart failure, and skeletal muscle loss, and the incidence of these diseases is on the rise
.
The research by Gross and Ben-Sasson could have far-reaching practical applications, as the new technology they developed at the Hebrew University helped create innovative compounds
for treating diseases that are currently incurable.
The study also showed that these molecules can be used for prevention
.

Ben-Sasson said: "In the future, we hope to significantly delay the development of many age-related diseases and improve people's quality of
life.
" In addition, these compounds are user-friendly and can be taken orally
.
To advance their important research and translate it into medical treatments for a variety of patients, the research team formed Vitalunga with Yissum, a technology transfer company at Hebrew University, which is currently developing the drug
.

Itzik Goldwaser, CEO of Yissum, noted: "This finding has significant value
for the world's aging population.
As Vitalunga moves toward preclinical research, they are closer than ever to minimizing
the unbearable burden that aging-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease place on individuals, their families, and our healthcare systems.
”

Distinct designer diamines promote mitophagy, and thereby enhance healthspan in C.
elegans and protect human cells against oxidative damage