Russian Researchers Develop New Antioxidant Compounds to Protect Cells
Research Polytechnic University have developed hybrid molecules combining phenol and pyruvate that act as antioxidants with greater effectiveness at low concentrations and in different environments within the body.
The researchers explained that the human body continuously produces free radicals. In limited amounts, these molecules perform useful functions, such as helping fight bacteria. However, excessive levels can damage cells, accelerate aging, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and inflammation.
They noted that environmental pollution, stress, and poor nutrition can increase oxidative stress, creating a need for external antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. However, some antioxidants work only in water-based environments, while others are effective in fatty environments, and their effectiveness may decline at low concentrations.
The researchers developed hybrid compounds by combining phenol and pyruvate, resulting in two types of molecules: one soluble in water and the other soluble in fats.
Experiments showed that the new compounds maintained antioxidant activity at low concentrations, outperforming their commercial counterparts by 14%.
Anastasia Klimova, from the university’s Department of Chemical Engineering and the study’s lead researcher, said that both compounds demonstrated the ability to bind to and neutralize free radicals. She noted that the fat-soluble compounds can function in both aqueous and lipid environments, making them more versatile than conventional antioxidants.
This innovation opens new avenues for future research aimed at developing drugs that could help treat cardiovascular diseases and chronic inflammation.
