By Leon Watson
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Scientists have discovered a protein that could slow part of the aging process in astronauts and the elderly.
A study by the University of Teramo in Italy found that the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase plays a key role in cell death in space.
Inhibiting it, they believe, will prevent or lessen the severity of immune problems in astronauts caused by spaceflight.
Pensioners could benefit from bolstered immune systems if the claims about suppressing the enzyme prove correct
And, since space conditions initiate health problems similar to the aging process on Earth, this discovery may also lead to therapeutics that extend lives by bolstering the immune systems of the elderly, it is claimed.
The research carried out by the University of Teramo's Department of Biomedical Sciences was published online in the FASEB Journal.
Researcher Dr Mauro Maccarrone, who led the study, said: 'The outcomes of this space research might be helpful to improve health in the elderly on Earth.
'In fact, space conditions [cause problems that] resemble the physiological process of aging and drugs able to reduce microgravity-induced immunodepression might be effective therapeutics against loss of immune performance in aging people.
'5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, already used to curb human inflammatory diseases, may be such a group of compounds.'
Dr Maccarone and colleagues made this discovery by conducting experiments involving two groups of human lymphocytes that were isolated from the blood of two healthy donors.
Studies were made of samples on the International Space Station, pictured here in 2011
The first group of lymphocytes was exposed to microgravity on board the International Space Station.
The second group was put in a centrifuge onboard the ISS, to have the same 'space environment' as the other group, but a normal Earth-like force of gravity.
When programmed cell death (apoptosis) was measured in both groups, the lymphocytes exposed to microgravity showed an increase above what is considered 'normal.'
The group exposed to the simulated Earth gravity showed no unusual differences. Specifically, the researchers believe that this difference is caused by different levels of the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme.
'It's no surprise that bodies need Earth's gravity to function properly because we evolved to survive on this planet,' said Gerald Weissmann, editor-in-chief of the FASEB Journal.
'As humanity moves into space and potentially to other planets or asteroids, it's clear that we need know how not only to secure habitable conditions, but al so how to secure our health.
'Fortunately, as we learn how to cope with low gravity environments, we also unlock secrets to longevity back home on Earth.'
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