Dr. George M. Matuschak, Professor of Internal Medicine and Pharmacological and Physiological Science at Saint Louis University School of Medicine is the Co-Investigator of the study. Other members of the research team include Dr. Dennis Riley and Dr. Ronald Smith, both of MetaPhore.
The researchers will study blood samples from sepsis patients to confirm the link between free radicals and falling blood pressure. Because free radicals convert catecholamines into a second class of compounds, known as adrenochromes, the researchers expect to find increased levels of adrenochromes alongside decreased levels of catecholamines.
In the previous animal study, the researchers administered MetaPhores developmental antioxidant compound that mimics a natural free-radical fighting enzyme called Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). In the study, the SOD mimetic was found to restore the ability of norepinephrine to constrict blood vessels and reverse hypotension.
Background on Free Radicals, SOD and MetaPhores SOD Mimic The formation of free radicals is a naturally occurring process. An excess of these reactive oxygen-derived molecules damages cell structure and even genes -- much like oxidation causes metal to rust. This type of progressive damage has become increasingly linked to several diseases and conditions, particularly those associated with aging such as auto-immune disorders like Parkinsons and rheumatoid arthritis, multiple types of cancer, as well as pain and inflammation.
The SOD enzyme, which is an essential protein mapped in the bodys DNA, removes free radicals by converting the undesirable superoxide molecules into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. This product of SODs catalytic action also has potential benefits that complement those of free radical removal. Hydrogen peroxide has been shown to be critical to the functioning of
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Contact: Emily Ross
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Kupper Parker Communications
1-Nov-2000