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Sperm substance find may be breakthrough for Alzheimer's treatment

By Thomas Hochwarter

A team of Austrian scientists investigating human sperm cells claim they "might have found the holy grail of age research".

Frank Madeo and Tobias Eisenberg from Karl Franzens University in Graz, Styria, said a substance contained in sperm fluid could prolong life and might be used in fighting Alzheimer's disease. Their team of researchers found out that the substance "spermidine" extends the lifespan of human immune cells, as well as that of flies, worms and mice. "Spermidine" is contained in high concentrations in male sperm, but it is also found in grapefruit, wheat germ and soy beans.

"We might have found the holy grail of age research," Eisenberg announced yesterday (Mon), adding their study involved 29 colleagues in six countries. He explained cell damage linked to ageing was reduced in tests with mice treated with "spermidine", adding they found that the substance increased the ability of cells to get rid of damaged proteins.

Now Madeo and Eisenberg hope their findings will become relevant for diseases linked to old age such as Parkinson�s and Alzheimer�s.

Austrian Times

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