“Homeostasis” Isn’t the Word
Understandably, a few posters have suggested that once the investing public learns of Anavex 2-73's ability to restore homeostasis in dysfunctional neurons, the resulting interest in Anavex Life Sciences Corp will push share prices higher. No doubt.
But “homeostasis” is a generalized biological term, with a multitude of accurate applications and involvements, not just neurons, by any means. The maintenance of normal body temperature is a homeostatic process. One sweats in hot weather to help return body temps to a normal, narrow range. You put on a coat in winter to maintain body temperatures; to maintain thermal homeostasis.
Homeostasis, in its classic understandings, is any body process that is maintained by the sensing of things moving too far from normal, followed by a responsive feedback that forces things back to within a normal range, as with body temperature, as mentioned.
Because a multitude of processes, cellular or systemic, involve some sort of homeostasis, the term is not really accurate, even useful in describing the therapeutic function of Anavex 2-73.
Yes, the molecule does restore the homeostatic interactions between the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticula in neurons, thereby restoring normalized neuron functions. Very healthful, indeed.
But it’s not useful to claim Anavex 2-73 “works by homeostasis.” The word, for those familiar with biological terms, is too generalized. Some other word or phrase, more descriptive and accurate, is needed.
Instead of “homeostasis” when referring to Anavex 2-73, I suggest “neural rejuvenation.” Anavex 2-73, by neural rejuvenation, restores neuron or nerve functions to a more juvenile, less diminished, more healthful state.
Of course, this will be objected to by those who are certain that there simply can’t be any drug that reverses the processes of aging, whether typical or pathogenic. For them, it would be bad form to even entertain the notion that some molecule might effectively restore diminished cellular functions that result from aging. A “fountain of youth” chemical is simply not looked for; is held to be not a possibility. Again, very bad form.
But, of course, virtually every major advancement in medicine for the last four centuries at its start, assailed and confronted accepted knowledge; was regarded at the time to be “bad form.” William Harvey; and blood circulation (arterial and venous functions). Semmelweis, Pasteur, and Lister; and the germ theory of pathogenesis. Alexander Flemming; and antibiotics. Many others.
Now (well, in a few years), Anavex? With neural rejuvenation?
