MTPM - MitoPharm Corporation, Inc. Discovers Biochemical Properties of Schisandrin B
Schisandra fruit has been documented in Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) journals since 1200AD
May 7, 2007 9:36:00 AM
Copyright Business Wire 2007
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
MitoPharm Corporation, Inc. (Pink Sheets:MTPM), reports today that chronic treatment with Schisandrin B, the precursor of "(-) Schisandrin B," can reverse mitochondrial aging in tissues of the brain, heart, liver and skeletal muscles. MitoPharm believes that its products have the potential to play a significant role in addressing the aging concerns of the baby boomers, the heart-health and heart-diseases markets, and the segment of the population that is physically active.
The newly discovered compound is "(-) Schisandrin B," an isomer of Schisandrin B, which is an active ingredient of Schisandra, the fruit of the Schisandrae Chinensis plant. The use of Schisandra fruit has been documented in Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) journals since 1200AD. Schisandrin B has been studied extensively for the past two decades, mainly in Japan, Korea, Russia and China. It is Dr. Robert Ko (1), Associate Professor of the Biochemistry Department of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (the HKUST) (2) that systematically studied the biochemical properties of Schisandrin B, leading to this discovery.
Studies by Professor Robert Ko have corroborated the following remarkable biochemical properties of "(-) Schisandrin B":
Reversing Mitochondrial Decay due to Aging: Mitochondrial decay is hypothesized as the leading cause of aging. The Compound has demonstrated extraordinary ability in reversing mitochondrial decay due to aging. In a research paper recently published in Biogerontology, an authoritative journal for the science of aging, Professor Robert Ko reported that chronic treatment with Schisandrin B, the precursor of "(-) Schisandrin B," can reverse mitochondrial aging in tissues of the brain, heart, liver and skeletal muscles. Further studies by Professor Robert Ko have proved that "(-) Schisandrin B" is more potent than Schisandrin B in counteracting mitochondrial decay with aging.
Synthesis and Regeneration of Cellular or Mitochondrial Glutathione: Glutathione (GSH), a three amino acid peptide, is a natural antioxidant that plays an important role in cellular antioxidant defense against free radicals. GSH not only neutralizes free radicals directly, but also works together with antioxidant enzymes to remove peroxides and thus prevents the oxidation of lipids in the cell. The enhancement of GSH status in the cell, therefore, represents an effective means of curbing free radical reactions, thereby preventing cellular damage. In his studies, Professor Robert Ko verified and explained the effects of "(-) Schisandrin B" and its precursor, Schisandrin B, in enhancing cellular glutathione status of major vital organs including the brain, heart, liver, and skeletal muscles (3 to 18).
Increases the Production of Heat Shock Proteins: The expression of heat shock protein is another fundamental cellular protective mechanism against stress-causing stimuli. In research papers published to-date, Professor Robert Ko have corroborated and provided detailed explanations on the biochemical mechanisms of "(-) Schisandrin B" and its precursor, Schisandrin B, in enhancing cellular Heat Shock Proteins of major vital organs including the heart, brain, liver and skeletal muscles (3 to 18).
The above biological actions are independent of each other, but are mutually augmenting; combined, they produce the following beneficial effects:
-- Anti-aging
-- Stamina improvement
-- Increase in physical exercise endurance and performance
It is the first time that a substance is reported to have the ability to rejuvenate mitochondrial functional capabilities and, at the same time, enhances the cellular self-defense mechanism. Our surveys have indicated that "(-) Schisandrin B" is superior to any existing compound, either natural or synthetic, for the intended applications.
Comprehensive toxicological studies have been conducted with no serious side effects found.
Patent applications for the product formulas have been filed with the USPTO and under the International Patent Convention Treaty. The initial products will be marketed as dietary supplements. As a long term plan, we intend to develop the Compound into pharmaceutical products in compliance with the requirements of the FDA.
(1) Professor Robert KM Ko, a founding shareholder of MitoPharm Corporation, graduated from the University of British Columbia with a PhD degree in Pharmacology. He is a proficient researcher with over 67 research papers, book chapters and articles published. Please visit the MitoPharm website or the HKUST website for a detailed description of Professor Robert Ko and his research interests.
(2) The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, another founding shareholder of MitoPharm Corporation, is a research university ranked number 60 worldwide by the Newsweek Magazine in 2006. One of the focuses of the University is research and development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), using the latest in science and technology to verify, explain, and improve on the efficacies of the multiple-ingredient herbal formulas.
(3) Chronic Schisandrin B Treatment Improves Mitochondrial Antioxidant Status and tissue Heat Shock Protein Production in Various Tissues of Young adult and Middle-Aged Rats, Chiu et al., Biogerontology 2006; 7: 199-210
(4) Schisandrin B Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Enhancing Myocardial Glutathione Antioxidant Status, Yim and Ko, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 1999; 196: 151-156
(5) Methylenedioxy Group and Cyclooctadiene Ring as Structural Determinants of Schisandrin in Protecting Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats, Yim and Ko, Biochemical Pharmacology 1998; 57: 77-81
(6) Schisandrin B Protects Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Partly by Inducing HSP25 and HSP70 Expression in Rats, Chiu and Ko, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 2004; 266: 139-144
(7) Structural Determinants of Schisandrin B Which Enhance Mitochondrial Functional Ability and Glutathione Status as Well as Heat Shock Protein Expression in Rat Hearts and H9C2 Cells, Ko and Chiu, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 2005; 276: 227-234
(8) (-) Schisandrin B is More Potent Than Its Enantiomer in Enhancing Cellular Glutathione and Heat Shock Protein Production as Well as Protecting Against Oxidant Injury in H9C2 Cardiomyocytes, Chiu et al., Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 2006; 289: 185-191
(9) Schisandrin B Protects Against Carbon Tetrachloride Toxicity by Enhancing the Mitochondrial Glutathione Redox Status in Mouse Liver, Ip et al., Free Radical Biology & Medicine 1996; 21: 709-712
(10) The Crucial Antioxidant Action of Schisandrin B in Protecting Against Carbon Tetrachloride Hepatotoxicity in Mice: A Comparative Study With Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Ip and Ko, Biochemical Pharmacology 1996; 52: 1687-1693
(11) Methylenedioxy Group as Determinant of Schisandrin in Enhancing Hepatic Mitochondrial Glutathione in Carbon Tetrachloride-Intoxicated Mice, Ip et al., Biochemical Pharmacology 1997; 54: 317-319
(12) Effects of Schisandrin B Pretreatment On Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Induced Apoptosis and HSP70 Expression in Mouse Liver, Ip et al., Cell Stress & Chaperones 2001; 6: 44-48
(13) Hepatoprotective Mechanism of Schisandrin B: Role of Mitochondrial Glutathione Antioxidant Status and Heat Shock Proteins, Chiu et al., Free Radical Biology & Medicine 2003; 35: 368-380
(14) Effects of Schisandrin B Enantiomers On Cellular Glutathione and Menadione Toxicity in AML12 Hepatocytes, Chiu et al., Pharmacology 2006; 77: 63-70
(15) Schisandrin B Protects Against Tert-Butylhydroperoxide Induced Cerebral Toxicity by Enhancing Glutathione Antioxidant Status in Mouse Brain, Ko and Lam, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 2002; 238: 181-186
(16) Schisandrin B Protects Against Tacrine- and Bis-Tacrine-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Enhances Cognitive Function in Mice, Pan et al., Planta Medica 2002; 68: 217-220
(17) Protective Effect of a Lignan-Enriched Extract of Fructus Schisandrae On Physical Exercise Induced Muscle Damage in Rats, Ko et al., Phytotherapy Research 1996; 10: 450-452
(18) Schisandrin B-Induced Increase in Cellular Glutathione Level and Protection Against Oxidant Injury Are Mediated by the Enhancement of Glutathione Synthesis and Regeneration in AML12 and H9C2 Cells, Chiu and Ko, BioFactors 2006; 26: 221-230
About the Company
MitoPharm Corporation is a biotechnology company in the research & development, marketing and sale of drugs, dietary supplements, and functional beverages. The initial products are based on a newly discovered compound (the "Compound") that is the result of over 15 years of research and development by one of its founding shareholders, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ("HKUST").
At HKUST, scientific studies have identified biochemical actions of MitoPharm's key Compound, demonstrating that it enhances the mitochondrial glutathione antioxidant status, a crucial factor in maintaining mitochondrial function and cell survival, and also induces the expression of heat shock proteins, another group of important molecules for cell protection. Management's research indicates that these biochemical actions differentiate the Compound from other existing, known compounds, either synthetic or naturally occurring, in its ability to protect organs including the heart, the liver, and the brain. www.mitopharm.com or www.ust.hk
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and as such, may involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which the Company operates, projections of future performance, potential future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, and statements regarding the Company's mission and vision. The Company's actual results, performance, and achievements may differ materially from the results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.
Source: MitoPharm Corporation, Inc.
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