The enzyme, SIRT1, can be naturally turned on by calorie reduction and exercise, but these drugs contain synthetic activators which make it work overtime. "Our drugs can mimic the benefits of diet and exercise, but there is no impact on weight," says Professor David Sinclair, the lead author on a paper about these synthetic activators.
Red wine actually contains natural activators of the enzyme in it, but don’t go buying it by the case-full just yet. The activators in the drugs are 100 times as potent as a glass of wine, but it’s just one more example of how small amounts of red wine can be good for you.
There have only been a limited number of human trials with these synthetic activators, but so far they have been shown to benefit the metabolism in those with type 2 diabetes and reduce skin redness in those with the skin inflammatory disease psoriasis.
Other possible uses include the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease and cardiac failure, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, fatty liver disease, cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, sleep disorders and inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, arthritis and colitis.
That’s one powerful enzyme! None of these drugs are available at the moment, but the first should see markets in about five years, so be sure to keep an eye out!
