- today
Energy. Without it, the human body would not function. Every movement, thought, or heartbeat depends on our ‘cellular power plants’ – the mitochondria, which convert nutrients into life-giving energy. But when they begin to fail, an avalanche of adverse reactions is triggered: chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, accelerated aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
SS-31, a unique tetrapeptide that targets mitochondria directly, is revolutionising the field. It restores their function, slows aging and increases cell performance. This is not science fiction, but a reality confirmed by numerous scientific studies.
SS-31 as a targeted mitochondrial therapy
We may not see energy, but we feel its lack immediately, whether in the form of physical exhaustion, reduced concentration or general weakness. Even rest and a healthy lifestyle may not be enough, especially if fatigue is caused by impaired mitochondrial function, the basic engines of cellular metabolism.
Mitochondria are complex, highly specialised structures that ensure the survival of the whole organism. When they become damaged, cells weaken and stop regenerating. And when millions of cells weaken, the entire organ begins to fail. The heart and kidneys are among the largest ‘energy consumers’ in the body and place extraordinary demands on the power of the mitochondria.
Scientists have been researching ways to protect or even ‘repair’ mitochondria for years. Classic mitochondrial drugs, such as coenzyme Q10 or MitoQ, often hit limits in efficacy, absorption and safety. However, this is not the case for the revolutionary peptide SS-31.
SS-31 penetrates directly into the cell, where it binds to cardiolipin, a unique phospholipid that is essential for the structure and function of mitochondria. As a result, SS-31 protects mitochondria from disintegration, reduces cytochrome C leakage and prevents apoptosis, allowing cells to maintain their integrity even in very harsh conditions.
In acute kidney injury, whether induced by ischaemia or toxic substances, SS-31 peptide was able to reduce inflammation, reduce oxidative stress and protect the structure of the kidney tissue itself. In the field of cardiology, SS-31 has in turn demonstrated the ability to restore damaged tissue after a heart attack.
Energy for the muscles, protection for the brain
Research published in the prestigious journal Aging Cell focused on the ability of the SS-31 peptide to restore the energy output of skeletal muscle, which naturally declines with age.
In the experiment, 27-month-old mice were given a single dose of SS-31 and subsequently their mitochondrial performance was evaluated in comparison with young, 5-month-old subjects. Direct measurements using special spectroscopy allowed the dynamics of energy changes to be accurately monitored.
Already after one dose, mitochondria in the muscles of older mice behaved as in young ones: the efficiency of conversion of oxygen to ATP increased, the maximal capacity of ATP formation (ATPmax) increased, and the phosphocreatine to ATP ratio – a reliable indicator of the energy reserve of the muscle – also improved.
SS-31 has also demonstrated neuroprotective properties. In another experiment, scientists tested the effect of SS-31 after traumatic brain injury in mice. The peptide significantly improved mitochondrial function and limited the mechanisms of secondary nerve tissue damage.
Specifically, it reduced the concentration of reactive oxygen species, restored superoxide dismutase enzymatic activity, reduced malondialdehyde levels and inhibited the release of cytochrome c – a trigger of apoptosis. These effects resulted in less oedema, less DNA damage and reduced neuronal apoptosis, which also alleviated neurological deficits after injury.
The findings from both experimental models point to the promising therapeutic potential of SS-31 in the field of mitochondrial medicine, not only in the recovery of muscle function in aging individuals, but also in brain injury and neurodegenerative conditions. The results support further research into its use in neuroprotection, anti-aging or clinical regenerative medicine.
SOURCES:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9192202/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11989705/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9192202/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6129854/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3772966/