Want to know about SS 31 peptide benefits? This peptide boosts mitochondrial function, reduces oxidative stress, and supports muscle health. In this article, we explore how SS 31 can improve your overall health and wellness.
Key Points
- SS 31 peptide, a mitochondria-targeting compound, increases cellular function by stabilizing mitochondrial membranes and reducing oxidative stress.
- The peptide shows promise in improving mitochondrial health, energy production, and skeletal muscle function, especially in the aging population.
- SS 31 has potential therapeutic applications in various conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular health, but needs further clinical study.
What Is SS 31 Peptide?
SS 31, also known as Bendavia or Elamipretide, is a synthetic tetrapeptide that has caught the attention of researchers for its ability to target mitochondria. This mitochondria-targeting peptide is designed to bind selectively to the inner mitochondrial membrane, promoting healthy cellular function. But what makes SS 31 so special?
The answer lies in its structure. SS 31’s alternating cationic and aromatic residues allow it to bind to cardiolipin, a lipid found in mitochondrial membranes. This binding enhances the peptide’s antioxidant properties, allowing it to stabilize the membrane and support mitochondrial health. Imagine a key that fits perfectly into a lock, ensuring the door remains secure and functional. That’s SS 31 for mitochondria.
One of the most amazing things about SS 31 is its ability to concentrate within mitochondria at rates reported to be 1000-5000 times higher than its initial concentration after entering cells. This high accumulation means SS 31 can effectively interact with mitochondrial components, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protecting the cell from oxidative damage, which is a key factor in the efficacy of mitochondria-targeted protective compounds and in vivo mitochondrial capacity.
In short, SS 31 is more than just a peptide; it’s a novel mitochondria-targeted peptide that can change our understanding of cellular health. As we go deeper into its benefits, you’ll see how this small molecule can have a big impact on your wellness.
How SS 31 Enhances Mitochondrial Function
The mitochondria are often called the powerhouses of the cell, and for good reason. They produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell, through oxidative phosphorylation. But mitochondrial dysfunction is common, especially as we age. At this point, normal mitochondrial function becomes relevant. SS 31 plays a key role here.
Research shows that SS 31 targets the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds to cardiolipin, improving membrane stability and cellular respiration. Stabilizing mitochondrial membranes with SS 31 increases oxidative phosphorylation and boosts energy production. This means more ATP synthesis and better overall cellular energy metabolism through traditional drugs targeting mitochondria and mitochondria-targeting pharmacological strategies.
Also, SS 31 optimizes the electron transport chain function, a critical component of mitochondrial energetics and mitochondrial bioenergetics, thus increasing energy production and supporting maximum mitochondrial ATP production. It also increases coupling efficiency while reducing reactive oxygen species production, supporting mitochondrial health. This dual action of increasing energy production while minimizing oxidative damage makes SS 31 a powerful tool in combating mitochondrial dysfunction and improving mitochondrial function.
The peptide’s neuroprotective effects may also be mediated through the PGC-1α pathway, which promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. This not only helps in maintaining healthy mitochondria but also in generating new ones, further enhancing cellular function. Whether it’s age-related mitochondrial dysfunction or other mitochondrial disorders, SS 31 is a promising candidate in improving mitochondrial health.
SS 31 and Reducing Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is a condition where there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to detoxify these harmful byproducts. This imbalance can cause cellular damage and has been linked to many diseases. SS 31, with its unique properties, offers a solution to improve glutathione redox status.
Studies show that SS 31 reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress by lowering mitochondrial ROS production, which are known to cause inflammation. By scavenging reactive oxygen species, SS 31 alleviates oxidative stress linked to inflammation. Think of it as a clean-up crew that removes harmful debris, allowing the system to function smoothly. Also, SS 31 prevents mitochondrial depolarization, a process that can lead to cell apoptosis and inflammation. By stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential, SS 31 inhibits inflammation and supports overall cellular health, including mitochondrial protection and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. This is especially important in conditions where oxidative stress is involved.
In aged skeletal muscle, SS 31 restored redox balance, which is important for energy production and muscle function. Aged mice treated with SS 31 showed a shift in the skeletal muscle proteome towards a more youthful state. This means SS 31 may help improve skeletal muscle function by reversing some age-related changes at the molecular level.
SS 31 has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress markers in the brain and improve recovery post-injury. In kidney disease, SS 31 reduces oxidative stress by scavenging ROS and restoring redox homeostasis. Whether it’s the brain, muscles, or kidneys, SS 31’s ability to reduce oxidative stress makes it a potential candidate in many research applications.
SS 31 Benefits for Skeletal Muscle Function and Exercise Capacity
As we age, maintaining muscle function becomes more and more challenging. Age-related mitochondrial dysfunction in muscles can lead to decreased energy production, muscle loss, and reduced exercise tolerance. SS 31 is a promising solution.
Research shows that SS 31 treatment for 8 weeks resulted in almost double the treadmill endurance of aged mice compared to untreated controls. This increase in endurance means the peptide can improve skeletal muscle function and increase exercise capacity. Also, the fatigue resistance of tibialis anterior muscle improved significantly in aged mice treated with SS 31.
SS 31 also preserved gastrocnemius muscle mass in aged mice, counteracting age-related muscle loss. This preservation of muscle mass is important for overall mobility and quality of life. Enhanced mitochondrial function through SS 31 increases muscle energy production, improves performance, and endurance.
Changes in redox homeostasis are a key factor in energy deficits and exercise intolerance in old muscles, and SS 31 restores this balance. The peptide increases ATP production and reverses age-related decline in mitochondrial ATP production in aged muscles. Importantly, the effects of SS 31 did not rely on an increase in mitochondrial content but rather on improving mitochondrial quality.
SS 31 also increases ADP sensitivity in aging muscle mitochondria, overall mitochondrial efficiency, and skeletal muscle function. Whether it’s to enhance endurance, preserve muscle mass, or improve mitochondrial quality, SS 31 is a strong candidate in addressing age-related muscle issues.
SS 31 Peptide and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are characterized by the loss of neuron function. These conditions are often linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, making SS 31 a peptide of interest in this area of research. Research shows that SS 31 has therapeutic potential in various conditions associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, including neurodegenerative diseases and cardiac aging. By targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, SS 31 protects neurons and reverses mitochondrial dysfunction post-traumatic brain injury. Imagine a shield that protects delicate neurons from damage and allows them to function better.
One of the unique features of SS 31 is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, a key factor in treating neurodegenerative diseases. This means SS 31 can reach the neurons and mitochondria in the brain and provide its protection where it’s needed most.
The potential of SS 31 in neurodegenerative diseases opens up new avenues of research and hope for future treatments.
Cardiovascular Health and SS 31 Peptide Benefits
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The link between mitochondrial health and cardiac function is becoming more and more clear, and SS 31 has potential in this area. Understanding the implications of cardiovascular disease is important for better health outcomes.
Research shows that SS 31 improves left ventricular systolic function, which is important for heart pumping. Also, left ventricular ejection fraction was improved with Bendavia, meaning better cardiac performance. These results show the peptide’s potential in cardiovascular health.
SS 31 reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in cardiac muscle cells, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Improved mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress with SS 31 supports overall heart health. Bendavia improved the survival of isolated myocytes exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation, further emphasizing its protective role.
In an in vivo sheep model, a 15% reduction in myocardial infarction infarct size was seen with SS 31 treatment, showing its potential in reducing damage from cardiac events. Complications from age-related cardiac conditions such as diastolic dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy can potentially be reversible. This can be done by addressing mitochondrial dysfunction through elamipretide. These results show the significant potential of SS 31 in cardiovascular research.
SS 31 Peptide Benefits in Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a growing problem, and mitochondrial dysfunction is a key player in its progression. SS 31 has been shown to improve mitochondrial function, which is critical in mitigating kidney damage in various pathological states.
Research shows that SS 31 protects cristae membranes and prevents mitochondrial swelling during renal ischemia reperfusion injury. Stabilizing mitochondrial membranes with SS 31 reduces oxidative stress damage during renal ischemia. This stabilization is important in preventing further kidney damage and supporting renal function.
A phase IIa clinical trial showed that SS 31 infusion during renal artery stenting improved renal blood flow in treated patients compared to placebo. These results demonstrate the potential of SS 31 in clinical applications for kidney disease, including atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. Ongoing clinical trials are testing the safety and efficacy of SS 31 in patients with different levels of renal function, particularly in the context of kidney disease treatment.
Preclinical data suggest that SS 31 may protect against renal injuries due to oxidative stress and inflammation. SS 31 reduces reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide in kidney cells and contributes to its protective effects against renal injury. Also, SS 31 reduces expression of oxidative damage markers such as 8-OHdG and HO-1 in the kidney. The potential of SS 31 in kidney disease research is promising and worth exploring.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of SS 31 Peptide
Inflammation is a common underlying factor in many chronic diseases. SS 31 has been shown to reduce inflammation, which could have significant implications in various inflammatory conditions. Preclinical studies show that SS 31 decreases inflammatory markers, thus potentially reducing kidney inflammation. SS 31 preserves neuronal survival after traumatic brain injury by decreasing apoptosis. This protective effect shows the peptide’s potential in neurological research.
SS 31 has also been shown to reduce NF-κB p65 and TNF-α in diabetic patients, further emphasizing its anti-inflammatory properties. SS 31’s role in reducing inflammation and preventing cell apoptosis shows its potential in inflammatory diseases. Its ability to reduce inflammation opens up new avenues of research in various fields of health and wellness.
Clinical Trials and Future Directions for SS 31
From the lab to the clinic, SS 31’s journey involves rigorous scientific investigation. Current clinical trials on SS 31 are focused on cardiac conditions and show significant improvements in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and other cardiac parameters. These results are promising and show the potential of SS 31 in cardiovascular health.
But the applications of SS 31 go beyond cardiac and renal. Future studies are needed to explore broader applications of SS 31 in various health conditions including neurodegenerative diseases, skeletal muscle function, and inflammatory conditions. The ongoing research and clinical trials will lead to new discoveries and potential uses of SS 31.
Looking ahead, the future of SS 31 is bright. The peptide’s unique properties and benefits make it an area of interest in the scientific community. More research and clinical trials will help us understand the full range of applications and unlock the potential of this compound.
Summary of SS 31 Peptide Benefits
The SS 31 peptide is a promising compound with benefits across various areas of health and wellness. From improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress to improving skeletal muscle function and potential in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, SS 31 is a multifaceted peptide with high research interest.
Research shows that SS 31 targets the mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, to stabilize their function and boost energy production. It reduces oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species and restoring redox balance. The peptide’s potential in improving skeletal muscle function, especially in aged muscles, highlights its importance in age-related muscle decline.
The ongoing research and clinical trials show the peptide’s potential in various health conditions and will pave the way for future applications. As we continue to learn more about SS 31, the scientific community hopes this peptide will open up new possibilities for health and wellness. The journey of SS 31 has just begun, and its impact is vast and exciting.
FAQs
What is SS 31 peptide?
SS 31 or Bendavia is a synthetic tetrapeptide that targets and stabilizes mitochondria to promote healthy cellular function. Its design is to enhance mitochondrial efficiency and overall cell health.
How does SS 31 improve mitochondrial function?
SS 31 improves mitochondrial function by binding to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which improves membrane stability and boosts cellular respiration and ATP production.
What are the benefits of SS 31 in skeletal muscle function?
SS 31 can improve skeletal muscle function by increasing energy production, endurance, muscle mass, and mitochondrial quality in aged muscles. These benefits contribute to overall muscle health and performance.
How does SS 31 reduce oxidative stress?
SS 31 reduces oxidative stress by decreasing reactive oxygen species production, scavenging free radicals, and restoring redox balance. This multi-faceted action protects cells against oxidative damage.
What are the ongoing research and future directions for SS 31?
Ongoing research on SS 31 is focused on cardiac conditions, with future studies to investigate its potential in neurodegenerative diseases, skeletal muscle function, and inflammatory conditions. This will expand the therapeutic options in various medical fields.
References
- Birk AV, et al. The mitochondrial-targeted compound SS-31 re-energizes ischemic mitochondria by interacting with cardiolipin. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013;24(8):1250-61. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736700/
- Zhu Y, Luo M, Bai X, et al. SS-31, a mitochondria-targeting peptide, ameliorates kidney disease. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:1295509. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9192202/
- Szeto HH. First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics. Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(8):2029-50. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3976620/
- Campbell MD, et al. Improving mitochondrial function with SS-31 reverses age-related redox stress and improves exercise tolerance in aged mice. Free Radic Biol Med. 2019;134:268-81. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6588449/
- Escribano-Lopez I, et al. SS-31, a mitochondrial antioxidant, increases SIRT1 and ameliorates inflammation, oxidative stress and leukocyte-endothelium interactions in type 2 diabetes. Sci Rep. 2018;8:15862. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6203778/
- Wu J, et al. BDNF pathway is involved in the protective effects of SS-31 on isoflurane-induced cognitive deficits in aging mice. Behav Brain Res. 2016;305:115-21.
- Eirin A, et al. Mitochondria-targeted peptide SS-31 attenuates renal microvascular rarefaction and improves renal function in swine atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2016;311(5):F1158-66.
- Karaa A, et al. Efficacy and safety of elamipretide in individuals with primary mitochondrial myopathy: the MMPOWER-3 randomized clinical trial. Neurology. 2023;101(3):e238-e252.
- Szeto HH. Cardiolipin-targeted peptides rejuvenate mitochondrial function, remodel mitochondria and promote tissue regeneration during aging. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2018;660:137-48.
- Kloner RA, et al. Reduction of ischemia/reperfusion injury with bendavia, a mitochondria-targeting cytoprotective peptide. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2013;61(3):217-22.
These references support the information in this article on SS 31 peptide, mitochondrial function, and related therapeutic uses.
