In hibernation mammalian tissue and blood cells are protected against oxidative stress damage as the metabolism changes towards minimal need for oxygen and nutrition. It changes the metabolism and the tissue, the blood cells of hibernating animals can cool down to temperatures just above freezing point without cell damage or even loosing vitality.
Hibernation and cell protection
As a result of profound academic research of the phenomenon of hibernation of mammals in winter time, a bioregulator, a chemical compound, has been synthesised which can bring mammalian cells in a phase of hibernation like the ground-squirrel and Syrian hamster have in winter time. In hibernation the metabolism changes toward minimal need for oxygen and nutrition, therefore allowing effective cell storage and transportation at temperatures as low as 4°C. Following that, cells can be rewarmed and used as normal without losing viability. Sulfateq has developed these compounds, which enable a phase of hibernation in human cells, cell lines and possibly in tissue as well. Other, similar compounds in the SUL series have properties, which enable organ preservation. Experiments done in several clinics and institutes already gave promising results.
In hibernation mammalian tissue and blood cells are protected against oxidative stress damage as the metabolism changes towards minimal need for oxygen and nutrition. It changes the metabolism and the tissue, the blood cells of hibernating animals can cool down to temperatures just above freezing point without cell damage or even loosing vitality.
TEDx talk about hibernation and human medicine
On November 20th last year, Prof. Dr. R.H. Henning from the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, gave an interesting TEDx talk about hibernation and its importance for human medicine. TEDx Groningen just recently released the video of this inspiring talk ‘Is human hibernation possible?’
Sulfateq BV has a close working relationship with the University of Groningen, especially with Prof. Dr. R.H. Henning and his team, which led to the succesful development and synthesis of effective chemical compounds that can enhance protective processes for human cells and tissue; the so-called ‘SUL-compounds’.
Natural resistance against difficult circumstances
- Bears and other species use the protective mechanism of hibernation.
- Hibernation is nature’s solution for surviving harsh times.
- Surviving through a period of low food supply and cold temperatures.
Interesting phenomena
- Mammal survives by minimizing energy need.
- Low oxygen consumption and body temperature.
- Long-term sufferings like hypothermia, starvation and disease susceptibility.
- The animals have developed a suite of adaptations to protect mind and body.
- No signs of severe damage to tissue or brain.
Based on the principle of hibernation we have developed the hypothermic preservation solution ROKEPIE which can be purchased through our webshop.
How does is it exactly work?
Read more about the mechanism-of-action on this page.
Interesting links:
- CNN – The Big Sleep, about Suspended Animation
- Tedx Talk ‘Is Human Hibernation Possible?’ by Prof. Dr. Rob Henning