Mikhail Shchepinov is currently the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Retrotope, a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California. He completed his postdoctoral studies at Oxford University, focusing on bioorganic, combinatorial, and surface chemistries.[6] His is known for his work in the field of biochemistry, particularly focusing on the effects of heavy water (deuterium oxide) on biological systems. His studies have explored the potential health benefits of deuterium-enriched compounds, including their implications for longevity and resistance to oxidative damage.
Heavy water, scientifically known as deuterium oxide (D₂O), is a stable, non-radioactive variant of water in which the hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium, a heavier isotope of hydrogen that contains one proton and one neutron, rather than just one proton. This substitution results in heavy water being approximately 10.6% denser than ordinary water. The discovery of heavy water was made by Harold Urey and his colleagues in 1931, who identified deuterium through spectroscopy and subsequently isolated it from regular water using electrolysis. Urey’s pioneering work on deuterium earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1934. The name “heavy water” reflects its increased mass and density, and its unique properties make it particularly valuable in nuclear reactors, where it serves as a neutron moderator, as well as in various scientific research applications.
Shchepinov has made claim about the potential health benefits of “heavy water” and heavy isotopes which has generated interest and controversy in the scientific community. Here’s an overview:
Scientific basis: The underlying concept is that replacing hydrogen atoms with deuterium (a heavier isotope of hydrogen) in certain molecules could make them more resistant to oxidative damage caused by free radicals[1][2]. This approach aims to prevent oxidative stress rather than relying on antioxidants to repair damage after it occurs.
Preliminary research: Studies have shown promising results in simple organisms. Heavy water has been found to promote longevity or improve certain health aspects in fruit flies, rodents, and yeast[2]. In fruit flies, transient exposure to heavy water at juvenile stages extended lifespan without affecting health and reproduction. However, high dosages (50% heavy water) shortened lifespan[2].
Potential mechanisms: Heavy water appears to function as a metabolism modifier to promote longevity. It has been shown to suppress endogenous ROS generation, which could ameliorate background chemical damage from ROS and lead to long-term improvement in fitness and survival rate[2]. Deuterated polyunsaturated fatty acids have also shown promise in protecting yeast and mammalian cells from ROS damage to mitochondria[2].
Safety considerations: Deuterium has a clean bill of health in moderate amounts. Experiments suggest that up to a fifth of the water in your body can be replaced with heavy water with no ill effects[1]. However, at high dosages (50-90%), heavy water can suppress seed germination, disrupt flatworm activities, and even stimulate hyperactivity in mice[2].
Expert skepticism: While the idea is intriguing, some scientists urge caution. The field’s history is full of hypotheses that are only partially supported by data, indicating the need for more rigorous research to validate these claims[4]. Tom Kirkwood, English biologist specializing in the biology of aging at Newcastle University noted that while the idea is intriguing, the history of the field is replete with hypotheses that are only partially supported by data.[4][3]
Human applications: There is currently a lack of human clinical trials to support claims of life extension or disease prevention in people. The long-term effects of consuming heavy water or deuterium-enriched foods in humans are not well-established[4].
Future potential: The research suggests potential applications in developing more stable polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for various bodily functions but highly susceptible to oxidative damage[2]. This could potentially lead to new approaches in treating diseases related to oxidative stress.
In conclusion, while the concept of using heavy isotopes to extend lifespan shows promise in preliminary studies with simple organisms, it is premature to claim definitive benefits for human health or longevity. More comprehensive research, including human trials, is needed to establish the efficacy and safety of this approach. As with any emerging scientific claim, it’s important to approach these ideas with cautious optimism and await further evidence.
More Reading
[1] https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026841-800-would-eating-heavy-atoms-lengthen-our-lives/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5108472/
[3] https://www.gowinglife.com/heavy-water-extends-yeast-lifespan/
[4] https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/eat-isotopes-to-live-longer/3001379.article
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723318/
[6] https://www.retrotope.com/management/mikhail-s-shchepinov/