Scientists Discover Enzyme that Could Slow Aging Process in Astronauts and the Elderly

An enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase has been found to play a role in cell death that can help to lessen immune problems in astronauts. By researching on astronauts, the physiological effects that they experience in space, may also work on the elderly. The enzyme is being used to fight inflammatory diseases, which can help to slow the aging process. When exposed to microgravity, there was an increase is what was considered normal in lymphoctyes with this specific enzyme. There were less changes in a more normal atmosphere, suggesting the only difference is the level of this enzyme.