Australian researchers are working hard to determine a way to treat preeclampsia, and so far, the solution might already be around for some time.
It is called metformin, a class of drugs that is normally given to women who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, a metabolic condition. It's been found to be safe for both pregnant and non-pregnant women. An oral pill, it works by regulating the sugar levels in the bloodstream.
The same drug may also prevent preeclampsia, which affects at least 5% of pregnant women. It's a life-threatening condition characterized by a high level of blood pressure and multiple organ damage as toxins that build up due to placenta damage are released into the blood. The placental damage, on the other hand, occurs when blood supply to the organ is cut off. Around 100 women die of preeclampsia each day.
For the study, which is now published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a team of Melbourne researchers who work in University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women were able to determine that metformin helps prevent preeclampsia by reducing the level of toxin production. Further, it promotes healing for the damaged blood vessels, allowing the possible restoration of blood supply into the placenta.
The team is now encouraging beginning the clinical trials, although they are confident to the drug's level of safety since it's been known to be okay for pregnant women. Also, they believe that the drugs can be helpful particularly for women in developing world as they are accessible and affordable.
Recently, a different study has associated the same drug to life extension. According to a group of geroscience experts and researchers, metformin may help extend the life of humans by as long as 120 years old. This is based on a clinical study conducted on certain types of worms, which showed that they didn't just lived longer they were also healthier for a longer period. Although the drug may not halt aging, it can significantly slow it down and potentially reverse serious diseases including Alzheimer's disease.
The US Food and Drug Administration has already approved the human clinical trial, which may begin next year.
