A new synthetic compound derived from flaxseed, a whole grain with antioxidant properties, can improve heart function in mice with sepsis, a study published in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology found.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, looked at the effects of a compound called LGM2605, a synthetic version of an antioxidant found in flaxseed.
The researchers gave the compound to septic mice and analyzed their cardiac tissues for changes. They found treatment with the compound six hours after the onset of sepsis restored energy production and helped heart function.
They also found daily administration of the compound, in combination with an antibiotic, led to greater reductions in mortality from sepsis compared to daily administration of an antibiotic alone.
"An important next step in our work is to explore whether LGM2605 and other substances that stimulate energy production in the cells are candidates as novel interventions for sepsis in human patients," said senior investigator Konstantinos Drosatos, PhD.