BIO-TECH VENTURES

Religious fasting traditions, found in many major faiths such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, often encourage believers to abstain from food or reduce food intake for specific periods. For example, during Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, while in Christianity, Lent is observed with sacrifices that often include food. These practices are rooted in spiritual purposes but share a common underlying theme: moderation. By intentionally limiting food intake, individuals are believed to gain greater control over their desires and elevate their spiritual well-being. They also tend to start feeling better.

Recent scientific studies suggest that this practice of food restriction may not only benefit the spirit but also the body. One area of research that has gained attention is calorie restriction (CR), which involves reducing calorie intake without causing malnutrition. Scientific evidence supports the idea that CR can enhance longevity and health by slowing down the aging process. For instance, CR has been shown to improve metabolic health, increase stress resistance, and reduce the risk of age-related diseases in animals. Even short-term mild hunger or reduced calorie intake has been linked to the activation of cellular processes that promote repair, reduce inflammation, and extend lifespan.

Recent publications in the Nature Journal provides some scientific explanation of these processes. When CR is practiced, it causes various changes in the body, particularly in how the body produces and circulates different substances called metabolites. Metabolites are molecules that are involved in the body’s chemical processes. However, scientists weren’t sure which specific metabolites are responsible for the health benefits of CR.

To investigate this, the researchers used a technique called "metabolomics" to study changes in metabolites during CR and then tested their effects. They found that one specific metabolite, called lithocholic acid (LCA), can mimic the positive effects of CR in mice. These effects include activating a protein called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is involved in energy regulation. LCA also helped improve muscle regeneration, strength, and running ability in mice, making them physically stronger and more youthful.

Additionally, LCA showed similar benefits in two other species (a small worm and a type of fruit fly), which do not naturally produce LCA. This suggests that LCA can have an effect on these animals when given externally. Importantly, when the AMPK protein was removed in these animals, the benefits of LCA disappeared, meaning AMPK is essential for LCA to work.

In conclusion, this study identifies LCA as a metabolite that can produce anti-aging effects similar to calorie restriction. These effects depend on the activation of AMPK, which is important for energy regulation in the body. This finding suggests that LCA could be a potential tool for promoting health and longevity in a way that mimics the benefits of calorie restriction. 

Scientific findings presented above lead us to modern bio-hacking opportunities, that require millions in investments, lengthy FDA approvals and years of further research, testing and trials. But essentially, there is a cheaper and faster solution - to follow some recommendations embedded in various religion traditions, that had no scientific explanation before.

Scientific exploration of food restriction and its positive impact on aging and longevity provides a modern explanation for the practices of fasting found in many religious traditions. Both reflect the principle that moderation in food intake can trigger biological processes that promote health, extend life, and enhance vitality. Whether for spiritual enlightenment or health benefits, fasting represents an intersection between ancient wisdom and modern science, offering insights into how human beings can optimize their health and longevity. One may even draw a conclusion that Gods, or whoever gave us our believes in the past, actually knew much more about how our bodies operate.

Indeed some of these living creatures have evolved unique biological mechanisms that allow them to maintain their health and functioning well into old age, which has led to assumptions that studying their longevity and aging processes could hold the key to extending human lifespan and improving overall health.

Sharks, for example, have been found to exhibit very low incidences of cancer, despite their long lifespans and exposure to environmental toxins and stressors. Researchers believe this may be due to the efficiency of their DNA repair mechanisms, which help to prevent the accumulation of mutations that can lead to cancer in humans. Crocodiles also display impressive longevity, with some species living well over a century without experiencing the same age-related declines in muscle mass, cognitive function, or immune system function that humans do.

Similarly, turtles are known for their longevity, often living for several decades or even centuries without showing signs of aging. Some researchers have attributed this to the unique structure of their cells, which allows them to maintain their telomere length, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age in most animals. By preserving their telomeres, turtles are able to stave off the cellular damage and dysfunction that typically accompany aging in other species.

In contrast, humans and other animals that are more "young" in terms of evolution, tend to show more rapid declines in health and functioning as they age. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices. The aging process in humans is complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors that contribute to the development of age-related diseases and decline.

Despite these differences, researchers are increasingly focusing on studying the aging mechanisms of long-lived animals in the hopes of uncovering new insights into how to promote healthy aging in humans. By understanding the ways in which sharks, crocodiles, turtles, and other long-lived species are able to resist the effects of aging and disease, scientists may be able to develop novel interventions and therapies that could extend human lifespan and improve overall health and well-being.

Ultimately, the potential for studying the aging mechanisms of long-lived animals to revolutionize human health and longevity is promising. By unraveling the mysteries of how these animals are able to maintain their health and functioning well into old age, researchers may be able to identify new strategies for preventing age-related diseases, enhancing cellular repair mechanisms, and promoting overall well-being in humans. While there is still much to learn, the insights gained from studying these remarkable animals offer hope for a future in which humans may one day live longer, healthier lives.

Melittin is a peptide found in bee venom that has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of this chemical as a therapeutic agent for various types of cancer. This peptide exerts its anti-cancer effects through a variety of mechanisms. One of the key ways in which it inhibits cancer cell growth is by inducing apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Studies have shown that melittin can activate the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in cancer cells, leading to cell death. Additionally, peptide has been shown to disrupt the cell membrane of cancer cells, leading to cell lysis (dissolution of cells in human body).

Melittin also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. Inflammation is a key driver of cancer progression, and by reducing inflammation, the peptide may help to slow the growth of tumors.

Furthermore, the peptide has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis, the process by which tumors form new blood vessels to supply themselves with nutrients. By blocking angiogenesis, melittin can help to starve tumors of the nutrients they need to grow and spread.

Several studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of melittin in various types of decease. For example, a study published in the journal Oncotarget found that the peptide inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. The researchers reported that melittin induced apoptosis in the cancer cells and inhibited tumor growth in mouse models.

Another study published in the journal PLOS One found that this peptide inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and disrupting the cell membrane. The researchers concluded that melittin had potential as a novel therapeutic agent for prostate cancer.

In addition to breast and prostate cancer, the peptide has also shown promise in the treatment of other types of cancer, including lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. A study published in the journal Toxins in 2018 found that melittin inhibited the growth of melanoma cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis.

While the R&D on melittin as a cancer treatment is still in the early stages, there is growing interest in the potential clinical applications of this compound. One of the advantages of this peptide as a cancer treatment is that it is a naturally occurring compound that is well-tolerated by the body. This makes it an attractive candidate for use in cancer therapy.

In recent years, researchers have been exploring different ways to deliver melittin to cancer cells, including encapsulating the peptide in nanoparticles or liposomes. These delivery methods can help to target the peptide directly to the cancer cells, while minimizing off-target effects on healthy cells.

Bio-Tech Ventures perceives peptides as the future of personalized medicine. We tailor our research efforts at studying the mechanisms of how these protein chains are affecting cells in order to extend both the human longevity and its quality of life.

The measurement of biologic age is seen as a key factor in determining overall efficiency of procedures and drugs aimed at promoting health and longevity, and could revolutionize the field of aging research. By accurately determining a person's biologic age, researchers hope to develop targeted treatments and interventions that can slow down the aging process and promote overall wellness and quality of life.

There is no officially approved and scientifically proven quantitative tool for measuring of age. Thus the partnership between Bio-tech Ventures and the German researchers is poised to be a game-changer in the field of anti-aging research. With access to cutting-edge technology and expertise, the team is set to develop innovative testing methods that could pave the way for the development of new longevity drugs and bio-hacking techniques.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the quest for increased human lifespan and overall well-being. The research lab team and Bio-tech Ventures are committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and working towards a future where age is no longer a barrier to a healthy and vibrant life.

Bio-Tech Ventures inherited Potsdam as an R&D center for laboratory studies. In addition to this town, the city of Hennigsdorf in the Oberhavel district has also established itself as an important biotechnology center, especially in such areas as diagnostics, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, drug development and related industry services. Recently Hennigsdorf became the second destination for delegations of Japanese biotechnology companies. Today guests visited the Hennigsdorf Innovation Forum, where they met the young Life Science OHV cluster and got a presentation about local companies including WeDiag and Bio-Tech Ventures.

Recent mice studies conducted by researchers from Medical School of the National University of Singapore on IL-11, a pro-inflammatory cytokine of the IL-6 family, demonstrated a negative effect on age-associated diseases and lifespan. As animal age, protein concentration rise across cell types and tissues to to modulate cellular, tissue- and overall-level ageing pathologies. Elimination of IL-11 protects against metabolic decline, multi-morbidity and frailty in old age. Administration of anti-bodies to 75-week-old mice for 25 weeks improves metabolism and muscle function, and reduces ageing biomarkers and frailty across sexes. In lifespan studies, genetic deletion of IL-11 extended their lives by 24.9% on average.

Humans also produce Il-11. However, described approach requires extensive studies and clinical trials before it may be applied on people. There might be side effects association with the anti-bodies that are targeting the aging protein. Moreover, the mechanism that cause the body to produce the IL-11 and other similar symptom causing proteins is not identified and requires deepest epigenetic layer of looking for the actual bio-programming if one perceives a human body as a sophisticated biological machine.

As long as the programming is not identified, biohacking is the best approach to manage longevity. Bio-Tech Ventures studies target other methodologies in order to find the cause of the problem. It is important to develop a measurement tool that reflects the actual biologic age based on scientific facts and test results. With new AI advances this task becomes feasible.

There were several topics highlighted, among them:

• the growing role of prompt engineering in generative AI (creation of neural-network answers based on the right questioning).

• machine learning for early detection of Cancer with immune responses and CT 3D imaging.

In addition to speech given by Mrs.Guergana Savova (Harvard Medical School) our scientists have shared the experience of using generative AI for chat scripting and automated advisory and communication between patients and hospitals with minimal medical personnel involvement.

Together with Mrs. Tina Hernandez-Boussard (Stanford Medicine, Boussard Lab) the advantages of AI in analysis 3D imaging was discussed in connection with identification of tumor tissues (digital-biopsy) and their earliest stage of growth.

Targeting of a novel intracellular immune checkpoint for the treatment of solid tumors is in line with Bio-Tech Ventures studies on early diagnostics and identification of immune response using AI for NGS and aimed at development of individualized therapy. Another match was professor’s evidence on virus-specific T-cells to be delivered allogeneically (e.g. from another patient) via MHC-typing and patient human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matching to provide pragmatic treatment in a large-scale therapeutic setting. This could be extrapolated also with xeno-transplant techniques currently studied by Bio-Tech Ventures in relation with diabetes, but for cancer treatments, since some species (like sharks) do not have oncology at all.