Fluoxetine, a common antidepressant, was found to protect mice from sepsis-induced death by enhancing metabolic defenses. The study revealed that fluoxetine promotes a shift in macrophage metabolism toward fatty acid oxidation, increasing mitochondrial respiration and ATP production. This metabolic boost enables macrophages to effectively clear bacterial infections and mitigate the harmful inflammation characteristic of sepsis, ultimately improving survival rates. The protective effect was dependent on activation of the serotonin 1A receptor, suggesting a potential mechanism linking the drug's antidepressant properties with its anti-septic action.
Exposure to 670nm red light significantly improved declining mitochondrial function and color vision in aged fruit flies. The study found that daily exposure for a short duration revitalized the photoreceptors' mitochondria, increasing ATP production and reducing oxidative stress. This led to demonstrably improved color discrimination ability in older flies, suggesting a potential non-invasive therapy for age-related vision decline.
HN commenters discuss the study's small sample size (n=24) and the lack of a control group receiving a different wavelength of light. Some express skepticism about the mechanism of action and the generalizability of the results to humans beyond this specific age group (67-85). Others are intrigued by the potential benefits of red light therapy, sharing anecdotal experiences and links to related research, including its use for wound healing and pain relief. Several commenters highlight the affordability and accessibility of red light devices, suggesting self-experimentation while cautioning against potential risks and the need for further research. There's also discussion around the placebo effect and the importance of rigorous scientific methodology.
This Nature article showcases advanced microscopy techniques revealing intricate details of mitochondrial structure and function. Cryo-electron tomography and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy provide unprecedented 3D views of mitochondria within cells, highlighting their complex cristae organization, dynamic interactions with other organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum, and varied morphologies across different cell types. These visualizations challenge traditional textbook depictions of mitochondria as static, bean-shaped organelles and offer deeper insights into their role in cellular processes like energy production and signaling.
Hacker News users discuss the visualization of mitochondria shown in the Nature article, praising its beauty and educational value. Some commenters express awe at the complexity and dynamism of these organelles, now visible in a way not previously possible. Others point out the limitations of the visualization, questioning the accuracy of color representation and noting that it represents only a snapshot in time. A few commenters delve into more technical aspects, discussing the challenges of cryo-electron tomography and the potential of these techniques for future discoveries. Several users share additional resources, like links to related videos and articles, expanding on the original content.
Summary of Comments ( 13 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43078537
HN commenters discuss the study's limitations, noting the small sample size and the focus on a single antibiotic. They question the translatability of mouse studies to humans, emphasizing the differences in immune system responses. Some highlight the potential benefits of fluoxetine's anti-inflammatory properties in sepsis treatment, while others express concern about potential side effects and the need for further research before clinical application. The discussion also touches upon the complexity of sepsis and the challenges in finding effective treatments. Several commenters point out the known link between depression and inflammation and speculate on fluoxetine's mechanism of action in this context. Finally, there's skepticism about the presented mechanism, with some suggesting alternative explanations for the observed protective effects.
The Hacker News post titled "Fluoxetine promotes metabolic defenses to protect from sepsis-induced lethality" linking to a Science Advances article, has generated a moderate number of comments discussing various aspects of the study and its implications.
Several commenters focused on the complexity of sepsis and the challenges in finding effective treatments. One commenter highlighted the multi-factorial nature of sepsis, making it difficult to pinpoint a single therapeutic target. They emphasized that the existing arsenal against sepsis is limited, and new treatments are desperately needed. Another commenter echoed this sentiment, pointing out the high mortality rate associated with sepsis and the need for further research to validate the findings of the study. They expressed hope that this research could eventually lead to a new class of sepsis treatments.
Some comments delved into the specifics of the study itself. One commenter questioned the study's focus on mortality as the primary outcome, suggesting that other important factors, such as long-term morbidity and quality of life, should also be considered when evaluating potential sepsis treatments. Another commenter discussed the role of mitochondria in sepsis and how fluoxetine, typically used as an antidepressant, might be acting on these cellular powerhouses to provide protection. They mentioned the complexity of the metabolic pathways involved and the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms at play.
The potential repurposing of fluoxetine for sepsis treatment was also a point of discussion. One commenter pointed out that fluoxetine is already a widely used and relatively safe drug, which could potentially expedite its clinical application for sepsis if the findings are confirmed in further studies. Another commenter cautioned against over-interpreting the results of a single study, emphasizing the need for rigorous clinical trials before drawing definitive conclusions about the efficacy of fluoxetine in treating sepsis. They also mentioned the possibility of unforeseen side effects when using fluoxetine in a critically ill population.
Finally, a few comments addressed the broader context of drug discovery and development. One commenter discussed the challenges of translating preclinical findings into effective clinical therapies, highlighting the high failure rate in drug development. Another commenter expressed skepticism about the hype surrounding potential new treatments for complex diseases like sepsis, emphasizing the importance of cautious optimism and rigorous scientific scrutiny.