Andy Flick

3 weeks ago | news.vumc.org | Andy Flick |Doug Campbell

Evolution often makes a deal with the devil, creating challenges for treating human disease. By mass, the muscles of thoroughbred racehorses consume more than twice the oxygen of elite human athletes. Yet, oxygen produces free radicals, which damage organ tissues. Balancing energy production with oxidative stress is also a major challenge for extending lifespan, as well as treating epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. How did horses overcome this ubiquitous challenge to become paragons of athleticism?

3 weeks ago | news.vumc.org | Andy Flick |Doug Campbell

Evolution often makes a deal with the devil, creating challenges for treating human disease. By mass, the muscles of thoroughbred racehorses consume more than twice the oxygen of elite human athletes. Yet, oxygen produces free radicals, which damage organ tissues. Balancing energy production with oxidative stress is also a major challenge for extending lifespan, as well as treating epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. How did horses overcome this ubiquitous challenge to become paragons of athleticism?