Adaptogenic Properties of 1-(Germatran-1-il)-Oxyethylamine

Abstract

Background: Germanium is a biologically active trace element, and it is present in almost all organs and tissues. Its biological activity was revealed in the 20th century. However, the study on the possibility of using germanium for medical purposes was first undertaken by the Japanese scientist Dr. Kazuhiko Asai in 1940. In 1965, academician M.G.Voronkov and colleagues synthesized tricyclic esters of triethanolamine germanium with the general formula XGe(OCH2CH2)3N and studied their biological activity. However, the adaptogenic properties of these compounds have not been sufficiently studied. In this regard, there is an urgent need to study the adaptogenic properties of these drugs. Objective: As the resistance of the organism to stress factors primarily depends on energy metabolism, the aim of our work was to study the influence of stress and 1- (germatran-1-il) –oxyethylamine (GM) on the functional state of mitochondria. Methods: The functional state of mitochondria was studied as per the rate of mitochondria respiration by the level of lipid peroxidation and fatty acid composition of mitochondrial membranes by chromatography technique. Results: It was shown that the drug in concentrations of 10-5, 10-6, and 10-11M reduced the intensity of LPO in the membranes of "aged" mitochondria. This may serve as evidence regarding the presence of anti-stress properties in the drug. Injection of GM at a dose of 10-5 mol/kg to rats prevented the activation of LPO in the membranes of the liver mitochondria in conditions of acute hypobaric hypoxia. Restricting lipid peroxidation, GM prevented changes in the content of C18 and C22 fatty acids in mitochondrial membranes, which probably contributed to maintaining the bioenergetic characteristics of mitochondria at the control level. Conclusion: It is assumed that the anti-stress activity of the drug is associated with its antioxidant properties and its effect on the complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.