Researchers of the G. B. Elyakov Pacific Bioorganic Chemistry Institute and the Molecular Biology and Biophysics Institute have made a new discovery.

      They have revealed that biologically active substances of starfish not just promote growth of neuronal processes, but also protect nerve cells under the conditions of oxygen starvation and insufficient nutrition. This has been reported in the scientists press release.

      As it turns out, these substances improve the survival of neurons in the conditions that take place in the brain during an ischemic stroke. Stroke is one of the most widespread and dangerous disease. Ischemic stroke causes death of brain cells due to disturbance of blood supply to the brain associated with hypoxia and insufficient glucose supply.

      Thanks to the research there have appeared prospects for developing new medicines on the basis of starfish natural substances for prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke aftertrouble.

      Scientists of Far East Department of the Russian Academy of Sciences plan to get enough starfish bioactive substances to start their preclinical tests in 2014.