Nicole Mahy Géhenne, doctor in Pharmacy and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Barcelona, says that the study of the process of oxygenation of cells and the appearance of free radicals is the basis of the fight against degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
“Oxidation is the only mechanism we have for energy, from the moment of birth to death we get energy from the oxidation of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins… Therefore, oxidation is indispensable. There is an oxygenation problem, if a single electron leaks and sticks to a molecule, what is called the free radical is formed. It’s a very aggressive molecule that damages the tissues. This is behind the aging process. We can block this reaction with the antioxidants we found in the diet, but there are diseases typical of aging, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, in which totally abnormal structures are formed”.
Mahy Géhenne has made these considerations during his admission as full academician of the Real European Academy of Doctors-Barcelona 1914 (RAED), held in Barcelona on 16 March. The recipient has read the entry speech “La vida és una llarga oxidació” (Life is a long oxidation). On behalf of the RAED has been answered the full academician Rafael Blesa.
