Some may have heard, or even tried DNP for weight loss. It is a feared substance in the body building world. It uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, making mitochondria less efficient at atp production. It does this by acting as an active proton shuttle, defeating the proton gradient which exists across membranes. Passive diffusion of hydrogen across an electrochemical gradient fuels atp synthase, and dnp defeats that process, and the energy is lost as heat (positive dose response, the more dnp, the less efficient, the hotter you become)
While oxidative phosphorylation is the backbone of cellular energy, it piles up cellular garbage which over time, creates cellular dysfunction. Interestingly, DNP may inhibit that process, and in theory, may delay aging. Here is a nice summary:
2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) has long been known to be toxic at high concentrations, an effect related to uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Five years ago, however, we reported that low concentrations of DNP protect neurons against the toxicity of the amyloid-β peptide. Since then, a number of other studies have provided evidence of beneficial actions of DNP (at low concentrations), including neuroprotection against different types of insult, blockade of amyloid aggregation, stimulation of neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation, and even extension of lifespan in certain organisms. Some of these effects appear due to mild mitochondrial uncoupling and prevention of oxidative stress, whereas other actions are related to activation of additional intracellular signaling pathways. This study discusses the evidence supporting beneficial neuroprotective actions of DNP. DNP and other compounds with similar biological activities may be of interest in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological disorders.
I highly suggest reading "Neuroprotective actions of 2,4-dinitrophenol Friend or foe?"
There are a few other interesting studies showing what seems like potent neurorestorative and neuroprotective activity of subtherapeutic doses of DNP.
Anyways, I think it is an interesting read.
Please, do not take DNP. It may kill you. It has a very narrow therapeutic window. This post is for academic and research purposes only.
Edited by medicineman, 15 September 2014 - 09:13 PM.