- Episode Highlights: What You’ll Learn
- Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Aging
- Scientific Deep Dive: Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Cellular Longevity
- Meet the Experts
- Where to Listen
- Try iüVitalizer: Advanced Energy Metabolism and Cognitive Support
- References
In this compelling episode of The Bioinformatics CRO Podcast, host Grant Belgard speaks with Dr. Wolfgang Brysch—neurobiologist, physician, biotech innovator, and co-founder of both MetrioPharm and iüLabs. With over 30 years of clinical research and 26 patents to his name, Dr. Brysch is a leading voice in longevity science and inflammation biology.
Together, they dive into one of the most critical questions in modern medicine and wellness: How can we use both pharmaceutical precision and nature’s complexity to slow aging, control inflammation, and enhance human performance?
Episode Highlights: What You’ll Learn
Dr. Wolfgang Brysch’s Scientific Journey
From medical doctor to biotech pioneer, Dr. Brysch has decoded the cellular drivers of aging and chronic disease. His work spans pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, focused on combating chronic inflammation, also known as “inflammaging.”
The Dual-Path Model: Pharma Meets Nature
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MetrioPharm: Develops small-molecule drugs targeting inflammatory and infectious diseases.
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iüLabs: Focuses on natural plant compounds that stimulate the body's innate healing.
Dr. Brysch’s “dual-path” strategy harnesses both synthetic and natural therapeutics to address complex, multifactorial conditions.
Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Aging
Aging isn’t just about time—it’s about how well your cells handle stress. Dr. Brysch explains how chronic inflammation arises from oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genetic “switches” triggered by toxins, infections, and autoimmune conditions. These factors contribute to neurodegeneration, cardiovascular issues, and reduced cellular energy production.
Natural Compounds as Cellular Adaptogens
Many traditional herbal compounds act as mild biological stressors, helping the body activate repair pathways. Dr. Brysch likens this process to “metabolic yoga,” where small, strategic doses of various ingredients (like Rhodiola, green tea extract, or methylene blue) activate regeneration without overwhelming the body.
The Power of Synergy
Rather than relying on high doses of isolated nutrients, Dr. Brysch advocates for synergistic blends of natural compounds. He uses the analogy of an assembly line—improving each step slightly results in a dramatic overall effect. This principle guides the formulation of iüVitalizer, iüLabs' signature supplement for energy, cognition, and healthy aging.
Scientific Deep Dive: Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Cellular Longevity
Aging is increasingly understood not just as the passage of time but as a cumulative biological process marked by cellular stress, mitochondrial decline, and chronic low-grade inflammation—collectively known as “inflammaging.” Dr. Wolfgang Brysch’s dual-path approach leverages both pharmacological and botanical tools to intervene in these processes, focusing on the interplay between inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction.
Mitochondrial Health and Aging
Mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses, are central to aging and age-related diseases. With time, mitochondrial DNA accumulates damage, leading to reduced ATP production, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and impaired cell signalling. Nutrients such as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursors, and alpha-lipoic acid have shown promise in restoring mitochondrial function.
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CoQ10 supports electron transport chain activity and has been studied for its role in heart failure and neurodegeneration (Littarru & Tiano, 2007).
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NAD+ levels decline with age, and boosting NAD+ through precursors like NMN and NR has been linked to improved metabolic function and DNA repair (Gomes et al., 2013).
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Alpha-lipoic acid, a dual-purpose antioxidant and mitochondrial cofactor, improves insulin sensitivity and may slow cognitive decline (Shay et al., 2009).
Oxidative Stress, Neurodegeneration, and Adaptive Defence
Chronic oxidative stress plays a key role in diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cardiovascular disorders. When ROS overwhelm the cell's antioxidant defences, lipids, proteins, and DNA are damaged—triggering inflammation and cell death. However, low-dose exposure to natural oxidative stressors (e.g., phytochemicals) can activate adaptive cellular pathways, such as Nrf2 and AMPK, that enhance resilience.
Natural compounds like resveratrol, EGCG (from green tea), and Rhodiola act as cellular hormetics—modest stressors that upregulate repair enzymes and antioxidant systems without tipping the scale toward toxicity (Calabrese et al., 2010). This supports Dr. Brysch’s “metabolic yoga” analogy: small, targeted biological challenges strengthen the body’s self-repair mechanisms.
Methylene Blue and Cognitive Optimization
Methylene blue, once used as a dye and antimalarial, is undergoing a renaissance in neuroscience. It enhances mitochondrial respiration by acting as an alternative electron carrier and has shown neuroprotective effects in models of Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and ischemia. At low doses, it improves memory, attention, and energy metabolism without the toxicity seen at higher concentrations.
Muscle Preservation, Cognition, and Inflammation
Aging is also accompanied by sarcopenia—the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength—and cognitive decline. Both are linked by chronic inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Magnesium citrate, B-complex vitamins, L-tyrosine, and glycine play synergistic roles in neuromuscular health and neurotransmitter balance. Glycine, in particular, supports glutathione production and collagen synthesis, both of which are crucial for tissue repair and detoxification.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Wolfgang Brysch
Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of iüLabs and MetrioPharm, with training from University of Goettingen, University of Cambridge, and Max-Planck Institute. His work bridges pharmaceutical innovation and botanical wisdom to enhance quality of life and longevity.
Grant Belgard (Host)
CEO of The Bioinformatics CRO and expert in genomics, biotech, and drug discovery, highlighting leaders transforming health through science.
Where to Listen
Available on all major platforms:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
YouTube
Amazon Music
Google Podcasts
And wherever you get your podcasts.
Try iüVitalizer: Advanced Energy Metabolism and Cognitive Support
Inspired by Dr. Brysch’s innovative approach to combining pharmaceutical precision with natural compounds, iüVitalizer (Energy & Focus) is a next-generation supplement formulated to address the root causes of cellular aging and cognitive decline. Designed with cutting-edge research and clinical expertise, iüVitalizer targets key biological pathways to help you unlock your full potential.
What iüVitalizer does for you:
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Boosts mitochondrial energy production: By supporting the cellular “powerhouses,” iüVitalizer enhances ATP generation, giving your body and brain the fuel needed for sustained energy and vitality throughout the day.
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Combats oxidative stress: Packed with potent antioxidants and adaptogens, it helps neutralize harmful free radicals and reduces chronic inflammation, protecting your cells from damage and premature aging.
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Enhances brain function and mental focus: Ingredients in iüVitalizer promote neurotransmitter balance and mitochondrial health in the brain, helping to sharpen memory, improve concentration, and support cognitive resilience under stress.
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Supports long-term health and resilience: By targeting inflammation,
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mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular repair mechanisms, iüVitalizer helps build your body’s resistance to fatigue, stress, and age-related decline, promoting healthy aging and overall wellness.
Formulated with precision and backed by years of rigorous scientific research, iüVitalizer combines the best of clinical science with the power of natural botanical compounds. It is designed to work synergistically with your body’s own repair systems, delivering targeted nutrition with enhanced absorption technology for maximum efficacy.
Whether you’re a busy professional, an active senior, or someone seeking to optimize their health and longevity, iüVitalizer provides a comprehensive nutritional foundation to support your energy, focus, and vitality every day.
👉 Ready to experience the benefits first hand?
Try a trial pack now and take the first step towards optimized aging and enhanced performance.
References
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Littarru GP, Tiano L. Bioenergetic and antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q10: recent developments. Mol Biotechnol. 2007;37(1):31–37. DOI: 10.1007/s12033-007-0060-1
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Gomes AP, Price NL, Ling AJ, et al. Declining NAD+ induces a pseudohypoxic state disrupting nuclear-mitochondrial communication during aging. Cell. 2013;155(7):1624–1638. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.11.037
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Shay KP, Moreau RF, Smith EJ, Smith AR, Hagen TM. Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009;1790(10):1149–1160. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.07.026
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Calabrese EJ, et al. Biological stress response terminology: Integrating the concepts of adaptive response and preconditioning stress within a hormetic dose-response framework. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2007;222(1):122–128. DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2007.02.015
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Rojas JC, et al. Mitochondrial complex I activity and cytochrome oxidase levels are increased by methylene blue in vivo. Brain Res. 2012;1448:14–23. DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.02.023
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O’Callaghan RM, et al. The role of magnesium in neuroplasticity. Rev Neurosci. 2018;29(6):507–529. DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0076
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Kumar V, et al. Nutritional aspects of glycine: Mechanisms of action and health benefits. Eur J Nutr. 2021;60(6):2965–2980. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-020-02434-3