Effects of GlyNAC on Tissue Regeneration, Behavior, and Locomotor Activity in Dugesia tigrina

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of GlyNAC—a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine—on tissue regeneration in Dugesia tigrina (planarians). Aging is associated with physiological decline, including reduced tissue repair and increased oxidative stress. GlyNAC has emerged as a promising anti-aging supplement due to its ability to elevate intracellular glutathione levels, a critical antioxidant that mitigates oxidative damage and supports cellular health. Planarians are used as a model organism in this study due to their robust regenerative capabilities, presence of a central nervous system, and endogenous glutathione production, which parallel key human physiological processes. The experimental design includes one control group fed standard ground beef and three treatment groups fed ground beef supplemented with varying concentrations of GlyNAC. Regenerative capacity will be assessed by measuring the length of planarian regrowth post-amputation. Additionally, motility will be evaluated by recording planarian movement over a 30-minute interval using grid-lined Petri dishes. This study aims to determine whether GlyNAC supplementation enhances tissue regeneration and movement in planarians. Future research should expand the sample size and explore molecular assays to validate findings at a biochemical level.