A remarkable new study published by UK and Singapore researchers seems to have discovered a drug that has increased the lifespans of laboratory animals by nearly 25%. Could this discovery lead to a breakthrough that can slow human aging as well?
The team at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Science, Imperial College London, and Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore were investigating a protein called interleukin-11.
Levels of it increase in the human body as we get older, it contributes to higher levels of inflammation, and the researchers say it flips several biological switches that control the pace of ageing.
In the study, they treated mice with a drug that inhibits the production of interleukin-11. The mice thus treated were called “super grannies” by the researchers because of their “youthful appearance and vitality” despite the old age for mice. The treated mice were also “healthier, stronger, and developed fewer cancers than their unmedicated peers,” said the researchers.
The drug is already being tested in people, but whether it would have the same anti-ageing effect is unknown.
Key Takeaways From This Study:
- Extension of Lifespan and Healthspan: The study found that inhibiting IL-11 signaling in mice extended both their lifespan and healthspan. This means that not only did the mice live longer, but they also remained healthier for a more extended period, showing fewer signs of aging-related diseases and conditions.
- Mechanism of Action: The research demonstrated that IL-11, an inflammatory protein, plays a significant role in the aging process. By blocking IL-11 signaling, the inflammatory response that typically accelerates aging was reduced, leading to improved overall health and longevity.
- Broad Implications for Aging Research: The findings suggest that targeting specific inflammatory pathways could be a promising strategy for developing antiaging therapies. This could potentially translate to human treatments that aim to extend healthy years of life by mitigating chronic inflammation.
- Reversal of Age-Related Decline: The inhibition of IL-11 not only slowed aging but also reversed some age-related decline in the mice. This included improvements in physical functions such as muscle strength and cognitive functions, which are critical indicators of healthspan.
- Potential for Human Applications: While the study was conducted in mice, the results are encouraging for human applications. Researchers suggest focusing on specific age-related conditions, like muscle mass loss, to obtain quicker and more interpretable results before moving on to broader applications in human aging.
You can read the complete study which was published in the peer-reviwed journal, Nature, by clicking on the link.