The elixir of life has been a constant search throughout human history.
The search for the elixir of life continues and science is getting closer to unraveling the mysteries of aging.
In recent years, science has made great strides in understanding the aging process.
Various factors have been identified that contribute to this process, such as genetics, diet, lifestyle and the environment.
Some scientists believe that the key to longevity could lie in proteins.
Certainly, proteins are essential molecules for the functioning of our body, which is why they play a crucial role in the repair and maintenance of cells.
It is possible that in the future we can use them to develop new treatments that allow us to live longer and with a better quality of life.
A study coordinated by researchers from the National Research Institute of Singapore and Duke University and published in the journal Nature, shows the following:
Disabling an inflammatory protein called IL-11 (interleukin 11) can increase the healthy life expectancy of mice by 25%. Thus, it is considered a significant scientific advance.
The author of this study raises the tempting hope that disabling this inflammatory protein could have a similar effect in older adults.
The scientists observed that IL-11 levels increase with age in various tissues of mice. In addition, the elimination of this gene prolonged the average longevity of mice of both sexes.
As a result, the treated animals lived an average of 35 weeks longer, compared to 120 weeks of life under normal conditions.
According to the author of the study, Stuart Cook states that:
“The treated mice had fewer tumors and were free of the typical signs of aging and frailty.
Similarly, we observed a reduction in muscle atrophy and an improvement in muscle strength.
In other words, the aged mice that received the anti-IL-11 were healthier.”
Specific anti-IL-11 treatments for other conditions are currently being studied in humans. This could therefore offer interesting opportunities to study its effects on human ageing in the future.
According to scientist Alessandro Sgambato, professor of General Pathology at the Catholic University, Rome campus, he says:
“This is certainly an important discovery that adds another piece to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for age-related physiological changes.
For this reason, it represents a further step towards the development of a protective therapy against them.”
Similarly, he points out that “Let us not forget, however, that our goal is not only to prolong life but also to guarantee a good quality of life and good physical and mental health for the elderly.”
Scientist Sgambato points out:
Firstly, the relationship between IL-11 and aging in humans needs to be better clarified.
Secondly, the effects of IL-11 drugs on the metabolic deterioration of old age need to be further investigated.
Consequently, thanks to recent scientific advances, the elixir of life has found a door, which shows the hope not only of prolonging life but also of being able to guarantee a good quality of life, both physically and mentally, for the elderly.
