Aging, an inevitable biological process, has fascinated scientists and researchers for centuries. Ultimately, we hope to find a cure for aging and extend the human lifespan. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the science of aging, leading to promising discoveries that challenge conventional wisdom. Can aging truly be cured? Let’s have a look at what researchers have found.
The History of Research On Aging
A pioneering experiment in the 19th century by French physiologist Paul Bert set the stage for modern aging research. Bert grafted mice together, sharing their blood, in an attempt to understand what qualities could be transferred from one mouse to another. This experiment introduced the concept of “parabiosis,” which became the basis for future studies on the effects of young blood on aging.
In the 1950s, parabiosis experiments on rats suggested that the blood of young animals could rejuvenate older ones. However, these findings were largely ignored until the early 2000s, when interest in the science of aging was revived.
The Role of Blood and Proteins
Research conducted by Irina Conboy of the University of California, Berkeley, in 2020 shed light on the potential rejuvenating properties of young blood. Her team found that replacing half of an old mouse’s blood with a mixture of albumin (a blood protein) and saline solution had the same rejuvenating effect as young mouse blood. This suggests that rather than supplementing old blood, rejuvenation might involve the removal of harmful components.
Beyond blood, proteins play a crucial role in cellular rejuvenation. Acell’s machinery, primarily composed of proteins, helps maintain cellular functions. These proteins need to fold correctly to function efficiently. However, mutations or errors in folding can lead to the production of misfolded proteins, which can accumulate and disrupt cellular processes. Proper proteostasis, or protein balance, is essential for healthy aging. As a result of technological advancements, it is easier for us to find out more about the aging process. Try Longevity AI platform to get all the answers to questions related to anti-aging and longevity.
Microbes and Gut Health
Recent studies have also explored the role of gut microbes in the aging process. Gut bacteria are more than just passive residents; they play a vital role in nutrient absorption and the synthesis of essential molecules. Some experiments from the 1950s investigated whether young blood could rejuvenate the microbiome of older animals, but this proved unsuccessful.
Surprisingly, transferring gut microbes from young mice to older ones has shown promise in extending both lifespan and health span. These findings suggest that maintaining a healthy microbiome is crucial for aging well.
A study by the Institute for Systems Biology revealed that the diversity of gut microbiomes decreases with age, but this decline is more pronounced in unhealthy individuals. Reduced microbiome diversity in those aged 85 or older was associated with a higher risk of mortality. Certain microbes, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, have been linked to extended lifespan and cognitive improvement in aging mice, while an excess of Bacteroides bacteria predicts mortality.
Nutrient Signaling and Caloric Restriction
Caloric restriction has long been associated with lifespan extension. Studies on various organisms, from nematode worms to dogs, have shown that reducing calorie intake while maintaining essential nutrients can extend life by up to 50%.
Calories represent the energy cells derive from breaking down food. Nutrient signaling pathways within cells regulate how cells utilize energy based on nutrient availability. Dysfunction in these pathways is one of the hallmarks of aging.
It is mTORC1 that coordinates metabolism according to nutrient availability. Rapamycin, an immunosuppressant, has been shown to extend the lifespan of laboratory animals by targeting mTORC1. Researchers are now seeking “rapalogs” that provide the benefits of an optimized mTORC1 pathway without the side effects.
Another pathway, AMPK, regulates cellular energy production. Metformin, a drug used to treat type-2 diabetes, activates AMPK and extends the lifespan of healthy mice. The Targeting Ageing with Metformin (TAME) trial aims to investigate metformin’s potential in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive decline in older individuals.
Sirtuins and Resveratrol
Sirtuins, a class of proteins that regulate cellular processes in response to nutrient availability, have gained attention in aging research. Caloric restriction stimulates sirtuin production, leading to increased lifespan in laboratory animals. Resveratrol, a molecule found in red grape skins, was initially thought to mimic caloric restriction’s effects on sirtuins.
David Sinclair, co-director of the Centre for Biology of Ageing Research at Harvard University, explored sirtuins and resveratrol extensively. While his work garnered much attention, the development of resveratrol derivatives for human use did not yield significant results.
Taurine and NAD+
Taurine, an amino acid commonly used as a dietary supplement, has shown promising results in extending the lifespan of mice by up to 10%. Taurine’s effects are linked to nutrient signaling pathways and several other hallmarks of aging.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a co-enzyme required for over 300 cellular processes, has also shown potential in extending lifespan. Increased NAD+ levels in mice led to longer life. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, NAD+ appears to interact with proteins called sirtuins, reinforcing their importance in the aging process.
Conclusion
As science continues to unravel the intricacies of aging, the pursuit of longevity
remains a driving force in the realm of medical research. While we may not have a cure for aging today, the ongoing efforts of dedicated scientists pave the way for a future where the boundaries of human lifespan may be pushed further than ever before.
FAQs
How to overcome aging?
To overcome aging, one can take several steps, including:
- Engaging in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity.
- Not smoking.
- Avoiding heavy alcohol consumption.
- Maintaining a high-quality, Mediterranean-style diet.
- Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, writing letters, and playing games.
Why should we not cure aging?
One argument against treating aging is that aging is not considered a
disease. Aging can refer to both the passage of time and the acquisition of experience and wisdom, which some believe should not be treated as a medical condition.
Will we ever cure aging?
Answer: Researchers have been searching for a “magic bullet” to halt or reverse aging, but the likelihood of a complete cure for aging is doubtful. While methods like diet and exercise can temporarily slow the aging process, a definitive cure for aging remains elusive.
Is aging treatable?
Some experts consider aging itself as something treatable, akin to treating medical conditions like high blood pressure or vitamin deficiencies. However, it’s important to note that aging is not currently classified as a treatable condition in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
How can I fight aging naturally? Does fasting slow aging?
To fight aging naturally, one can engage in practices such as regular exercise, a Mediterranean-style diet, not smoking, and mentally stimulating activities. Fasting has been suggested to slow down the aging process, although the text does not provide detailed information on this aspect.