Wednesday, March 11, 2015

The Fountain of Youth


Researchers from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), Mayo Clinic, and other institutions recently identified a new class of drugs that slow the aging process.  During the study, the scientists targeted senescent cells in mice.  The scientists were challenged with identifying and targeting the senescent cells without damaging surrounding cells.  Through transcript analysis, the researchers discovered that senescent cells, like cancer cells, have an increased ability to resist apoptosis.  As a result, the researchers decided to use dasatinib and quercetin to facilitate their research.  Cell culture testing showed that while dasatinib was effective in eliminating senescent human fat cell progenitors, quercetin was effective in eliminating senescent human endothelial cells.  The scientists concluded that a combination of both drugs would be most effective in targeting and eliminating senescent cells.
When testing how the drugs affected health and aging in mice, the research team observed improved cardiovascular function among old mice after a single dose of the drugs.  The team also observed that after a single dose, mice that had been exposed to radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer exhibited an increased exercise capacity.  Periodic dosages of the drugs delayed age-related symptoms, spine degeneration, and osteoporosis in mice who exhibited accelerated aging.  The research team concluded that more testing must be performed before the combination of drugs can be used in humans.
I think the research is fascinating and has the potential to allow people to live healthier for a longer period of time.  Many people would find this to be the new fountain of youth.

No comments:

Post a Comment