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Common Health Issues

Anti-Aging Remedy That Can Prevent Cancer

Researchers at Imperial College London could have found a mechanism to reverse the effects of aging and prevent cancer. According to a recent study that was published in the magazine Nature, this new anti-aging compound may increase human lifespans by 25%.

Using mice as test subjects, the scientists discovered that inhibiting the protein interleukin-11 (IL-11) can improve lung and muscle function, increase metabolism, and protect against cancer. It might also stop hair loss and graying.

The experiments showed that the treated mice survived an average of 155 weeks, while the untreated mice lived an average of 120 weeks.

Stuart Cook, a professor at Imperial College's Medical Research Council Laboratory of Medical Science, told Telegraph that "these findings are very exciting."

"We saw decreased muscular atrophy and increased muscle strength in the treated mice, along with fewer tumors and the typical indications of aging and frailty. Put differently, the elderly mice who were given anti-IL11 therapy had better health," Cook continued.

The Novel Medication May Prevent Human Aging

Even though this study was limited to mice, the researchers think that older adults may respond to the medication in a similar way.

Millions of years ago, humans evolved the IL-11 gene from fish. In certain species, this gene also aids in limb regeneration. Although it served a purpose in antiquity, it is today seen as superfluous in humans. It may lead to inflammation, thickening of the tissues, and scarring, all of which accelerate the aging process.

After testing on lab animals when the protein values increased noticeably, researchers theorized that inhibiting IL-11 may prevent aging.

Additional Anti-Aging Discoveries

Other research projects aim to prolong human life and enhance human well-being. In one such study, researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School discovered a medication that may age human cells.

This discovery may mean that gene therapy is no longer required to reverse aging. It can help treat age-related ailments and improve vision with a single pill.