New research shows evidence of ageing process reversed

Scientists can now reverse the ageing process.

Researchers have developed a molecule that selectively destroys senescent cells that are frail and damaged, and age us, reports Science magazine.

While the research applies to mice, making older ones act and appear more youthful, there is hope it will do exactly the same for humans.

The results found so far showed the molecule, called a peptide, restored fitness, fur density, and renal function in the test subjects. 

There are downsides though.

Research has also shown the peptides can also kill healthy cells or trigger side effects such as a drop in the number of platelets, the cellular chunks that help our blood clot.

Part of the reason behind the research was to develop strategies to extend and restore health span, due to life expectancy projected to increase.

Previously cell-penetrating peptides have had minimal research, when it comes to ageing,

Rather than look straight at human trials researchers now want to determine whether the molecule kills cancer cells, which share some similarities with senescent cells, starting with the brain tumour glioblastoma.

If the compound continues to prove safe, they can think about testing the peptide against age-related diseases or even ageing itself.

Another lot of research shows that a natural compound present in some fruits and vegetables, including avocados and broccoli, as well as peanuts and mushrooms, can actually help repair DNA damaged by ageing and exposure to radiation.

The vitamin, called nicotinamide mononucleotide was found to regulate the interactions that control DNA repair, and mice given the booster lived up to 20 per cent longer, and ran faster.

Doctor David Sinclair from Harvard Medical School said they took mice that were 20 months old, equivalent to a 60 to 70-year-old human.

He said they found many aspects of ageing were reversed.

“Their DNA repair activities went up to youthful levels and they were more resistant to radiation and should therefore be more protected against cancer and ageing itself,” he said.

The research team team couldn’t tell the difference between the tissues from a two-year-old mouse and one that was three to four months old.

“Essentially every aspect of their ageing process that we looked at is reversed in about a week so we’re very excited to see if this actually happens in people when we test it in the next couple of months,” Dr Sinclair went on.

A human trial for the revolutionary new pill is now set to go ahead and if successful it may be available in as little as three to five years.

Would you try something to make yourself look younger?