Longevity Drug | Inhibiting inflammatory proteins to fight aging increases the lifespan of mice by 25%, which may also be applicable to humans

[ad_1]

Contents

Blocking IL-11 signaling Can lower cholesterol and prevent cancer Support EJ Tech

originalPublished in Hong Kong Economic Times Financial NewsEJ Tech Innovation Lab“

Population aging will bring huge health and economic challenges to society in the coming decades. In addition to controlling diet, exercising more and keeping a regular schedule to maintain physical and mental health, the scientific community has been studying molecular biology in recent years to find the secret to longevity.Discover“Close” aInterleukin 11 (IL-11)Protein can significantly extend the healthy lifespan of middle-aged experimental mice by nearly 25%; the paper was published in the academic journal“nature”.

After about 55 years of age, human cells accumulate damage, which in turn triggers an immune system response and releases inflammatory molecules such as IL-11. Past studies have linked it to chronic inflammation, organ fibrosis, metabolic disorders, muscular dystrophy, frailty, and cardiac fibrosis. Although small doses of inflammatory molecules help protect against disease or injury, excessive inflammation damages cells, which is believed to accelerate aging, just like adding fuel to the fire.

The picture shows identical twin mice of the same age. The left one is aging normally without intervention, and the right one has received anti-IL-11 treatment since 55 weeks. (Photo from Nature)

Blocking IL-11 signaling

The research team demonstrated in preclinical models that blocking the IL-11 inflammatory molecule can extend the lifespan of experimental mice by inhibiting its signal transduction. To further verify this concept, the team collaborated with Duke-NUS Medical School to inject IL-11 antibody drugs into 37 experimental mice every three weeks starting from 75 weeks (equivalent to about 55 years old in humans) until they died; another group of 38 experimental mice received different antibody therapies, but they were not related to IL-11.

The results showed that after receiving anti-IL-11 treatment, the experimental mice survived an average of 155 weeks, while the untreated mice survived for 120 weeks. The median lifespan of male and female mice was extended by 22.4% and 25%, respectively, and they looked younger, healthier and stronger. The mice were less likely to develop cancer, with less than 16% having tumors, while the proportion in the control group was over 60%. Scientists also bred mice with the IL-11 gene knocked out, whose lifespan was extended by an average of more than 20%, and obesity and other disease characteristics were reduced. This suggests that drugs that inhibit IL-11 may have anti-aging effects on mammals such as humans.

Can lower cholesterol and prevent cancer

After the experimental mice received anti-IL-11 therapy, not only did they slow down the rate of telomere shortening, but they also reduced cholesterol levels, frailty and weight, and their muscle strength and metabolism also improved. They were nicknamed “Supermodel Grannies” in the laboratory. For example, they changed from producing white fat to producing beneficial brown fat, which can break down blood sugar and fat molecules, help maintain body temperature and burn calories. Assistant Professor of Duke-NUS Medical SchoolAnissa WidjajaIt said that although the tests were completed on mice, similar effects were found in studies on human cells and tissues.

Vijaya said similar effects were also found in studies of human cells and tissues. (Photo from Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School)

The effects of IL-11 inhibition in humans remain to be seen, but early clinical trials are underway to understand the effects of this treatment on patients with fibrotic lung disease. As life expectancy increases, citizens will not have to retire early and productivity will last longer, bringing huge commercial benefits.paperIt is estimated that if life expectancy is extended by one year, the economic value brought to society will be equivalent to US$38 trillion (approximately HK$296.4 trillion), and if it is extended by 10 years, it will be worth US$367 trillion.