Antiaging at the genetic level
Prolonging youth may no longer be a distant dream. American scientists managed to turn back time in experimental animals reinforcing the theory that aging it is not a one-way street and how by careful regulation it can be made reversible.
What did the research show?
As reported in a related publication in the scientific journal Cell, a new form of gene therapy produced a remarkable rejuvenating effect on the mice tested. Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences in California first genetically engineered mice to carry a mutation that leads to premature aging, analogous to the rare genetic condition progeria in humans. The subsequent reprogramming of the cells made the rodents feel again. After six weeks of treatment, they had visibly more youthful appearance, their skin and muscle tissue had improved while their life expectancy increased by 30%.
What does the result mean?
The rejuvenating treatment tested in mice is one that is used to revert adult cells to their original form, i.e. turn them into embryonic ones stem cells. This is the first study to show that genetic programming can be used to regenerate and heal adult cells. Her findings challenge the view that aging is simply the result of natural wear and tear over time and reinforce the theory that we age because an internal genetic biological clock dictates so.
Can it be applied to humans?
However, it should be noted that the techniques used cannot be directly applied to humans. We will need to be a little patient to benefit from the above findings. According to the scientists, after a decade treatments will be able to be developed that will they slow down this genetic biological clock, extending life. "We believe that this approach will not lead to immortality"said the head of the research team, Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte. "Our goal is not only to extend life span, but a healthier life", he added.
Aging naturally also affects the quality of our skin. A specialist, such as dermatologist her Healthy Derma Clinics, with treatments such as mesotherapy , which is rich in vitamins and hyaluronic acid.