CAN WE REVERSE AGING?
Aging (senescence) is one of the most complex phenomena in human biology. It requires a comprehensive understanding of multifaceted physiological processes that contribute to aging by scientists that continuously search for “fountain of youth.”
Moreover, we are eagerly waiting for one miraculous intervention that will undo aging! Billions are spent every year searching for that extraordinary breakthrough that will stop aging, but for now, we know we will not be aging as fast and poorly as our parents.
In principle, the younger “aging population” in mid-forties is more concerned about the aesthetic aspects of aging ( facial and body appearance ). Mid – fifties that already experienced first symptoms on physical troubles due to aging are, however, looking for integrative anti-aging interventions to prevent dementia, heart attacks, arthritis, cancer, and other age-related detrimental diseases. Some Millenials are very pro-healthy living, doing vigorous exercises, often vegetarians, using preventive genetic testing for healthy guidance, and extremely open to all anti-aging interventions at a younger age. Again they all search, just as scientists do, for the “fantan of youth.”
THE LATEST RESEARCH IN UNDOING AGING THAT IS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY OR SOON.
The majority of research is done to prove that the body’s biological age ( epigenetic age) can be reversed. Biological age means how old our body is irrespective of chronological aging. ( age since birth!)
Two studies that were published recently caused much excitement amongst scientists involved in anti-aging research.
One was the first clinical trial designed to reverse aspects of human aging-related to immunity. Decreased immunity is a massive problem in the aging population that contributes to cancer, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases. For this purpose, it was used the Human Growth hormone (HGH), DHEA- androgen hormone, and drug Metformin ( antidiabetic drug, and drug that mimic caloric restriction in mice) in 51-65 older adult. Surprisingly, this combination that was designed to help with restoring immunity showed a reversal of biological age! Should we all start using now Growth Hormone, DHEA, and Metformin to reverse our biological age? The answer to this is, unfortunately: no! The study needs to be done on a larger population to become acceptable, and treatment needs to be personalized, but it is something that it will be looked at carefully, till the proper protocol get established for possible public use. Possible soon.
The second trial is exciting, as it can be put in practice immediately.
This study was done on a group of aging individuals ( 55-70) by using a flavonoid-rich drink -cocoa over eight weeks, and it was compared with a control group that was not using cocoa. The results were remarkable. The study showed that cocoa drink decreased markers for inflammation, oxidative stress, cardiovascular diseases( all typical for the aging process), and improved mobility and physical performance, and the quality of life.
The evidence provided in these small studies is extremely valuable as it opens the door for more extensive clinical trials that can quickly bring scientific p[rocols into anti-aging practice.
CONSIDERABLE ADVANCES IN ANTI-AGING STRATEGIES EXIST, AND IT WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE NEAR FEATURE.
Extensive research mostly done on mice has proven that we will be able successfully to undo aging in a near feature. Human life expectancy could pass 100 years in the majority very soon. In the past ten years, scientists discovered many rejuvenating strategies for the “turning back time” process with an aim not just to delay but to reverse aging. Here are some of these strategies that will become more “buzz” word as they develop into interventions available to the public: Senolytic drugs, Sirtuins, mTOR inhibition, NED + restoration, umbilical cord and a blood transfusion from young to old, AMPK activation, mitochondria restoration, Stem cells, Exosomes from young cells, autophagy, immune restoration, CRISPR-cas9, telomere elongation.
The main problem in the aging population is suboptimal health, chronic diseases, and reduced quality of life. More than 90%of people over aged 65% have at least one chronic disease. Therefore, before we utilize the latest technologies in anti-aging, we must address the necessary foundation towards optimal health, which is often undermined.
Let us discuss one example: AMPK activation is considered as one of the anti-aging strategies that can be enhanced by using drug Metformin. However, calorie restriction or intermittent fasting with an emphasis on reducing sugar and starch can also activate AMPK, as well as aerobic exercise. In fact, just a 12% calorie restriction improves the biological age score by 1,5 years.
Similarly, one recent study in older men showed that telomeres could be lengthened by 2 % per year with a combination of exercise, stress control, healthy diet, and use of omega-fatty acids. All of these demonstrate that waiting for all these fancy anti-aging strategies or even using them when become available is pointless if basic interventions for optimizing health are not achieved.
LEARNING FROM CENTENARIANS.
We can learn a lot about it from centenarians as they are regarded as model cases for successful aging. Beside delayed mortality, centenarians retained independence in their everyday activities and good cognition at a higher level than the general population. They have fewer telomeres shortening, less inflammation, and higher sex hormone levels comparing to the general population.
Additionally, to good genetics, centenarians were eating low-calorie food in less amount, and most wholesome food rich in phytonutrients. They remained physically active and integrated part of society. It seems like centenarians are very positive and not trapped into thinking as aging people, and they often have a good sense of humor, which indicates that they take life circumstances with less stress.
References available on request.