New Research May Lead to Drugs That Prolong Life

Scientists at the Institute of Healthy Ageing at University College London (UCL) may have finally arrived at the fountain of youth. By genetically engineering mice, they have successfully extended their life span by 20%, which is almost half of their total lifespan. The modified mice also showed resistance to diabetes and displayed positive physical and mental effects compared to the control group. Their T-cells, vital for immune function, were also healthier.

The genetic manipulation, which served to block the S6 Kinase 1 (S6K1) protein, replicated the beneficial effects of low-calorie intake. It has been known since the first half of the 20th century (1930s) that reducing the calorie intake by 30% of rats and mice increased their lifespan by 40%. More recently, the same effect has been observed in primates.

S6K1 is involved in the body's response to changes in food intake. According to research leader, UCL professor Dominic Withers, blocking the action of the S6K1 protein helps prevent a number of age-related conditions in female mice. "The mice lived longer and were leaner, more active and generally healthier than the control group. We added 'life to their years' as well as 'years to their lives." The male mice in the experiment showed little difference in life span although they also displayed the effects of better health.

There are drugs already available that serve to counter S6K1 and related molecules in the body. One is metformin, which is used against Type-2 diabetes. Another is rapamycin, which is used as an immunosuppressant for donated organ recipients. Drug company Sirtris Pharmaceuticals have found that resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant recently found in grapes activates the production of sirtuin proteins which produce the same health effects of calorie intake reduction. The company is now currently doing tests on concentrated resveratrol on select patients with diabetes and cancer.

Resveratrol is known to concentrate in human skin when taken internally and has been shown to promote cellular rejuvenation, at the same time destroying abnormal cellular growths that may lead to cancer. Resveratrol is found in grape skin and seeds.

With more research, the scientists hope to eventually make it possible to have drugs that when taken, could add years to people's lives. But before that happens, it could be that by simply eating more grapes, people can potentially look younger, be healthier, and live longer. To bad that the seeds, which contain other antioxidants beneficial to cells, aren't eaten at all because of their bitter taste. The next best thing are grape seed extract antioxidants.

Proflavanol Grape Seed Extract antioxidant