Scientists from Imperial College London may be on the verge of a significant scientific breakthrough that will stop the aging process and prevent cancer.
A new study published in the scientific journal Nature claims that the life span of humans can be extended by approximately 25% with the help of this innovative formula.
research findings
The researchers performed experiments on mice and discovered that turning off the interleukin-11 (IL-11) protein can prevent cancer,
improve metabolism, hearing and vision, and improve lung and muscle functions. In addition, the formula may prevent the appearance of gray hair and hair loss.
Mice treated with the formula lived an average of 155 weeks, while untreated mice lived only 120 weeks.
Effects on health and longevity
The study showed that turning off IL-11 in mice improved muscle function, increased metabolism, and reduced the levels of markers of aging and wear and tear.
The mice treated with IL-11 antibodies showed less cancer and were free of normal signs of aging and wear and tear.
The human potential of the medicine
Although the study was only performed on mice, the scientists believe that the drug may produce similar results in older people as well.
The IL-11 gene was adopted by humans from fish millions of years ago, and it also helps in the regeneration of limbs in certain species.
While the gene was useful in the past, today it is known to be unnecessary for humans and can even cause scarring, thickening of tissues and inflammations that cause disease and aging.
The mechanism of action of IL-11
In the study, it was found that IL-11 is a pro-inflammatory protein from the IL-6 family of cytokines, which activates the ERK, AMPK and mTORC1 signaling pathways.
In adult mice, the expression of IL-11 is increased in various cells and tissues, and turning off the protein protected the mice from metabolic decline, exhaustion and multiple diseases with aging.
results of the study in mice
The study found that the administration of IL-11 antibodies in mice 75 weeks old and older improved muscle function, increased metabolism, and decreased the levels of markers of aging and wear and tear.
Shutting down the IL-11 gene extended the lifespan of the mice by 24.9%, and treating 75-week-old mice with IL-11 antibodies extended the lifespan of males by 22.5% and the lifespan of females by 25%.
Effects on human cells
IL-11 is associated with senescence in human cells and causes the acceleration of aging processes and worsening of metabolic functions.
In the cells treated with IL-11 antibodies, an improvement in metabolism, a decrease in the characteristics of aging and a reduction in inflammation was observed.
Conclusions
The findings of the study highlight the negative role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-11 in the lifespan and health of mammals.
The study found that IL-11 antibodies improved the metabolic parameters and muscle function and reduced the incidence of cancer in mouse models.
These findings suggest that pharmacological modulation of IL-11 may be valuable in the treatment of cancer and fibrotic lung diseases.
References: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07701-9
