This drug was able to reverse the aging process

Researchers are investigating whether medications can improve health aspects of old age
It is part of the course of life that the human body is getting older and older. Researchers now found that a drug could help in reversing the aspects of aging. Old mice have already been treated with the drug to restore their stamina and even organ function.

The physicians of the Erasmus University Medical Center discovered in their study that a drug can reverse certain aspects of aging. The physicians published the results of their study in the medical journal "Cell".

Can medications stop or even reverse the aging process? Physicians now developed a drug that can increase the endurance of old mice in animal experiments and restore the liver function. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com)

Extension of tests planned for human processes
The experts are now planning to investigate the effects of the drug on human processes. So the scientists hope to find an effective treatment against signs of age.

Drug kills senescent cells
The treatment approach works by flushing out so-called retarded or senescent cells in the body that have already stopped dividing. Such cells naturally reproduce as they age. They have a role in wound healing and in the fight against tumors, the researchers explain. The senescent cells release substances that can cause inflammation and are associated with aging. The physicians now developed a drug that selectively kills senescent cells by disrupting chemical equilibrium.

Effects on processes of aging
The drug was tested on old mice (equivalent to 90 human years in mouse years). These experimental mice have been genetically engineered to age very quickly. The results of the current study showed that treatment could restore liver function, the researchers explain. In addition, the mice could run twice as long in the wheel compared to their mileage before treatment.

So far no side effects detected
There were many other effects, but these did not seem to affect all mice, say the doctors. The drug was given to the mice three times a week. The experiment lasted for almost a year. There were no noticeable signs of side effects, but unfortunately mice do not speak, according to author Dr. de Keizer from the Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands. However, it has already been suggested that taking the drug has little to no effect on normal tissue.

Investigations on humans must be carried out
The experiments with mice are almost completed. Now scientists can focus on certain age-related diseases, such as osteoporosis. The findings must now be repeated on human volunteers. Until more quality research is done, the results should be considered reserved, experts suggest.

Drug soon available as a nutritional supplement?
It would not be surprising if different manufacturers tried to profit from the observed effects. So it could happen that we can freely acquire this peptide in the future as a nutritional supplement, presume the medical profession.

Further research is needed
First, however, further research is needed to further investigate the safety of the drug. In addition, the appropriate group of patients must be found to benefit from these peptides in a timely manner. So it will eventually be possible that the positive effects can be offered at an affordable price, the researchers hope. (As)