A team of biologists from the Mayo Clinic has shown that aging cells – cells that no longer divide, accumulate with age, adversely affecting health and reducing life expectancy by 35% in normal mice. The results, now found in Nature, show that the cleansing of aging cells delays tumor formation, maintains the function of tissues and organs, and extends life without any side effects. Cell aging is a biological mechanism that acts as an “emergency brake” used by damaged cells to inhibit division. While stopping the cell division of these cells is important to prevent cancer once the “emergency brake” is applied. , these cells are no longer needed.
The immune system scans the aging cells on a regular basis, but over time it becomes less effective. Aging cells produce factors that cause damage to neighboring cells and cause chronic inflammation, which is closely linked to age-related diseases. tumors and reduced the age-related deterioration of several organs. The median lifespan of treated mice increased by 17 to 35 percent while showing a healthier appearance and reduced inflammation in fat, muscle and kidneys. Aging cells that accumulate with aging are highly detrimental to organs and tissues and shorten life. Drugs or other compounds that can kill aging cells would be useful in treating age-related disabilities or diseases or conditions.
The advantage of targeting aging cells is that clearance of just 60 to 70 percent can have significant therapeutic effects on health and longevity.
SOURCE: Biochemistry Life Expectancy Mayo Clinic Molecular Biology.2016
