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| Visual effects of aging |
Aging has thus far proved itself to be an inevitable process. No matter the amount of exercise or healthy eating one does, the skin loses elasticity, muscle and bone mass are deteriorated, the function of the immune system decreases, memory is impaired, and diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer are much more commonplace. For years it has been known that aging is a result of the decline in function and viability of the cells. This is due to the accumulation of DNA damage over time and cellular senescence –the halting of cell division after a cell has divided a specific number of times. The number of times a cell can divide is thought to be determined by the length of the telomeres capping either end of the DNA (Magalhaes). These telomeres are necessary to ensure the complete replication of the DNA and protect the chromosome ends from degradation. Because telomeres shorten with each cellular division and telomerase is not active in somatic cells, the cell lacks the ability to replace shortened telomeres and must stop dividing. Researchers, however, are hesitant to reactivate telomerase as the increased activity of this enzyme can lead to immortal cancer cells (Magalhaes).
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| Shortening of telomeres with each replication |
More recent research has linked hyperglycemia and the accumulation of penosidine, an advanced glycation end product, to the accelerated aging effects seen in those with diabetes including impaired vascular function, cataracts, and decreased wound healing (Anisimov). In 2013, Vladimir Anisimov published his research in Cell Cycle showing that the diabetes drug Metformin has increased lifespan and decreased the number of age-related diseases in mice, worms and flies (Anisimov). Another study in 2014, showed that diabetic humans taking Metformin had lifespans surpassing those of the non-diabetic control group (Bannister). Since the publication of this research on Metformin, Dr. Nir Barzilai of Albert Einstein College of Medicine has announced the formation of the TAME trial (Targeting Aging with Metformin) (MacDonald). This trial aims to test the drug on adults of 70 to 80 years to observe its effect on the development of age-related diseases like cancer, heart disease, and dementia (MacDonald). If successful, Metformin will be proved one of the first drugs to slow human aging.
With the TAME study just in its beginning stages, it is too early to tell whether Metformin will actually be able to stave off age-related diseases. However, with the demand of a youth-oriented culture to appear younger and the ever-present fear of aging and death, research to slow aging will necessarily proceed regardless of whether Metformin succeeds.
Anisimov, Vladimir N. “Metformin: Do We Finally Have an Anti-Aging Drug?” Cell Cycle 12.22 (2013): 3483–3489. PMC. Web. 17 Feb. 2016.
Bannister, Holden, Jenkins-Jones, Morgan, Halcox, Schernthaner, Mukherjee, and Currie. "CanPeople with Type 2 Diabetes Live Longer than Those Without? A Comparison of Mortality in People Initiated with Metformin or Sulphonylurea Monotherapy and Matched, Non-diabetic Controls." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 31 July 2014. Web. 17 Feb. 2016.
MacDonald, Fiona. "A Common Diabetes Drug Will Be Trialled as an Anti- ageing Elixir from next Year." ScienceAlert. Science Alert, 1 Dec. 2015. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.
Magalhaes, Joao. "Human Aging Model Systems." : Cells, Yeast, Worms, Flies, and Mice. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2016.
Figure 1- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi1ufGs7YLLAhWD7B4KHTGhAd0QjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brucesallan.com%2F2014%2F12%2F17%2Fmen-vs-women-aging-dadchat%2F&psig=AFQjCNH7I5CjuYHPCyurq_yxLPqY_wInow&ust=1455937863044528
Figure 2- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwimoc_c_4LLAhXMHx4KHVAgBwkQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzzle.com%2Farticles%2Fis-there-a-connection-between-longevity-and-telomeres.html&bvm=bv.114733917,d.dmo&psig=AFQjCNGPYjiecWX4T2lLsy_LcS9KHf0UqA&ust=1455942777819853
This new research is fascinating! I wonder how the use of a drug that could extend life expectancy and reduce aging affects on people would be implemented into society. The cost of such a drug is also a big question. How accessible would something like this be? It could also be readily available, causing many affects on the human population in general. With more people living longer, how will the rise in population be accommodated. Overall, this blog post was extremely interesting, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is something that I have always had a fascination for. The idea of becoming older and the idea of, well dying basically, is something that has always struck a hint of fear within me. These types of research that are going on throughout the country and the world are about the only things that are keeping me calm as the years go by! Awesome post!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting topic! I had no idea that aging occurred due to the telomeres shortening. Researchers making the telomeres re-activated is such a good idea but also the thought of the cancer cells being able to live forever is so frightening especially when we don't really have much to stop cancer now. The thought of a drug slowing aging is frightening as well as I don't think people should be able to live forever or expand their lives.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading this, it never really had occurred to me that I did not know why people aged. It was entertaining to find out the exact reasons. As a regard to the age related aspects of the drug, it is fascinating too see how they have developed something that can slow aging. Mattina brings up a great point about how an extended life expectancy could lead to overpopulation and overcrowding, problems that are already prevalent and are becoming a more paramount problem. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThis new research is fascinating, but there are concerns as to whether or not we should seek to extend the human lifespan at all. Currently, the birthrate in many developed countries is still declining, decreasing the number of people available to work and contribute to programs like social security. An increase in the elderly without an increase in working youth could put more stress on the economy. While it may be uncomfortable to think about, I believe attempting to stave off the natural phenomenon of death could cause more problems than its worth.
ReplyDeleteWould this be an ethical project. Should someone be able to "play God" and grant a longer life to others through science. I get that death and aging in general is scary, but in order not to upset the natural scheme of things we shouldn't alter the course of the human race. As mentioned above, the overpopulation of the world and the excess in elderly people in relation to younger people would upset the natural balance of things which would cause a downfall of the economy and ecosystem.
ReplyDelete