The Anti-Aging Compound Rejuvenates Youth Indicators Effectively

In pre-clinical studies, a small molecule successfully stimulated neuron regeneration, decreased inflammation, and enhanced memory, speed, coordination, grip strength, and other factors. These findings hold significant promise for aging and associated diseases.

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center investigated telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), an enzyme crucial for synthesizing and elongating telomeres—the protective caps at chromosome ends essential for cell division. TERT levels decline with age, prompting their exploration.

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Insufficient levels of TERT can lead to telomere shortening or alterations, triggering a process that damages DNA continuously. This damage prompts cells to release inflammatory compounds, contributing to aging, tissue damage, and potentially cancer.

To address this, researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center screened over 650,000 compounds to identify one capable of reactivating TERT in mice equivalent to 75 human years old.

After administering this TERT-activating compound (TAC) for six months, the mice showed new neuron growth in the hippocampus, enhancing cognitive performance. This was accompanied by increased expression of genes related to memory and learning.

Furthermore, TAC reversed sarcopenia in the mice, improving grip strength, speed, coordination, and neuromuscular function associated with aging.

Additionally, TAC reduced inflammaging, the accumulation of inflammatory markers linked to various age-related diseases, by suppressing the p16 gene, critical in cellular aging.

According to study author Ronald DePinho, “Epigenetic suppression of TERT significantly influences cellular decline at the onset of aging by regulating genes involved in cognition, muscle function, and inflammation. By pharmacologically restoring youthful TERT levels, we reprogrammed gene expression, resulting in enhanced cognition and muscle function while mitigating features associated with age-related diseases.”

Potential Impact of TAC Pathway on Aging Research

The study authors emphasize the need for further research, but suggest that if the promising pathway with TAC continues to yield positive outcomes, it could significantly impact how we address the effects of aging on the body.

“These initial findings are promising, particularly since TAC is readily absorbed by all tissues, including the central nervous system,” DePinho commented.

“However, additional studies are necessary to thoroughly evaluate its safety and effectiveness in long-term therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, our enhanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying aging has identified potential drug targets, offering avenues to intervene in the development of numerous significant age-related chronic diseases.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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