Aging

Main article: Human body

By 2022, the WHO has revised the age categories: youth now ends at 44, and the period from 45 to 60 years is considered the average age. Then comes old age.

What humanity can do in the fight against old age

2020

Existing studies indirectly indicate that, using fasting, genome correction, the pharmacology of humanity may be able to push the age of the maximum life expectancy, but not to infinity. With the development of existing approaches, the record life expectancy can be shifted from 122 years (record as of January 31, 2020) to 150. But that doesn't mean everyone will live to 150, just as few live to 100. The probability curve of death will remain the same: relatively high from birth to year, lowest at 10 years, and growing exponentially from 11 and above. This is aging, and for representatives of our species, it is most likely inevitable. You can slightly change the kinetics of the process, but not stop it, told in January 2020 researcher Dmitry Madera

Methods for determining biological age and old age

Visual evaluation

On January 31, 2020, Biocad talked about why humanity in the foreseeable future will not be able to defeat aging completely. On January 25, 2020, Dmitry Madera, head of the molecular genetics department of a biotechnology company, spoke about this.

It seems that on an intuitive level, everyone knows what aging is. However, anyone, not even the deepest analysis, poses difficult questions. For example, aging is a function of age, or this process is individual for each organism. asks a question Dmitry Madera

On the one hand, aging is certainly a function of age, since all people, all living and even non-living systems are aging. However, everyone ages differently. People with progeria disease or Down syndrome age earlier than others, they are characterized by accelerated aging. And in centenarians, aging is slower, many of them at the age of 100 look 70, no more.

How does aging measure? Passport age, according to the scientist, is not the best criterion, since one person can be biologically older than his passport age, and the other is much younger. Oddly enough, the visual assessment of a person even by non-specialists in determining biological age works quite well. In the case when a person looks older than his age, he should think about his state of health.

DNA methylation

There is another method for determining biological age, called the "epigenetic clock." This method is based on changes in the epigenome, namely DNA methylation.

Telomere length

Each cell in the body has telomeres at the ends of chromosomes, the length of which decreases with each division of cells. But the length of the telomeres is able to recover under the influence of the enzyme telomerase. Unlike sex, stem, some other tissues of the body and cancer cells, in ordinary cells the enzyme telomerase (which restores the length of the telomeres) is absent, so they cannot divide indefinitely, which may partly play a role in the aging of the body as a whole, but not leading. A certain correlation between age, morbidity and cumulative telomere length is fixed, but it is unlikely that a direct causal relationship is due to this correlation. However, telomere length is another example of a molecular clock that can be used to determine biological age.

Biological Age Services

On the aging.ai website, you can download your data, the definition of bio-growth is available when using from 19 to 1066 blood parameters and other data.

What accelerates aging

2021: Low birth weight accelerates aging of male body

At the end of May 2021, scientists published the results of a study according to which extremely low birth weight (<1000 г) связана с повышенным физиологическим стрессом в течение жизни и ускоренным старением организма у мужчин.

Using a cohort of the oldest extremely low birth weight individuals followed for a long time, the researchers compared biological aging in this group and in a sample of control participants with normal birth weight (> 2500 g). 45 participants with low body weight and 49 control participants aged 30 to 35 years collected buccal cells for analysis. Using special techniques, the researchers calculated and compared the epigenetic age of the participants.

An epigenetic clock is a collection of epigenetic DNA labels that allows you to determine the biological age of a tissue, cell or organ. The most famous example of an epigenetic clock is the Steve Horvath clock, which takes into account 353 epigenetic markers of the human genome, which were used in this study.

Before and after statistical adjustment for neurosensory disorders and the presence of chronic health disorders, a significant relationship of epigenetic age with sex and birth weight was identified. At the same time, men with extremely low birth weight had a significantly larger epigenetic age than men with normal birth weight. For women, no such deviations were detected.

The results of this study suggest that prenatal exposure may play an important role in aging, and that men born preterm may experience accelerated aging compared to peers.^[1]

Signs of aging

Menopause

Main article: Climax (menopause)

Impotence

Main article: Impotence (Erectile dysfunction)

Fighting aging

Transhumanity

Main article: Transhumanism

Geroprotectors

Main article: Heroprotectors

Heroprotectors are a common name for a group of substances in respect of which the ability to increase the life expectancy of animals has been found. Geroprotectors have a positive effect on the quality of life of organisms, including increasing life expectancy and resistance to stress, reducing the development rate of various age-related diseases, etc.

2024

Proven: Popular breast cancer treatments accelerate people's aging

In mid-October 2024, scientists at the University of California published data suggesting that common breast cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, could accelerate patients' aging. Read more here.

Key longevity gene found

At the end of September 2024, scientists from the Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, published the results of a study in which they identified a key gene that affects life expectancy - this is the gene encoding the OSER1 protein.

The effects of a gene that works only in animal models can be difficult to transfer to human health, so we first screened potential longevity proteins that exist in many organisms, including humans. Ultimately, we need longevity genes to create human-specific drugs.

Gene responsible for longevity discovered

The researchers found OSER1 when they studied a large group of proteins regulated by the major transcription factor FOXO, known as the longevity regulatory center.

We found 10 genes whose expression altered lifespan. Particular attention was drawn to the gene that most influenced life expectancy - the gene, OSER1 explained one of the researchers, Zhiquan Li.

According to scientists, OSER1 turned out to be a significant regulator of aging and longevity, but there is extremely little data on it. In the future, the researchers hope to provide new data on specific age-related diseases and aging processes that are influenced by OSER1. The researchers also hope that the identification and characterization of OSER1 will enable the development of new drugs to treat age-related diseases such as metabolic diseases, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.^[2]

In the United States, research is being carried out to extend life by "replacing" the brain for $110 million

In mid-August 2024, the Agency for Advanced Research Projects in the Field health care USA (ARPA-H) announced a large-scale initiative to "functional replacement of brain tissue." It is about adding young tissue to the head brain in order to prolong life or treat severe ailments.

The project is led by Canadian geneticist and neuroscientist Jean Hébert of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The idea is to "replace" the brain by adding new tissue obtained in the laboratory. The process must be slow enough, phased enough that the brain can adapt by moving memories and knowledge. This approach, according to Eber, will preserve a person's unique personality.

The United States is investigating the extension of life by replacing the brain for $110 million

Eber's research focuses on updating the neocortex - these are areas of the cortex that are located in the upper layer of the hemispheres. Such zones in lower mammals are only outlined, while in humans they make up the bulk of the crust. The neocortex is responsible for higher neural functions - sensory perception, execution of motor commands, conscious thinking and speech.

According to Eber, there is a number of evidence indicating that updating the neocortex is possible. In particular, cases of benign tumors have been recorded when, due to the slow development of the neoplasm, the brain of patients was able to adapt to changes, moving memories to another place. At the same time, the behavior and speech of people did not change, even when the tumor was removed. Eber believes that this suggests the possibility of gradually replacing the neocortex "without losing the information encoded in it," such as self-identification of a person.

It is planned to allocate $110 million for the implementation of the project. In the first phase, the study findings could help treat stroke victims and Alzheimer's patients.^[3]

How aging and disease are related. Scientific explanation

On August 22, 2024, American scientists from the University of Pennsylvania released the results of a study indicating the existence of a link between impaired glucose metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases manifested in old age. Experts have concluded that certain cancer drugs may be effective in treating Alzheimer's disease.

It is noted that every second the cells of the body perform billions of biochemical reactions to provide vital functions, forming a closely interconnected metabolic network. This network allows cells to grow, multiply and recover, and disrupting its operation can stimulate the aging process. In doing so, many of the most common diseases can develop, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular ailments and neurodegenerative disorders. A key factor in the occurrence of these health problems is the deterioration of cellular and metabolic homeostasis: destabilization of the internal environment of the body occurs, which leads to an imbalance that can cause a cascade of problems, including impaired metabolism and cellular functions.

Aging and disease are closely intertwined

Scientists say ailments like Alzheimer's are prime examples of age-related changes with a close link between dysregulated metabolism and neurological disorders. In the course of the work, the researchers focused on the IDO1 enzyme, which is responsible for the cleavage of the amino acid tryptophan and the formation of kynurenine molecules that regulate the functioning of immunity and cell metabolism. It has been established that excess kynurenine can have detrimental health effects, including increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

The researchers concluded that inhibiting IDO1 could restore brain memory and function. An experimental drug for PF068 cancer can be used to block said enzyme.^[4]

During human life, there are two peaks of aging

At the end of August 2024, a study by scientists from Singapore and the United States was published in the journal Nature Aging, which showed that human aging is not a linear process and is characterized by two peaks of about 44 and 60 years.

The researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of a cohort of 108 patients aged 25 to 75 who were followed for nearly 7 years. To study aging, the researchers used advanced techniques such as transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and microbiome analysis to assess changes in the body at the molecular level.

A person has two peaks of aging in life

The study found that only 6% of molecular markers of age-related changes change linearly, reflecting the complexity of the aging process. Molecular markers analyzed in the study showed that at the age of about 44 and 60, the human body goes through drastic changes that affect its entire future life. At this time, the regulation of a number of biological pathways changes: during the 40-year peak of aging, alcohol and lipid metabolism change especially noticeably, and during the 60-year peak, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, kidney function and immune regulation.

This explains why the prevalence of neurological and cardiovascular disease increases substantially in populations of individuals in their 40s and 60s. In addition, these findings provide unprecedented insights into the mechanisms of human aging and could form the basis for possible therapeutic interventions, primarily for the treatment of age-related chronic diseases. However, the researchers note that further studies are needed to confirm and expand these data, potentially involving larger patient cohorts.^[5]

In one day, the cells of the human body can age for years

In mid-June 2024, Oxford scientists published the results of a study of cell aging, demonstrating that indicators of the epigenetic age of white blood cells can fluctuate depending on the time of day.

Measuring epigenetic changes is the most commonly used way to assess cell aging, looking at DNA changes that affect gene readability without affecting the genetic code itself. Because epigenetic changes correlate with age, ad hoc algorithms make it possible to estimate how fast an individual is aging by comparing their epigenetic profile with the population average. However, these methods are not ideal: different cells accumulate epigenetic changes in different ways, and most studies use only blood sample cells. The results of the new study show that the distortion of the assessment of epigenetic indicators can be associated not only with the type of cells, but even with the time of day.

The epigenetic age of white blood cells may vary depending on the time of day

The study evaluated cells from a 52-year-old male selected every three hours for 3 days. According to the results of the assessment of the epigenetic age of white blood cells, at noon the man was 3 years "older" than at midnight. The researchers were able to confirm these results by analyzing the data of another 30 people. It is hypothesized that these fluctuations may be due to a change in the proportion of different types of white blood cells circulating in the blood during the day. Indeed, further analysis showed that at midnight, the study subjects had a higher proportion of T and B cells with lower epigenetic age scores than other white blood cell types. However, other data suggest that the epigenetic cell changes themselves occurring during the day may influence the assessment of epigenetic age.^[6]

In the Russian Federation, created a digital model of the main organ of the immune system to combat HIV and aging

Russia has developed a digital model of the thymus gland, known as the thymus, which plays a key role in the human immune system. This breakthrough will significantly improve treatments for HIV infection and slow down aging processes. This became known in early June 2024. Read more here.

How to slow down the onset of old age. The Russian Institute of Aging Biology named 7 promising developments

In early May 2024, Russian specialists from the Institute of Aging Biology of the National Research University named seven promising drugs that slow down aging. We are talking about funds that are created by research organizations around the world.

The director of the university, Alexei Moskalev, spoke about the new developments. One of the most promising drugs to slow down aging and increase healthy life expectancy is metformin, he said. This remedy improves metabolism, cognitive function, heart failure, immune system and gut microbiota. In addition, spermidine has a positive effect on cognitive function and life expectancy.

Experts from the Institute of Aging Biology named seven promising drugs that slow down aging

The researchers also concluded that increasing NAD + (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels with its precursors (NR, NMN) activates sirtuins, which positively affect metabolism, physical endurance and neurodegenerative diseases. However, GLP-1 receptor agonists contribute to weight loss and the fight against metabolic syndrome, and can also help in the fight against neurodegenerative disorders. In turn, TORC1 inhibitors (rapamycin and its analogues) are able to slow down aging: but when used, according to Moskalev, the dosage must be strictly observed in order to avoid side effects.

The head of the Institute of Aging Biology of NNSU named two more promising means to improve healthy life expectancy. Thus, senolytics selectively destroy senescent cells, while probiotics and modulation of the intestinal microbiota can positively affect immunity, metabolism, inflammation and cognitive functions. Moskalev also notes that in the future, significant progress is expected in the use of geroprotective drugs.^[7]

A revolutionary mechanism has been discovered that protects the brain from aging

On January 31, 2024, American researchers from Indiana University reported the discovery of a mechanism that could protect the brain from aging. The findings may play a crucial role in preventing various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's, as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Scientists have established that the enzyme NMNAT2 provides energy to axons regardless of mitochondria. It acts as a safety/survival factor for axons. In turn, axons are neurites (long cylindrical processes of a nerve cell), along which nerve impulses go from the body of the cell (catfish) to innervated organs and other nerve cells.

Found a mechanism that can protect the brain from aging

The researchers say NMNAT2 provides energy to axons by accelerating glycolysis -- the process of breaking down glucose. This gives the axons enough energy to transmit nerve impulses to the brain and other parts of the body, keeping them healthy and functional. The enzyme, as noted, may play a crucial role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

This new discovery demonstrates the importance of internal glycolysis of neurons in supporting axonal transport needed to create and maintain neural circuits, says Professor Hui-Chen Lu, one of the authors of the study.

It is noted that axonal damage is the first sign of a neurodegenerative disease, but their protection can delay neurodegeneration. Scientists have concluded that NMNAT2 may play a crucial role in the fight against various neurodegenerative diseases. NMNAT2 has been found to be a vital supplier of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to the brain.^[8]

2023

A blood test has been developed to show which organs in a person will fail first

On December 6, 2023, American researchers from Stanford University announced the development of a new technology to predict organ failure during aging of the human body. The method is based on a blood test. Read more here.

New anti-aging technology developed

On September 4, 2023, South Korean researchers from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), in partnership with specialists from Konkuk University, announced the development of a new technology to combat age-related diseases and aging.

The essence of the method lies in the selective removal of senescent cells without harming healthy ones. The fact is that senescent cells actually ended their life cycle, during which division and renewal occur. However, they are not susceptible to programmed cell death (apoptosis). As a result, senescent cells accumulating in the body contribute to the development of various inflammatory conditions, age-related changes and associated diseases.

To solve this problem, the research team focused on developing technology that would accurately destroy senescent cells without affecting normal tissues. To do this, experts have created organic molecules that selectively act on receptors that are expressed in excessive quantities in the membranes of senescent cells. Such molecules use high levels of reactive oxygen species in senescent cells to form disulfide bonds and create oligomers. The oligomers are then assembled into synthetic proteins having a stable secondary structure as a α-alcohol. In turn, proteins affect the membranes of senescent cells, provoking their death.

Selective removal of senescent cells by targeting mitochondria proved effective in the experiments performed. The researchers believe that the proposed method in the future will lead to the emergence of new therapeutic approaches for rejuvenating the body.^[9]

A blood component that rejuvenates the brain has been identified

On August 16, 2023, US researchers from the University of California, San Francisco reported that they were able to identify a blood component that causes a rejuvenating effect on the brain. The achievement paves the way for the development of new treatments for age-related cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Read more here.

The cause of chronic inflammation that accelerates aging is revealed

On July 24, 2023, American researchers at the University of Virginia reported the discovery of a key factor in chronic inflammation that accelerates aging. This discovery in perspective could lead to the development of new methods to prolong life and prevent age-related changes such as heart disease and brain disorders.

With age, mitochondria in immune cells called macrophages (cells capable of absorbing and digesting foreign or harmful particles to the body) lose the ability to absorb and use calcium, scientists have found. One of the main functions of mitochondria is the synthesis of adenosine triphosphoric acid, a universal form of chemical energy in any living cell.

Researchers believe that it is the inability of macrophages to use calcium that leads to chronic inflammation in the body. And this provokes the development of various age-related diseases. The problem is not so much the lack of calcium as the inability of macrophages to use it correctly. The new discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanism involved in the process. The researchers believe that the results of their work will find a way to stimulate this mechanism in aging cells.

I think we have made a key conceptual breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis of age-related inflammation, "said Bimal N. Desai, project leader.

Because macrophages are found in all organs of the body, including the brain, targeting them with specialized drugs can help slow age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Scientists believe that the mechanism they discovered is true for many other immune cells. Thus, there is an opportunity to stimulate the immune system in old age.^[10]

US IT millionaire, 45, will no longer transfuse his son's blood to slow down ageing It didn't help

On July 11, 2023, it became known that 45-year-old American IT millionaire Brian Johnson decided to curtail the experiment on transfusing his own son's blood to slow down aging and increase life expectancy. Read more here.

New therapy reprograms cells and returns them to a young state in a week

On July 12, 2023, American researchers from Harvard Medical School announced the development of technology that opens up new opportunities to combat aging and age-related diseases. The proposed technique is based on reprogramming cells, which returns them to a young state in a week. This approach could be an alternative to gene therapy.

The team's findings are based on the fact that expression of specific genes called Yamanaki factors can convert adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. The Nobel Prize-winning discovery raised questions about whether it is possible to reverse cellular aging without causing cells to become too young and become cancerous.

As part of the work, experts pursued two goals - to reverse cellular aging and rejuvenate human cells. Scientists have created high-throughput analysis mechanisms to distinguish young cells from old and senescent cells. As a result, the team identified six "chemical cocktails" that restore the whole genome profile to youth in less than a week. The researchers demonstrated that it is indeed possible to reverse cellular aging without uncontrolled cell growth by introducing specific genes into them.

Previously, the best thing we could do was slow down aging. The new findings suggest we can now reverse it, said David A. Sinclair, professor in the Department of Genetics and co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School.

The results of the study open up new prospects for regenerative medicine and possibly for rejuvenation of the whole body. In addition, new ways to combat age-related diseases and more effective approaches to the treatment of all kinds of injuries may appear.^[11]

2022: None of the three potential methods to slow down ageing works

In mid-December 2022, the researchers analyzed the benefits of interval fasting and two therapeutic approaches that had previously shown potential to combat aging. Thanks to a new methodology for calculating the effectiveness of such tools, it was possible to find out that they all actually do not achieve their goals.

In the study, the scientists looked closely at three treatment approaches that are widely believed to slow down the aging process. However, when tested in mice, these treatments have proven to be virtually ineffective in their intended effects on aging. The study was attended by scientists from the Helmholtz Institute of Munich (DZNE) and the German Diabetes Center (DZD).

One is intermittent fasting, which reduces the amount of calories consumed. Number two targets the central node of cellular metabolism (mTOR), which is also the target of a suspected "anti-aging drug" of rapamycin. Number three, in turn, prevents the release of growth hormone. Similar treatments are also used by humans, although their effectiveness on aging has not been proven enough.

The scientists chose an approach that does not focus on life expectancy, but rather focuses on a comprehensive study of age-related changes in a wide range of body functions. This is the approach the researchers applied to animals exposed to one of three treatments that supposedly slow down aging. At different stages of life, they were analyzed and compared: How usually does each parameter change at this stage of life? And do the parameters change more slowly when mice receive one of three treatments? This study design allows you to accurately determine whether it is possible to slow down the natural aging process, and with it the deterioration of important physiological functions.

The results turned out to be unambiguous: although the researchers were able to identify isolated cases where old mice looked younger than they actually were, it was clear that "this effect is not associated with slowing aging, but rather due to age-independent factors."

The results leave many questions open, so scientists intend to continue research and study other potential tools in the hope of better understanding all stages of the body's aging.^[12]

2021

Longevica, a developer of anti-aging supplements founded by Russians, raised $2.5 million

November 24, 2021 it became known about the investment of $2.5 million in Longevica. The venture capital fund Xploration Capital has invested in a biotech startup of immigrants from Russia. According to Forbes, the developer of anti-aging supplements was valued at $25 million. The raised funds are planned to be spent on the launch of a research platform on which scientists can test anti-aging drugs and access data on the effects of 1,033 pharmacological drugs, the company announced. Read more here.

Yuri Milner invests in developer Altos Labs

In early September 2021, it became known that Yuri Milner he had invested in a technology developer to combat aging the name. Altos Labs More. here

Immortality

Main article: Immortality

Notes