A therapy that blocks a specific protein in the body has shown to increase lifespan and prevent cancer in mice
Scientists may have discovered a way to delay aging, according to a study published in the British science journal Nature on Wednesday.
A team led by researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore and Imperial College London found that blocking a protein called interleukin-11 (IL-11) in mice extended their lifespans and prevented age-related health issues.
The study revealed that as the body ages, its organs produce increasing levels of IL-11, which contributes to fat accumulation, muscle loss, hair loss, and cancer.
In the trial, a group of middle-aged mice were injected with a drug that uses antibodies to block IL-11. This treatment resulted in a lifespan increase of up to 25% for both male and female mice. The treated animals appeared healthier and more energetic than those who didn’t receive the treatment. Less than 16% of the treated rodents developed tumors, compared to over 60% of the control group.
“Although our research was conducted on mice, we believe these findings could be highly relevant to human health, considering the similar effects we’ve observed in studies of human cells and tissues,” said research author Anissa A. Widjaja from Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, speaking to The Telegraph.
“Our goal is that one day, anti-IL-11 therapy will be widely used so that people around the world can live longer and healthier lives,” Professor of cardiovascular medicine Stuart Cook told Medical Express.
Scientists in Russia have also made progress in cancer prevention. Last month, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced that researchers were finalizing pre-clinical trials of a cancer vaccine. This vaccine, currently being tested on mice, is described as a therapeutic vaccine that would be administered to those already diagnosed with cancer.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in February that approximately one in five people worldwide develop cancer in their lifetime.
Clinical trials of a cancer vaccine also began in the UK in May.