Do you want to live longer? Here is the latest in longevity research.

Longevity, or the ability to live a longer and healthier life, has been a topic of fascination for centuries.

With the rapid advancements in science and technology, researchers are now able to gain a better understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms that influence ageing and longevity. In recent years, several breakthroughs in longevity investigation have been made, which promise to change the way we think about ageing and improve our chances of living longer.

Here are some of the most promising research findings and interventions:

Senolytics:

They are a new class of drugs that can selectively eliminate senescent cells, which are cells that have stopped dividing but continue to accumulate in the body. Senescent cells are believed to contribute to ageing and age-related diseases, and removing them may slow, or even reverse the ageing process. Several studies have shown that senolytic drugs can extend the life span of mice, and clinical trials are currently under way to test the safety and effectiveness of these drugs in humans.

One study published in the journal Nature showed that a single dose of a senolytic drug called dasatinib extended the life span of mice by a whopping 36 per cent! While it is too early to predict the impact of senolytics on human longevity, the preliminary results are promising.

Metformin:

It is a drug commonly used to treat Type 2 diabetes, and it has been studied for its potential to extend longevity. The mechanisms by which metformin may exert its anti-ageing effects are not fully understood, but it is thought to work by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and regulating cell metabolism.

Animal studies have shown that metformin can extend life span in several species, including mice and worms. For example, two studies published in the journals Nature Communications and Ageing Cell found that metformin treatment increased the life span of mice by 6 per cent to 7 per cent.

Clinical studies in humans have also suggested that metformin may have anti-ageing effects. A study published in the journal Ageing Cell found that people with Type 2 diabetes who took metformin had a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia, compared to people who did not take metformin.

Several large clinical trials are currently under way to test the safety and effectiveness of metformin in extending life span in humans. However, it is important to note that metformin is a prescription drug that should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide):

It is a molecule that plays a key role in cellular metabolism and energy production. Its derivative is called NAD+. NAD+ levels decline with age, and this decline is thought to contribute to ageing.

In mice, NMN supplementation has been shown to extend life by 12 per cent. In humans, NMN supplementation is being studied with promising results, mostly by David Sinclair’s laboratory at Harvard University.

It is worth mentioning that NMN is a dietary supplement, and its safety and effectiveness have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Rapamycin:

It is a medication used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplantation and cancer treatment. Rapamycin works by inhibiting mTOR, an enzyme that regulates cellular metabolism and growth. With that mechanism, rapamycin has been shown in animal studies to extend life span by 9 per cent to 14 per cent, depending on the age at which it was initiated.

Clinical studies in humans have also suggested that rapamycin may have anti-ageing effects. For example, a study published in Ageing Cell found that rapamycin treatment improved various biomarkers of ageing in healthy middle-aged adults, such as immune function and glucose metabolism.

Rapamycin has known, serious side-effects, including increased risk of infection and metabolic disorders, which could limit its use as an anti-ageing drug. Nonetheless, safer analogues of it are being studied for their potential longevity benefits.

Microbiome manipulation:

The microbiome, which refers to the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in and on our bodies, plays a critical role in our health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that changes in the microbiome are associated with ageing and its related diseases, and interventions that target the microbiome may be able to improve health and extend life span.

Until the above medications are more studied in humans, are there any lifestyle interventions that could prolong life span?

Yes! Besides avoiding smoking, excess alcohol, unhealthy diet, and sleep deprivation, which can all curtail life span by years if not decades, here are some lifestyle measures that could extent longevity:

Caloric restriction:

It involves reducing calorie intake while maintaining adequate nutrition. Studies in animals have shown that caloric restriction can extend life span and delay the onset of age-related diseases, and similar studies in humans have shown that caloric restriction can improve markers of health and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.

For example, a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found that people who followed a calorie-restricted diet for two years, experienced improvements in several biomarkers of ageing, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and insulin sensitivity. The impact of caloric restriction on human longevity is difficult to study, since it is unlikely that most people would be able or willing to follow such a restrictive diet, for a very long term.

Intermittent fasting:

Intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of fasting with periods of normal eating – as I detailed in a previous article in The Royal Gazette. It has been shown to extend life span in animals. Several small studies in humans have also suggested that intermittent fasting can improve markers of good health. Its magnitude on human longevity is still unclear, but it is an area of active research.

Exercise:

Exercise has long been known to have numerous health benefits, and recent research suggests that it may also extend life span.

For example, a study published in the journal Circulation found that people who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes per week had a 33 per cent lower risk of dying from any cause compared to sedentary individuals!

Joseph Yammine is a consultant cardiologist at the Bermuda Hospitals Board. The information herein is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical opinion. Always seek the advice of your physician