The researchers: Interleukin-11 IL-11 significantly extended the healthy lifespan of mice. The treatment significantly reduced cancer-related mortality and lowered the incidence of diseases associated with chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders common to aging.
The treated mice lived an average of 155 weeks, compared to 120 weeks for mice that did not receive treatment.Supermodel Grandma“In the laboratory, Youthful Appearance.
Previous studies have shown that in humans, levels of this protein increase with age and are associated with a variety of age-related symptoms, including chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, muscle wasting, and frailty.
Co-corresponding author Professor Stuart Cook, from the UK Medical Research Council Institute of Medical Sciences (MRC LMS), Imperial College London and Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, told Independent Co UK that mice receiving the treatment showed fewer signs of ageing, and those diagnosed with cancer visibly improved, as well as improved muscle strength.
He added, “Previously proposed life-extending drugs and treatments either had bad side effects, were ineffective in both men and women, or were able to extend life but not healthy lifespan, but this does not seem to be the case with IL-11.”
Can this miracle drug help humans?
The main unanswered questions are whether the same effects would be achieved in humans and whether the possible side effects would be tolerable. Interleukin-11 plays a role in human development, and although rare, people who cannot produce it experience problems such as craniosynostosis, joint problems requiring surgery, and birth defects of the teeth.
It also contributes to scarring. Researchers believe interleukin-11 may contribute to ageing in later life. Antibodies targeting interleukin-11 are currently being tested in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, a condition in which scarring in the lungs makes breathing difficult. Professor Cook said trials have not yet been completed, but preliminary data suggests the drug is safe to use.