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Hormone May Be a Real Fountain of Youth
By James Brann, MD
Researchers recently discovered a hormone that may extend your life.
Thus far this hormone has only extended the life of several mice,
however it may help scientists develop new drugs that can expand our
lives as well. Wouldn't it be great if scientists discovered the real life
fountain of youth? The idea may not be as far fetched as we once
believed.
The Fountain Of Youth
The hormone recently identified by researchers is a natural substance
produced by all mammals. That means human beings produce this
hormone. In theory this hormone or some derivative thereof may reduce
or suppress the aging process in humans in the years to come. Of
course, research is still in its preliminary phase. Researchers have a
long road ahead of them before they can claim they have discovered a
valid anti-aging hormone that can suppress aging in humans. Scientist's
future goals include investigating whether a manufactured substance or
the hormone itself may help extend human's lives. If nothing else, this
incredible discovery may help researchers better understand what
happens to our bodies as we age.
The Klotho Protein
In this study, a mouse with a high level of Klotho protein showed much
fewer signs of aging than mice deficient in the same hormone. The
National Institute Of Aging has expressed their delight and excitement
regarding this discovery. It may help promote creation of molecules or
natural hormones that can help promote healthier aging. What does that
mean? While researchers aren't yet sure if the Klotho protein will
actually extend our lives, it may help reduce the severity of age related
illnesses.
Researchers now hope that the discovery of this molecule may help
scientists better understand the aging from the molecular level. This
may help researchers uncover new treatment therapies for people
suffering from age related illnesses. In this particular research, scientists
discovered that animals with overly active Klotho genes tended to live up
to 30 percent longer than those with a normal level or deficiency of the
gene. This suggests that the gene may suppress aging.
Thus far testing is limited to animals and experiments involving living
cells. Researchers have concentrated their efforts on understanding
how this gene may help regulate all living organisms life spans. Studies
promisingly suggest that this gene may suppress aging.
The next step in research may involve injecting the gene directly into
mice to see whether they live longer. Researchers must also begin
measuring how much of this hormone is present and humans, and
whether the amount of hormone present is relevant to a person's
longevity. There is ample evidence connecting age-related diseases to
deficiencies of certain genes or variations thereof. Therefore one may
reasonably conclude that some link does exist between this gene and
our aging process. Illnesses and diseases that this discovery may
impact include osteoporosis, stroke, Parkinson's and heart disease, all
age related illnesses. It is possible researchers will find that a
manufactured protein may work better than the gene itself for
suppressing aging in humans.
Of course, playing with the human body isn't without risk or
complications. Excess levels of this hormone may reduce the efficiency
of insulin production in humans. Other side effects have yet to be
uncovered by researchers. The good news? We are definitely making
progress toward slowing or even suppressing aging. Who knows,
maybe in a few years we'll truly unlock the secrets of a natural fountain of
youth.
About the Author
Dr. James Brann is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is also the Editor of Women's Healthcare Topics.com
http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com
At Women's Healthcare Topics website you will find valuable and up-to-date information on numerous topics related to women's health including Pregnancy Week by Week and more.
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