Anti-ageing compound set for human trials after turning clock back for mice.

[another_liberal]

Source: The Guardian

Australian and US researchers hope an anti-ageing compound could be trialled on humans as early as next year, following a key breakthrough that saw the ageing process reversed in mice. The study, involving Harvard University and the University of NSW, discovered a way of restoring the efficiency of cells, completely reversing the ageing process in muscles. Two-year-old mice were given a compound over a week, moving back the key indicators of ageing to that of a six-month-old mouse. Researchers said this was the equivalent of making a 60-year-old person feel like a 20-year-old.

It’s hoped the research, published in Cell, will be expanded to humans as early as next year, with scientists set to look at how the theory of age reversal can be used to treat diseases such as cancer, dementia and diabetes.

The research focused on an area of cells, called mitochondria, which produce energy. Over time, the communication between this area and the cell nucleus degrades, leading to the ageing process. Researchers injected a chemical called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD, which reduces in the body as we age. The addition of this compound led to the radical reversal in the ageing of the mice.

(snip)

Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/dec/20/anti-ageing-human-trials

---

If this pans out, Social Security checks will soon be going to retirees who are, physically at least, only twenty-five!

[notadmblnd]

1. I'll volunteer, cause I'm not liking this getting old thing at all.

[7962]

23. TELL me about it. I weigh the same, but my clothes dont fit anymore. Odd....

Less hair on my head, yet more on my ears.

[notadmblnd]

44. it's not so much my looks, although I don't like the grey hair and wrinkles

It's the things like achy knees or back stiffening up after sitting for a while. But the biggest thing is the damn eye sight going.

And would you believe I now have to shave my toe knuckles or it looks like a big daddy long legs is sitting on my feet?

[7962]

47. i REFUSE to have Andy Rooney eyebrows!

[RebelOne]

75. Yeah, my eyesight is gone. I just found out that I have cataracts.

I went to an eye doctor to get an eye test for glasses on Saturday. The doctor discovered that I have cataracts. I have an appointment tomorrow with an eye specialist for a pre-op consultation. Even though I have Medicare, it is still going to cost me some big bucks if I have to have an eye operation.

[Kablooie]

26. I absolutely LOVE getting old!

But I'll sacrifice my happiness for science.
Give me the stuff.

[theHandpuppet]

35. You and me both

Ain't nothing romantic about it, that's for sure.

[RebelOne]

74. I will volunteer, because I hate this getting old thing.

It is awful; your hair thins, your eyesight goes and your body and face sag downward. I would be happy to be a human guinea pig.

[lostincalifornia]

2. The biology of the mouse genome does not always correspond to the human

[another_liberal]

4. The researchers seem to think there is promise in human trials.

They must be taking into account what modifications are necessary in their process.

[lostincalifornia]

6. I hope so

[Scootaloo]

3. Just what the world needs

White wealthy boomers who live forever... wait... wasn't that basically the main point of conflict in "Zardoz"?

[Curmudgeoness]

5. Where do I volunteer?

Who cares if it is safe! This getting old shit is killing me.

[RoccoR5955]

7. It's a known fact...

that life leads to death.
I feel that if we try to cheat it, something bad will happen.

[Curmudgeoness]

8. We don't know if it would extend life significantly.

But if it made us feel better while we are still around, that can't be a bad thing (says the woman sitting with a heating pad on her back right now).

[Diego_Native 2012]

59. I could take the same number of years

if I could look and feel like I did at 29...or 39...okay, okay, 42...but that's it.

[abakan]

61. Yes I'll take feeling better....

There is nothing I've found to like about getting old. I don't care if I look any better or even worse, as long as I feel better..Sign me up!

[Curmudgeoness]

62. Welcome to DU, abakan.

It's hell getting old, isn't it?

I felt really good until recently, and now I feel like I am falling apart all at once. And I was deluding myself into thinking that maybe I would stay really healthy into old age. Ha.

[abakan]

67. Thanks for the welcome..

Yes getting old just sucks!

[chknltl]

68. Welcome to the DU abakan

Although getting old sucks, I would like to point out that it may be better than the alternative.

[abakan]

72. You may be right...

I guess we will have to wait for the alternative, then make an informed comparison. Thanks for the welcome.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

10. Right,...just picture Dorian Grey.

[Curmudgeoness]

17. No fair.

Dorian Grey's portrait got old and ugly because of his debauchery. I guarantee you that this getting old/feeling old shit has little to do with whether we were naughty or nice.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

21. I like to think I'm gonna LOOK like I had fun.

[Curmudgeoness]

22. LOL

I hope you have as much fun as you can. And it doesn't show.

And it isn't the looks that are killing me. Oh, my aching back. And knees. And ankles. And I really hate how dry my skin is these days.

[Surya Gayatri]

32. Just a tip, Curmudgeoness...I've seen significant

improvement in my dry skin and arthritic joints:
1) by eating 2 brazil nuts, 3 or 4 teaspoons of tumeric, and several celery sticks a day.
2) by reducing dairy product intake to 1/2 cup of milk and one plain yogurt daily.
Just sprinkle the tumeric on soups, salads, vegetables, etc.
Can't hurt you and it's all natural.
(I'm also 100% vegetarian, except for the occasional free-range egg and sardine.)

[Richard D]

37. Add some black pepper

Increases turmeric absorption many fold. I've heard as much as 1K times.

[Surya Gayatri]

41. Who knew? Thanks, Richard D...

[Curmudgeoness]

48. That is a lot of tumeric.

I don't know that I have ever used turmeric, and don't have a clue what it tastes like, but I am willing to try it. As to the black pepper with it, that is not a problem since I love pepper on everything. I have no idea why the things that you suggest make a difference though. Brazil nuts instead of almonds? Celery instead of any other green veggie?

[Surya Gayatri]

55. Tumeric is the basic, bright yellow spice in Indian curies and has

a sort of piquant undertone. No one knows exactly why it works to reduce inflammation, but its strong anti-oxidant qualities are probably partly responsible. 3 or 4 teaspoonsfull disappear quickly when mixed in potatoes, vegetable dishes, salads, etc.

Celery is nature's greatest source of natural zinc, which most of us are sorely lacking, but which is essential for healthy skin and hair. (Use parsley liberally as well--it's in the same plant family).

Brazil nuts are nature's best source of selenium, another trace element that many people are deficient in. Dermatologists recommend them.

In any case, all nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, etc.) and seeds (sunflower, sesame, flax, etc.) are essential to a healthy diet. They are an excellent souce of plant protein, good cholesterol and crucial trace elements. They can be consumed in place of meat.

Hope this makes things a little clearer. I can only speak from my own experience having been my own guinea pig.

Go for it! Good luck and better health!

[Curmudgeoness]

57. Thanks. I know all about being my own guinea pig.

I will try things that are suggested, and if they work, I also will tell others. Many things have done no good, but at least I gave them a try. As to the turmeric, we shall see how that works.....I really hate Indian curry dishes so I might not be able to stomach it, but it does sound interesting in salads and potatoes. I will try.

[loudsue]

58. Like the old white racists will never go meet their black maker.

And will stick around here causing really bad shit to happen for a lot longer.

[Maraya1969]

14. yea.....getting old is not for sissies.

[skamaria]

70. Dude! You read my mind.

[femmocrat]

9. I volunteer!

In fact, I would pay to do it.

[shanti]

18. When that happens

Only the super rich will be able to afford it.

[Cirque du So-What]

66. My first thought as well

You think the richest 0.0001% will allow the hoi polloi to live longer? They'll pay whoever it takes however much it takes to keep this off the market...for everyone except themselves, that is.

[darkangel218]

54. Back off!! I go first!*

[diane in sf]

11. Oh great, now the koch brothers will be around forever.

[another_liberal]

12. Not necessarily . . .

Sometimes things do happen.

[tomm2thumbs]

56. and one cannot repair a broken soul... or one which has expired on the vine

Those Koch idiots need a visit from Jacob Marley and a few of his friends.

[Maraya1969]

13. I think you can already get this stuff at a health food store.

It's called NADH Here is a link on it.

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1016-NADH.aspx?activeIngredientId=1016&activeIngredientName=NADH

I know one girl who was taking it for chronic fatigue. Maybe they are using much higher doses for reversal of aging.


NADH stands for "nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) + hydrogen (H)." This chemical occurs naturally in the body and plays a role in the chemical process that generates energy. People use NADH supplements as medicine.

NADH is used for improving mental clarity, alertness, concentration, and memory; as well as for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Because of its role in energy production, NADH is also used for improving athletic endurance and treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Some people use NADH for treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, jet lag, depression, and Parkinson’s disease; boosting the immune system; opposing alcohol’s effects on the liver and the hormone testosterone; reducing signs of aging; and protecting against the side effects of an AIDS drug called zidovudine (AZT).

Healthcare providers sometimes give NADH by intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection for Parkinson's disease and depression.

[YOHABLO]

15. I am getting some T O M O R R O W!!

[shanti]

50. i just bought some on ebay

i'll let ya know how if it works.

[Curmudgeoness]

19. If it sounds too good to be true,

yada yada yada.

Then again, this drug they are describing sounds too good to be true as well. Damn it.

[Tumbulu]

16. Isn't this vit B3?

Why not just take this as a supplement? Does it need to be injected vs ingested?

[another_liberal]

27. Good question.

The process must involve a step or two they aren't telling us the details about, maybe for proprietary reasons.

[JaneyVee]

20. It's happening.

[bucolic_frolic]

24. Is this akin to NADP+

nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate,

or is this not the same thing?

You probably have to take 39 pounds of the stuff
and it's $2700 a pound or so

[DallasNE]

25. Ponce de Leon Must Feel Vindicated

Though it is coming hundreds of years too later for him.

I wonder how it will work on clogged arteries, emphysema and Alzheimer's.

And then the scary part, Dick Cheney could go to the head of the line and then declare he is running for President. Wait, Republicans are anti-science so they could never participate, right?

An interesting development but scary as well.

[another_liberal]

28. Dick Cheney is already demanding access to the treatments, or I miss my guess.

That old murderer is willing to do anything necessary to avoid finding out what's waiting for him in hell.

[Live and Learn]

29. And then they will raise the retirement age to 500.

Only 450 years to go. Yikes!

[kysrsoze]

31. I could deal with that - I'd like to feel young forever

At this point, the only thing which has been proven to reverse the aging process is exercise - there's no way around it. You. MUST stay active, If you control your food intake and the types of food you eat (basically, the Mediterranean diet), and exercise, you can (on average) expect to live a long, healthy life.

[Live and Learn]

33. Not I. It's not like this would stop all the other BS life throws at you.

How many depressions, famines, plagues, not to mention the psychological bs we all go through, can a person take? I sure couldn't work at my present job for another couple of centuries.

[theHandpuppet]

36. Of you could look at it this way

Your odds of eventually winning the lottery would increase tremendously!

[PasadenaTrudy]

42. Not to mention

all the losses. Too painful. I've lost my mom, dad, sister, aunts and uncles. I only have a brother left. About to lose another friend to cancer. Life is so painful! I'm only 49, too.

[passiveporcupine]

30. I'll believe it when I see the results

As far as we know now it's just another fountain of youth discovery to take your money.

[SheilaT]

34. Really.

And of course every other thing that look promising in mice has also worked exactly the same way in humans.

No? What did I get wrong?

[Bluenorthwest]

38. Many treatements you take for granted were tested on mice first, can you name

some that failed to work in humans after working in mice? What's on your list?

[elias7]

43. And of course, mice, being pan-dimensional beings

Are really experimenting on us

[politichew]

39. The anti-science, pro-death sentiment in some of these replies...

Are simply frightening.

We should embrace all medical breakthroughs.

[DavidDvorkin]

46. Agreed.

[PasadenaTrudy]

49. I'm not anti-science

I just don't want to live longer than necessary..sucks to see all your family and friends dying. I'm going through that now and I'm barely 50.

[winter is coming]

63. +1. My mom's well into her 80s and so many of her friends are gone, even younger ones

she's only known a few years. (Mm, that makes her sound like a serial killer. Oops.)

I don't want to be 80.

[Live and Learn]

51. I remember reading the following article a couple of years ago.

It sounds great until one starts imagining all of the implications and ramifications. Human life would certainly have to change drastically to adapt to living to 1000. It is rather fun (and a bit frightening) to imagine the changes that might occur.

I don't consider myself anti-science at all and certainly not pro-death.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2011425/The-person-reach-150-alive--soon-live-THOUSAND-claims-scientist.html

Dawn of a new age: The first person to reach 150 is already alive... and soon we'll live to be a THOUSAND, claims scientist

Dr Aubrey De Grey also believes that the first person to live to 1,000 will be born in the next two decades

Dr Aubrey De Grey also believes that the first person to live to 1,000 will be born in the next two decades

The biomedical gerontologist and chief scientist of a foundation dedicated to longevity research claims that within his own lifetime doctors will have all the tools they need to 'cure' ageing.

This will be done, he believes, by banishing all diseases and extending life indefinitely.

Dr De Grey said: 'I'd say we have a 50/50 chance of bringing ageing under what I'd call a decisive level of medical control within the next 25 years or so.

[Thor_MN]

40. I just watched the second Star Trek movie on DVD

It was set in 2259 and Khan was 300 years old, so he would have been born just a few years before me.

I'm dealing with turning 51 today and I see a movie with a 300 year old guy and read about anti-aging miracle drug...

[drm604]

45. From the article

Turner said a “magic pill” that reverses ageing is several years away, partially due to the cost of the compound, which would be about $50,000 a day for a human.

Obviously what they're talking about must be different than what you can buy at health food stores. Either that or you'd have to take hundreds of capsules a day.

[GeorgeGist]

52. I take it their regular science writer ...

is on vacation. God what a mess.

[darkangel218]

53. I dont mind saying that i would absolutely love to live forever.

I know it sounds selfish, but that's how I feel.

[DavidDvorkin]

60. Absolutely. Me too.

Saying that you don't want to live forever is the same thing as saying that you want to die.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

76. Amen to that. There are just too many things of which I'd like to see the outcome. n/t

[rrneck]

64. Great!

Pills that make us fuck more, grow more hair, eat more greasy food, live longer and not worry about it. Funny nobody has come up with a smart pill.

[Riftaxe]

65. Being young once

was more then enough for me, short of a discovery for immortality I think i would pass on the trials.

Really what is the point of feeling like a 20 year old, when you already have the afflictions that age brings.

[Curmudgeoness]

71. What afflictions?

The whole point of it is that you will "feeling like a 20 year old". Afflictions gone.

I always said that I didn't want to go through being young again, but that was only if I started over and didn't know all that I know now. This is the best of both worlds....feel young (afflictions gone) and still older and wiser.

[loyalsister]

69. Wasteful science

We are supposed to get old and die, if nothing else to make room for replacements.

[tblue]

73. Benjamin Button!

This is some interesting stuff. Somebody's gonna make a trillion $$$. Hope it's available and safe enough to use before long.

[Warpy]

77. I'll believe that when I see it

What I expect is something that makes old folks feel better while not reversing much of the wear and tear on muscles, ligaments and joints. Chances are it will have a host of unforseen and very troubling side effects, most of this stuff does.

However, I'll take it. I'm sick of feeling 35 years older than my stated age.

[civillawyer]

78. Like that thought...