MATURE MARKET HEADLINES 12/20/2000
Dr. David Demko, gerontologist and editor
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
Lifespan Extended Via Metabolic Changes
Mutating a single gene can double the lifespan of fruitflies from 37 days to 70 days, according to a new study supported by the National Institute on Aging. Lead researcher, Stephen L. Helfand, reports the findings in the December issue of "Science". The life extension occurs without sacrificing level of functioning or fertility.
This is the third gene mutation in the fruitfly genome that is reported to extend lifespan. According to Helfand, the gene is associated with the way that the body stores and uses energy. "This study points to the possibility that if you genetically alter metabolism, you can alter lifespan", says Dr. David Finkelstein, research director for metabolic regulation research at the National Institute on Aging.
"What is interesting about this line of research is the recurrence of the link between metabolism, caloric restriction, and longevity", says Finkelstein. "While there is an 80 percent homology between the fruitfly and human genomes, we are still many steps away from understanding how caloric restriction may affect human lifespan."
The researchers speculate that the way the gene mutation works to extend life and health may be via changes in the normal metabolism of food. This link between altered metabolism and life-span became the focus of Helfand's studies when other laboratories showed that research animals receiving full nutrition but lowered calorie intake, lived longer.
Although the mechanism by which caloric restriction benefits longevity is not understood, Dr. Helfand suggests that it is likely to involve changes in energy utilization. The NIA, which sponsored the study, leads the federal effort in supporting and conducting basic and clinical research on aging and the special needs of older people.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Life Expectancy in the Western World
Telomerase Update on Life Extension
Worldwide Gains in Life-Expectancy
Experts Monkey With Life Extension
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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Immune System May Not Decline With Age
Contrary to conventional wisdom, the immune system's strength does not decline with age, says a Penn State University study reported in New Choices magazine. Dr. Namanjeet Ahluwalia and her colleagues found that healthy, well-nourished older women, age 60 to 80, have immune systems that function at levels similar to those of women in age 20 to 40 years.
This finding "gives hope that people's immune response can remain good throughout their lives", says Ahluwalia. Here are some steps for building better immunity.
- Start with a multi-vitamin.
Research shows that adding a simple over-the-counter multi-vitamin can significantly improve your immune function, even if you eat a generally well-balanced diet.
- Make sleep a priority.
Sleep strengthens the body's ability to fight infections. If you are deprived of sleep, you can suffer a decline in the number and functioning of immune-system cells.
- Strengthen your social network.
A leading researcher of the link between emotions and disease, Dr. David Spiegel, Stanford University, contends that socializing buffers stress and helps fight off other enemies of the immune system.
- Take a walk.
Studies show that moderate exercise diseases your immune response and protects your body from colds and infections.
- Head for a house of worship.
Studies of those who attend religious services on a regular weekly basis had healthier immune systems than those who did not attend.
- Fight back against stress.
People who live under constant stress are more susceptible to colds and respiratory infections.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Vaccine Helps Immune System Fight Cancer
Depressed Elders Higher Risk for Disease
Gerontologists Seek Longevity Prescription
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
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