Scientists Reverse Muscle Aging In Mice 34
retroworks sends word that a group of researchers has found a chemical that successfully rejuvenated muscle tissue in mice. The scientists "said it was the equivalent of transforming a 60-year-old's muscle to that of a 20-year-old — but muscle strength did not improve." The study (abstract) is being called an "exciting finding" but the researchers are quick to point out the chemical only reverses one aspect of aging. Damage to DNA and shortening of telomeres continues. Still, it's one piece of the puzzle, and the group is hoping to begin clinical trials in 2015.
Huh? (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Huh? (Score:5, Informative)
From the summary, it seems they're specifically looking at the decline in mitochondrial function that accompanies aging. There's already known [biologists.org] to be such a relationship, and the study linked here is claiming that increasing the levels of something claimed NAD+ [wikipedia.org] in the muscular tissue of mice appears to reverse the decline in mitochondrial function.
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
This isn't really novel since the SIRTUIN/NAD+/Resveratrol story has been know for sometime. Activation of Sir2 in yeast by resveratrol extended lifespan(guarente et al).
Re: Huh? (Score:1)
It's been known for a while that NAD is beneficial - what they seem to have achieved here is find something that increases the amount in the tissue. They are using something called NMN to do this but appear to be using massive doses that are injected.
Re: (Score:2)
Fixed that for you.
Re: (Score:1)
Re: (Score:3)
DNA and telomere damage continues, and muscle strength does not improve. So what exactly makes this the equivalent of 20 year old's muscles? An affinity for beer and an overwhelming urge to chase women around?
Don't forget the urge to drive monster trucks.
Re: (Score:2)
Here he comes to save the day! [youtube.com]
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
For an interesting and entertaining extrapolation of a planet without death, I recommend Torchwood: Miracle Day. (British scifi, spun off of Doctor Who, but rather more grim and dark and gory.
Re: (Score:2)
Left out some details? (Score:2, Funny)
Dont bank on it yet -- GSK did (Score:2)
The lead author, David Sinclair, has pursued some very interesting hypothesis. This work dovetails into his findings about resveratrol. The trouble is that there has been a mixed record, to say the least, in others (Amgen and Pfizer) reproducing his work:
Still you never know, so I'm mixing up a nice resveratrol NAD+ cocktail. [scientificamerican.com]
Keep up the good work scientits! (Score:2)
Speaking of scientits. What about soft tissue?
NAD(H) (Score:2, Interesting)
Bodybuilders have been using this for a while now...
"You are not ready for immortality." (Score:3)
Frozen MidWest (Score:1)
WHAT chemical: (Score:2)
From TFA:
The chemical used in the study is not mentioned in the linked abstract, either.
Does anyone know what the chemical, and dosage, in question might be?
health insurance has used rape pre existing condit (Score:1)
pre existing condition
I welcome our young mice overlords... (Score:2)
It's no wonder that mice are so successful as a species. We put so much effort into making them healthier.
Now we are giving them the elixir of youth as well.