Hormone May Be a Real Fountain of Youth
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.