The population grows rapidly, the proportion of people under the age of 20 over the age of 65 declines, from 9.3 in 1950 to the 0.59 predicted 2025. In Europe and the United States, we are experiencing baldness and gray hair. on the streets and in parks and in shopping malls. While this is a form of entertainment, aging has many potential side effects. It causes cardiovascular disease leading to heart attacks and strokes; neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s; and macular degeneration, which blinds the eyes. And, of course, there is cancer. Aging has been described as the greatest carcinogens. Like the obesity epidemic, an increase in the number of people living long enough to cope with these diseases is, in a sense, a negative consequence of progress. We are now faced with the challenge: Should we attack the root cause of our suffering? Should we try to “cure” old age?
Scientist working in the growing field of biogerontology — the science of aging. The cause of aging remains one of the great unsolved mysteries of science. Yet, the past decade has brought real progress to our understanding, giving rise to hope that healing may occur someday. However, aging is not just another disease. And the prospect of treating old age is appealing, to say the least. So, is it a good thing to try to cure it?
The possibility of treating aging is not just a dream. One of the most remarkable discoveries in biology in recent decades is what surprises few people know about it: It is possible to reduce aging in laboratory animals. In fact, it is easy. Working in my laboratory focused on the small mirror of nematode Caenorhabditiselegans, which is widely used in genetic studies. Even under normal cultural conditions, these animals grow old and die within two to three weeks. In the early 1980’s, American geneticist Michael Klass first discovered that by genetically modifying one’s body, one can reduce the aging process to C. elegans. The result is that worms live longer and stay fresh and healthy longer. Current record for improving the life of C. elegans is an astonishing tenfold growth in the lifetime, produced by a team at the University of Arkansas. It has now been shown that genes that affect aging in mice also influence the aging of mammals (in mice, precision). Humans also have these genes.
By identifying the genes that control aging, we can also learn about the basic biology of aging. We can examine the effects of aging on our genes. Many aging genes are associated with an expression network that is sensitive to genes, including insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and TOR. Reducing signals that this network transmits slower growth, increases stress resistance and increases life expectancy. Working in my laboratory with others at the Institute of Healthy Aging at University College London aims to understand how this network works to control aging. Answering this involves addressing the big question: What causes aging? One theory holds that this is due to the accumulation of cell damage. One points to excessive biosynthesis; Many genes and mechanisms that influence aging are associated with the regulation of biosynthesis and growth. However, the truth is not yet clear.
Although the increase in longevity and improved health in old age that is evident in many parts of the world represents the great achievements of the 20th century, these approaches also present significant challenges. Social aging can affect economic growth, employment and retirement patterns, the way families work, the ability of governments and communities to provide adequate care for the elderly, and the spread of chronic diseases and disabilities.At the same time, the U.S. lags behind other developed countries in terms of health, longevity, and other important indicators. For example, the benefits of life expectancy in the last 30 years have not been matched by those of other developed countries. Since 1980, Americans, on average, have achieved five years of life from birth, while people living in the same countries have benefited eight.
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