Shinichiro Imai, a professor at the University of Washington, is an expert in aging control. According to the professor, the most promising anti-aging methods at present are

(1) activation of sirtuin,

(2) “senolytics” that removes senescent cells accumulated in organs and tissues.

(3) a derivative of the immunosuppressant rapamycin. “Laparogue”.

(4) “Metformin”, which is also used as a diabetic drug, is used. 

 According to an article in the Yomiuri Shimbun on November 3 https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/science/20221102-OYT1T50184/

A team from the University of Tokyo and the University of Kanazawa announced research results showing that administration of the cancer immunotherapy drug “Opdivo” to mice reduced the number of senescent cells in the body and improved their physical functions. It is said that it may lead to the prevention of aging of various organs and tissues and the treatment of lifestyle-related diseases, and a paper will be published in the scientific journal Nature. Many cells divide over time and are replaced by new cells. When senescent cells that no longer divide increase, inflammation occurs in the surrounding area, which causes diseases such as cancer and hypertension. It is normally eliminated by the action of immune cells, but the mechanism by which it increases with age was a mystery. When the team examined senescent cells from aged mice, they found that a large number of molecules called “PD-L1” were attached to the surface of some cells. It was found that this molecule binds to the molecule “PD-1” on the surface of immune cells and weakens immunity. The team considered PD-L1 to be the cause of the increase in senescent cells, and administered Opdivo, which inhibits binding with immune cells and activates immunity, to aged mice. As a result, senescent cells were significantly reduced in various organs, and grip strength was restored, and liver function was improved in mice with fatty liver. Opdivo was developed based on the achievements of Kyoto University Distinguished Professor Tasuku Honjo, who discovered PD-1 and won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Makoto Nakanishi, a professor of molecular oncology at the University of Tokyo Institute of Medical Science, said, “This will lead to a new anti-aging therapy that uses the same mechanism as cancer treatment.” Kenji Chamoto, Program-Specific Associate Professor of Immunology at Kyoto University, said, “This is an important achievement in elucidating the role of immunity in controlling aging.”

The finding that an approved drug has the effect of removing senescent cells is considered to be a major academic step toward rejuvenation and longevity. However, Opdivo is expensive to use as a rejuvenation drug and has many side effects, so it is hoped that this will trigger the development of new drugs.

 To become good at tennis, you need a certain skill, but how to live longer and rejuvenate requires skill. I would like to provide better information using paid papers, so please donate. You can donate with the coffee icon button.