Researchers are increasingly showing evidence that certain medicines can reduce biological age. Biological age is a measure of how old our body feels and functions, apart from chronological age. An important discovery is that drugs which suppress the activities of so-called retrotransposons can slow down the ageing process. Retrotransposons are remaining pieces of DNA from ancient viruses that move around in our genes and can cause damage.
These medicines work through a process similar to that of HIV medication, which blocks the copying step of retrotransposons. Research in healthy adults shows that a certain combination of antiretroviral agents has measurably reduced biological age. This is the first evidence in humans that this approach works. However, it appears that the composition of the drug combination is important for the effect.
Furthermore, new research shows that creating small DNA breaks, known as DNA gaps, in cells can help repair age-related damage. This ensures that cells function better and signs of ageing decrease. These DNA gaps are a normal part of healthy cell management, but become less common as we get older.
These developments are important for anyone who wants to age healthily. They show that in the future, ageing may be better treatable with targeted medicines that tackle the underlying causes rather than just symptoms.
Source: Reason
