Researchers have developed a new treatment that greatly improves the health of older mice. This therapy focuses on increasing the protein FGF21, which plays an important role in the effects of calorie restriction. Calorie restriction is known for slowing down ageing and being able to extend lifespan. The body responds to this by making better use of nutrients and stimulating repair mechanisms.
In older mice, increasing FGF21 via gene therapy brought about a wide range of health improvements. For instance, the functions of various organs improved, which normally decline with age. This indicates that FGF21 plays a key role in protecting the body against age-related complaints and extending the healthy years.
Calorie restriction is a natural way to age more healthily, but sticking to it is difficult for many people. Therefore, scientists are searching for techniques that can offer the same benefits without requiring you to radically adjust your diet. Gene therapy with FGF21 could be a promising step in this regard, as it mimics the beneficial effects of calorie restriction.
The research yields important insight into how stimulating certain proteins via genetic means can improve health at a later age. For instance, this development can contribute to a longer and healthier lifespan. For people who are engaged in healthy ageing, this kind of breakthrough could offer new treatment options in the future.
Source: Reason
