Researchers are finding ways to slow down ageing with existing medicines. Because old age is a complex process involving many genes, it takes a long time for new treatments to be tested. Therefore, the focus is now on already approved medicines that might also be able to influence the ageing process.
Scientists use a special network approach that looks at the interactions between proteins in our body. In this way, they can map which medicines can influence the biological characteristics of ageing, the so-called ‘hallmarks of ageing’. These are important processes in our body that deteriorate as we get older, such as properly maintaining our DNA and communication between cells.
Using this method, the researchers examined thousands of drugs and linked them to specific ageing processes. This makes it possible to predict which medicines slow down ageing and which may actually be harmful. Interestingly, some drugs already in use for other conditions might also have a positive effect on our lifespan.
This research is important because it offers a faster and cheaper way to discover medicines that can help us stay healthy for longer. For anyone who wants to age healthily, this means there is hope for new treatments that can slow down the ageing process.
Source: Arkadi Mazin
