New research in mice shows that a combination of dasatinib and quercetin can make ageing kidneys younger again. These substances remove harmful cells that accumulate with age and disrupt the functioning of the organ. Dasatinib is a medicine originally used in cancer treatment, while quercetin is a plant-based substance found in many supplements.
Clearing away these old, so-called senescent cells can improve kidney function. Earlier research had already shown that this effect also applies to other organs. As a result, they recover some of their original, healthy function. This is important because, as we age, kidney problems often increase and can lead to serious health issues.
Although this treatment method is promising, large-scale studies in humans are still scarce. This is partly because dasatinib and quercetin are relatively inexpensive, resulting in fewer financial incentives to conduct extensive clinical trials. Small-scale studies do confirm that the treatment is safe and may offer benefits.
For people who are interested in healthy ageing, this development is encouraging. It demonstrates that tackling ageing processes at the cellular level could offer a new path towards better functioning at a later age. In this way, we remain healthy and vital for longer, even at an advanced age.
Source: Reason
