New research with mice shows that slowing down the action of growth hormone can delay ageing by about ten percent. This was achieved through a genetic modification whereby the growth hormone does bind to the cell receptor, but does not activate it. As a result, the hormone also blocks the normal function of stimulating growth. This reduces the effect of growth hormone on the body.
Further studies in mice have long shown that reduced growth hormone function is linked to a longer lifespan. This new method has strictly confirmed for the first time that inhibition of the receptor itself slows down the ageing process. The inhibition found is modest, but demonstrates that growth hormones play a role in ageing.
In humans, the situation is more complex. People with so-called Laron syndrome, a condition in which growth hormone action is impaired, do not necessarily live longer. This suggests that the effects of growth hormone inhibition on lifespan in humans may differ from those in mice. Nevertheless, the research may draw attention to growth hormones as a potential factor in ageing.
Growth hormones are proteins that play an important role in growth and metabolism. Inhibiting or modifying these hormones can therefore also have effects on health. Such discoveries provide a better understanding of lifespan and may contribute in the future to strategies for healthy ageing.
This research is relevant because it increases our understanding of how hormones influence ageing, which is important for healthy ageing.
Source: Reason
