Researchers have discovered that a certain substance, PAI-1, plays an important role in the ageing process. People with a rare inherited variant in which PAI-1 is less active live an average of seven years longer than their peers. This is probably because PAI-1 is involved in the formation of senescent cells, older cells that no longer divide but can produce harmful substances.
Senescent cells accumulate as we age and contribute to age-related symptoms and diseases. Scientists are therefore focusing on developing small molecules that can inhibit the action of PAI-1. Although these drugs are not as powerful as the inherited variant, they nevertheless hope to reduce the harmful effect of senescent cells.
Inhibiting PAI-1 with medication could potentially contribute to better health at an older age. This fits within a broader search for treatments that improve quality of life by slowing down the natural ageing process.
This development is of interest to people who are consciously engaged in healthy ageing. It shows that in the future, new medicines might be able to help make ageing less problematic.
Source: Reason
