A Revolutionary Discovery
Aging rodents have seen significant improvements in their health and lifespan, with an average increase of almost 25%, thanks to the administration of the inflammatory protein interleukin 11 (IL11). Although the impact of this advance in humans is not yet fully understood, clinical trials are being conducted in patients with fibrosing lung disease to explore its effects.
An Innovative Study
A study published in the renowned journal Nature revealed that blocking IL11 with an antibody not only improved metabolism and muscle function in rodents, but also mitigated signs of aging and frailty. Led by Duke Medical School in Singapore, the team of researchers has suggested that these results represent a pioneering advance in demonstrating that IL11 is a determining factor in the aging process.
Perspectives for the Future
Although the findings are promising, scientists caution that clinical trials in humans are still needed to establish the safety and efficacy of these treatments. The use of anti-IL-11 drugs for this purpose in humans must be based on solid clinical evidence before being considered as a therapeutic option.
Advances in Rodent Health
Mice, equivalent to about 55 years in human terms, that were treated with an anti-IL-11 antibody experienced a remarkable increase in lifespan of 22.4% for males and 25% for females. In addition, these animals saw their average lifespan extended to 155 weeks, compared with 120 weeks for untreated mice. The treatment was also shown to significantly reduce the incidence of cancer and diseases associated with fibrosis, chronic inflammation and metabolic decline related to aging.
Treatment Benefits
According to Stuart Cook, one of the authors of the study, the treated mice exhibited a lower incidence of cancer, absence of typical signs of aging and frailty, along with a notable improvement in muscle mass and strength. Aged rodents that received anti-IL11 treatment showed significant improvements in their general health status.
Implications for Human Beings
The study also revealed that deletion of the IL11 gene in rodents protected against metabolic deterioration, various diseases and frailty in old age, and prolonged life by almost 25% for both sexes. These discoveries could pave the way for future research exploring the potential of these drugs in elderly humans, opening exciting opportunities for the development of innovative treatments.
Final Considerations
The results of the study, obtained in rodents, underline the importance of conducting clinical trials in humans to evaluate the safety and efficacy of anti-IL-11 treatments. Although progress has been made in human clinical trials for other conditions, more research is required to fully understand the effects of these treatments in older humans.
