http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/default.stm
Thursday, 31 August, 2000, 18:09 GMT 19:09 UK
'Anti-age' drug found
Anti-ageing research might one-day lead to a fitter and longer retirement
For the first time, scientists have succeeded in boosting an animal's life
span with drugs.
Microscopic worms given the therapy lived nearly 50% longer than normal.
The researchers say the experiments are the first real indication that ageing
can be treated.
They believe the drugs might be useful for combating human diseases that
strike in later life.
Clinical trials for disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's
could take place in the near future.
'Youthful and active'
"As far as we know, this is the first convincing example of drugs being used
to extend life span," said Dr Gordon Lithgow of the University of Manchester,
UK, who carried out the research along with colleagues in the United States.
He said the drugs had an anti-ageing effect on the worms.
"The treated worms appear youthful and active at the same time as when the
untreated worms are showing the characteristics of old age," he told BBC News
Online.
The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans was used in the studies.
The nematode worm C. elegans usually lives for about 20 days (Photo Dr
Matthew Gill, University of Manchester)
This tiny creature has been studied in the laboratory for many years. The
first living thing to have its genetic blueprint decoded, around 40% of the
worm's genes are also found in humans.
The scientists added a cocktail of two synthetic drugs to the medium in which
the worms, when kept in the laboratory, live and reproduce.
Both of the drugs are antioxidants. They mimic the effect of natural enzymes
that mop up free radicals - highly reactive molecules that damage cells.
When given the drugs, the worms lived on average nearly 50% longer than
normal.
Fighting free radicals
The reason, the scientists believe, is that the drugs prevented free radical
damage.
Other experts say the research is interesting but must be duplicated in
creatures other than the worm.
"The idea that antioxidants might have an effect [on ageing] has been around
for quite a long time," said Professor David White, director of science at
the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UK, which is
funding research into the science of ageing.
"It seems to have a dramatic effect in worms," he added.
"Whether it will have the same effect in other organisms will have to be
established."
The research is published in the journal, Science.
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