RESEARCH NEWS: IL-11 Blocking, SIRT6 Activation, PRC2 Age Index, Fibre’s Metabolic Boost

This month's research news highlights some pretty exciting advances in the field of longevity and antiageing. We first see more evidence around the role of healthy immune function in healthy ageing. With research showing that blocking IL-11, an inflammatory mediator, in mice is associated with significant improvements in healthspan. We’ve known for a while the impact of inflammation on ageing, in-fact we commonly use the term inflammaging, so having specific targets such as IL-11 gives us promising insights into how we can improve immune regulation and promote healthspan.

Another physiological target in the longevity space are SIRTuin’s (Silent Information Regulators). In particular, this month we see evidence that supporting the role of SIRT6 in protecting the DNA helps stabilise the chromatin, which is responsible for organising and condensing the structure of our DNA, a genuine case of structure governing function, and there's some good evidence for molecules such as Fucoidans from brown algal seaweeds like Fucus versiculosis, commonly known as Bladderwrack, that we already use to promote SIRT6 activity.

Biological clocks to measure biological ageing continue to be a hot topic in research, and this month we see a paper come out with data relating to a new Polycomb Recessive Complex 2 (PRC2) age index. Whilst we have a lot of information about the effects of reduced or altered gene methylation on ageing, the PRC2-AgeIndex looks at areas of the DNA which are normally low methylated early in life, and increasingly gain methylation as we age. This suggests that the PRC2 complex may be an accurate measure of biological age across a range of different human tissues.

And finally another boost for the importance of a healthy diet and nutrition. One study looked at the importance of dietary fibre on metabolic health in mice. Whilst all of the fibres studied had a positive impact on gut health and supporting the microbiome, beta-glucans in particular were shown to reduce body fat, and improve glucose tolerance, two key factors in metabolic health. If you’re keen to get this strategy underway, you can start by including more beta-glucan rich foods in your diet such as mushrooms, seaweeds, brown rice, and nutritional yeasts.

Mark Payne , Functional Medicine Practitioner (Melbourne Functional Medicine)

SIRT6’s role in slowing ageing and preventing diseases

SIRT6 regulates DNA repair and metabolic pathways, extending lifespan in mice by stabilising chromatin structure and preventing age-related diseases. This highlights potential therapeutic strategies for improving healthspan and longevity.

Tracking DNA methylation: A new biomarker for ageing

The PRC2-AgeIndex is a biomarker that tracks age-related changes in DNA methylation at specific sites linked to the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). It effectively measures methylation gains in somatic cells and may help assess the impact of anti-ageing treatments across different tissues.

Boosting longevity through dietary fibres: The role of β-glucan

β-glucan from plant-based fibres reduced fat, improved glucose tolerance, and boosted energy expenditure in high-fat diet mice, with positive shifts in gut microbiota and increased butyrate levels. Other fibres showed limited impact.

Blocking IL-11 to extend lifespan and reduce frailty in ageing

Blocking IL-11, a pro-inflammatory protein, extended lifespan and improved health in mice, reducing frailty and metabolic decline. Inhibiting IL-11 led to a lifespan increase of up to 25%, showing promise as a therapeutic target for enhancing human healthspan.

The impact of hydrogen peroxide on cellular stress and longevity

Mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) doesn’t directly harm chromosomal DNA but plays a role in redox signalling, which helps regulate cellular responses to oxidative stress. This suggests that H2O2 has a more complex function in ageing, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies to reduce oxidative damage while maintaining its beneficial signalling effects.

Stem cell-derived islet tissues offer insulin independence

Autologous stem cell-derived islet tissues restored insulin function in a type 2 diabetes patient, achieving glycemic control, insulin independence, and no tumour formation over 116 weeks. This highlights the potential of stem cell therapies for advanced diabetes treatment.

Senolytic therapies and their effect on bone health in postmenopausal women

Intermittent senolytic therapy with dasatinib and quercetin showed no significant decrease in bone resorption in postmenopausal women overall. However, women with a higher senescent cell burden experienced enhanced bone formation and density, highlighting the potential role of senescent cells in therapeutic outcomes.

To read these articles in full, visit our research feed.

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