On my newfound interest in the biology of ageing

Hello 🙏

In the first issue of my newsletter "The Science of Healthy Ageing", I would like to, first, thank you for subscribing.

Today, I would like to describe my motivation to start this newsletter.

For almost a decade now, I have been a cell biology researcher. My goal was to understand how our cells maintained their DNA.

DNA maintenance is complex, it needs to be replicated, and, any damage must be repaired. This ensures that genetic information is faithfully passed on the next generation.

DNA maintenance is also important in cancer and other degenerative diseases.

DNA damage -> mutations -> cancer.

So, the goal of my research was to understand the cellular processes that maintain DNA (genome maintenance) with the broader aim to better understand cancer progression and development of treatment strategies (like chemotherapy).

During my research, I also began to realise that ageing is the primary risk factor to cancer and several top human diseases.

One way ageing promotes diseases is by accelerating DNA damage or deteriorating its repair.

Ageing -> DNA damage -> mutations -> cancer (and other diseases).

The study of ageing in the context of health has evolved into a branch of science called Geroscience and I am interested in it.

My newfound interest in ageing has pushed me into reading research papers on ageing and the cellular mechanisms that drive it (one of it is DNA maintenance).

Thats the motivation behind starting this newsletter. I want to share and discuss my research with you.

So, In every issue (sent out every Thursday), I will write about the week's new ageing research articles and discuss the biology of ageing with a broad perspective.

Ageing inflection after 50

Researchers analysed gene expression and proteins from various organs in >500 people (aged 14 to 68) across both the genders. It revealed a widespread disconnect between gene expression and actual protein levels as people age.

The body's ability to maintain protein balance declines with age, leading to the accumulation of amyloid proteins. A significant acceleration in the aging process was observed around age 50. This is in agreement with previous research that suggested that ageing peaks at ages 44 and 60.

Blood vessels were identified as a tissue that ages early and is particularly vulnerable to aging-related changes. One protein GAS6 which is produced in the aorta (heart blood vessel) was key. When the researchers injected this protein into experimental mice, it triggered features of ageing.

Zero-calories may not be more healthier

Many people believe that "zero-calorie" beverages are a healthier alternative to their sugar-sweetened counterparts, especially concerning diabetes risk. However, new research challenges this common perception. It suggests that artificially sweetened drinks may pose a diabetes risk as high as that of their full-sugar versions. This highlights the complex relationship between diet, lifestyle, and healthy aging, urging a closer look at what we consider "healthy" choices.

Gender specific ageing?

The Interventions Testing Program (ITP) revealed that most compounds extending lifespan were effective primarily in male mice, indicating sex-specific mechanisms of aging and the critical need to consider biological sex in developing anti-aging interventions.

A new beginning in anti-ageing therapy

In a clinical trial, the diabetes drug Ozempic (semaglutide) has shown remarkable anti-aging effects. This is the first study to directly measure its impact on biological aging, revealing that participants became an average of 3.1 years biologically younger after just 32 weeks of treatment.

These findings strongly suggest that GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, may offer significant health benefits beyond their current uses for diabetes and weight loss.