Protein activation could 'stave off age-related diseases'

The activation of a protein has been found to delay the onset of metabolic diseases that are related to age, therefore expanding lifespan. Research performed on mice has revealed that activating sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) lengthens life and improves overall health. Published in the journal 'Cell Reports', the study could lead to treatments that allow people to live for longer and maintain better health.

SIRT1 is an important protein when it comes to maintaining several tissues' metabolic balance. Previous studies involving different organisms have found that a number of health benefits can be provided by activating the protein. Some drug treatments currently have SIRT1 activity, which have been found to delay age-related disease and the process of ageing itself within a number of animal models.

Researchers at the National Institute on Ageing at the National Institutes of Health, US looked at how SRT1720, a molecule that leads to the activation of SIRT1, affects the lifespan and health of mice. 

The mice were fed on a standard diet that included 100 mg/kg of the SRT1720 molecule from the age of six months. It was found that the mice lived 8.8 per cent longer than average, with a reduced body weight and fat percentage. The mice also had better motor coordination and muscle function.

Dr Rafael de Cabo, leader of the research, said: "Here, we show for the first time that a synthetic SIRT1 activator extends lifespan and improves healthspan of mice fed a standard diet. It illustrates that we can develop molecules that ameliorate the burden of metabolic and chronic diseases associated with aging." 

Additional research found that SRT1720 also has effects on a number of metabolic variables and decreased both LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. This means that the molecule could help to improve insulin sensitivity and protect against diabetes, as well as help to prevent heart disease. Supplementing diet with the protein-activating molecule also resulted in anti-inflammatory results within a number of tissues, which could help reduce ageing and protect against age-related disease.