What if we can reverse our age? A concept that is widely discussed and also controversial. Ageing is a natural process through which every living organism undergoes. However, humans tried to reverse the ageing cycle over many decades, and recent scientific advancements have brought us closer to this. Cellular reprogramming, genetic engineering and telomere extension have been explored by scientists through which they claimed that reverse ageing is possible.
How do we age?
Ageing is a complex biological process. Although researchers have several debates regarding it, however, it is widely accepted that when genetic materials, cells and tissues damaged over time and can not be prepared then the body lost the normal functions and we started to ageing. If we found a way to slow down the damage or repair the damage then reverse ageing might be possible.
Let’s understand the different causes of ageing to better understand the science behind reverse ageing. One of the primary reasons for ageing is DNA damage. Over time our DNA gets damaged because of several internal and external factors. External factors like UV radiation, pollution and internal factors like stress can damage our DNA which we start to age earlier.
Telomere shortening is another key factor of ageing. The telomere is the protective cap that appears at the end of the chromosome and helps to maintain genetic stability and ensure cell division. However, with every cell replication each time a portion of the telomere is lost and it started to shorten. Over time when it gets critically short then it stopped to divide the cells and we gradually become older.
Mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic changes, exhaustion of stem cells, chronic inflammation, and loss of proteostasis and cellular senescence are other key factors that also cause ageing.
Groundbreaking research on reverse ageing
Scientists have been trying over decades to slow down the ageing process or reverse ageing on the cellular level. Recent research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) in New York explored a groundbreaking fact regarding T cells. T cells are a type of white blood cells which can be reprogrammed to combat ageing.
Scientists have used mouse models and explored that if they train the T cells to target and eliminate the senescent cells that contribute to chronic inflammation and weaken the immune system, then reverse ageing is possible.
Dr. Amor Vegas, the assistant professor at CSHL, says, “If we give it to aged mice, they rejuvenate. If we give it to young mice, they age slower. No other therapy right now can do this.” He added, “T cells have the ability to develop memory and persist in your body for really long periods, which is very different from a chemical drug. With CAR T cells, you have the potential of getting this one treatment, and then that’s it. For chronic pathologies, that’s a huge advantage.”
The researchers developed a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy through which they target a specific protein of senescent cell, called urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and safely eliminate it for long-term benefits. This research is proven in the case of mice, but the researchers believe that a single dose of CAR T on the human body can help in slowing down the ageing process and can be long-term beneficial.
Moreover, different supplements have also been invented by scientists to slow down the ageing in humans. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is considered a crucial molecule in every living cell that helps to maintain good cellular health. However, as we aged these NAD+ levels started to decline with time.
To slow down the process of decline, scientists discovered different supplements like Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR). Both these supplements have given good results in animal bodies as well as human trials.
Dr. David Sunclair, a scientist at Harvard Medical School, suggests that NMN can help to address different age-related problems in the human body including cardiovascular disease, insulin insensitivity and so on. The NR, on the other hand, can enhance mitochondrial function and reduce the signs of ageing.
Bryan Johnson: A living example of reverse ageing
Although scientists have conducted their reverse ageing research on mice, Bryan Johnson is actively experimenting with himself to slow down his age. You might have seen the journey of Brayan Johnson on your social media handle at least once who spends $2 million per year on medical diagnostics and treatments related to anti-ageing.
Bryan Johnson is a multimillionaire founder of Kernal and Braintree, although he sold it to PayPal for around $800 million. However, this tech entrepreneur is investing millions of dollars in his project Blueprint aims to discover the secrets of ageing and find the formula for anti-ageing. He has the goal of achieving the biological health of an 18-year-old at the age of 40.
He shares his achievements over 6 years through his social media handle. However, you might wonder how he achieved that. Well, he follows a strict diet of exactly 1977 calories per day and all are plant-based foods. He regularly engages in intense workouts regularly checks his blood, and undergoes MRIs and gene therapy. He takes a lot of supplements including NAD+ boosters, resveratrol and metformin.
Even my Face ID is confused. I'm transitioning… pic.twitter.com/6AU5mtU5j6
— Bryan Johnson /dd (@bryan_johnson) April 9, 2024
However, he also spread awareness of his age reversal process through different platforms like YouTube, Instagram, X and so on. Henceforth, it can be said that a healthy plant-based diet and regular exercise can play a significant role in slowing down our ageing process.
The limits of reverse ageing science
Although science has made a significant advancement in the reverse ageing process, there are still some limitations. First of all, it is necessary to understand that, cellular reprogramming and supplements like NMN and NR are showing promising results, but there are no proven results on how they will impact the human body in the long-term. This kind of uncertainty creates a gap between reverse ageing and science.
Let’s understand it with examples. The CAR T therapy has given exciting results in mice, but when it is applied on humans this can cause uncertain consequences. The elimination of senescent cells can form a tumour or it can permanently damage the health conditions of that particular individual. Although Bryan Johnson’s technique is somewhere acceptable it can actually slow down ageing but one needs to remember that not reverse ageing.
Henceforth, the central question remains that are the advancement of science is truly for reverse ageing. Well, some scientists argue that reverse ageing is never possible through which we will be immortal. Instead, we might only be able to expand our lifespan for some years and we can delay our ageing process. Ageing is still a complex process that our science is still discovering, henceforth, we can only say that our age can be slowed down and this is only possible when we choose a healthy lifestyle.
It might be better to live a mindful life with a healthier mindset. Bryan Johnson was able to reverse his biological age because of huge changes in his diet and lifestyle. If we can also change our lifestyle and diet we can also achieve that at a certain point.
FAQ
What is reverse aging, and how is it different from slowing down the ageing process?
Reverse aging is a concept that aims to not only slow down but potentially reverse the effects of aging at the cellular level. Scientists have explored methods like cellular reprogramming, genetic engineering, and telomere extension, through which they claim that reverse ageing is possible. However, many argue that we might only be able to slow down ageing rather than completely reverse it.
How does DNA damage contribute to ageing, and can it be repaired?
DNA damage is one of the primary reasons for ageing. Over time, our DNA gets damaged because of several internal and external factors. External factors like UV radiation, pollution, and internal factors like stress can damage our DNA, which causes us to age earlier. If we find a way to slow down the damage or repair the damage, reverse ageing might be possible.
What are telomeres, and how do they affect the ageing process?
Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that help maintain genetic stability and ensure cell division. However, with each cell replication, a portion of the telomere is lost and it starts to shorten. Over time, when it gets critically short, it stops the cell from dividing, leading to ageing.
Can CAR T cell therapy truly reverse ageing, and how does it work?
Scientists have developed a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy through which they target a specific protein of senescent cells, called urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), and safely eliminate it for long-term benefits. In studies with mice, when CAR T cells were introduced, aged mice rejuvenated, and young mice aged slower. While the research has shown promising results in mice, researchers believe that a single dose of CAR T in the human body can slow down the ageing process.
What role do supplements like NMN and NR play in anti-ageing, and are they safe?
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) are supplements that help address the decline of NAD+ levels as we age. NAD+ is crucial for maintaining good cellular health, but it declines with age. NMN has been shown to address age-related problems such as cardiovascular disease and insulin insensitivity. NR, on the other hand, enhances mitochondrial function and reduces signs of ageing. These supplements have shown good results in animal bodies as well as human trials.
How has Bryan Johnson used lifestyle changes to reverse his biological age?
Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur, spends $2 million annually on medical diagnostics and treatments related to anti-ageing. He follows a strict diet of 1977 calories per day, all from plant-based foods. He regularly engages in intense workouts, checks his blood, undergoes MRIs and gene therapy, and takes various supplements, including NAD+ boosters, resveratrol, and metformin. He shares his achievements over 6 years on social media, demonstrating the effects of his approach to slowing down ageing.
What are the potential risks of reversing ageing through current scientific methods?
Although CAR T therapy has provided exciting results in mice, its application in humans might cause uncertain consequences. The elimination of senescent cells could potentially form tumours or permanently damage an individual’s health. Additionally, while supplements like NMN and NR show promise, their long-term effects on humans are still unknown.
Is reverse ageing truly possible, or are we just delaying the ageing process?
Some scientists argue that reverse ageing, in the sense of becoming immortal, is not possible. Instead, it is more likely that we can only delay the ageing process or expand our lifespan for a few more years. Ageing is still a complex process that science is continually discovering. The current advancements can slow down ageing, but they are unlikely to reverse it completely.