Exeter scientists discover secret to reversing ageing

The all-elusive fountain of youth has been the subject of myth, films and artworks since we can recall, but thanks to the work of researchers at the University of Exeter, the secret of reversing ageing could be more than a pipe dream.

According to news sources, their work (The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health) has revealed that it is possible to rejuvenate old cells in a laboratory setting, bestowing these cells with a younger appearance and making them behave youthfully as well. The findings could mean as much for patients battling chronic diseases as for Exeter, which is fast establishing a name in anti-ageing medicine. Although therapies are likely to be embraced on a worldwide level, it is hoped that the milestones achieved through studies such as these will boost funding to local universities and establish Exeter as a leader in this field.

Protecting Vital Telomeres

The study, led by Professor Lorna Harries (Molecular Geneticist at Exeter), involved the application of compounds (called ‘resveratrol analogues’), based on chemicals naturally occurring in red wine, dark chocolate, blueberries and red grapes, to laboratory cells. A few hours after this application, older cells began splitting and differing in appearance - the cells had longer telomeres - the protective parts of cells that are lost as we age, rendering our cells vulnerable and unable to protect themselves. Professor Harris noted, “When I saw some of the cells in the culture dish rejuvenating I couldn’t believe it. These old cells were looking like young cells. It was like magic. I repeated the experiments several times and in each case the cells rejuvenated. I am very excited by the implications and potential for this research.”

Researchers are hoping that their findings will enable them to formulate therapies to help people achieve a ripe old age, without the degenerative effects that normally accompany ageing.

Degenerative Disease and its Effect on Quality of Life

Currently, around 80% of adults aged over 65 have at least one chronic disease such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes, which can require lifelong treatment and medication that can have various side-effects. These people often have mental as well as physical limitations, since those tiredness, limited mobility, and chronic pain, can lead them to develop mental conditions such as depression and anxiety, which also wrest their quality of life. Findings such as those made by Harries and team are promising from many perspectives, including that of public health, which can save considerably on the costs of treating chronic illne. In the UK, as much of 75% of health budgets are spent on the long-term care of chronic conditions; around 15 million people in England alone are affected.

The findings of Professor Harries and colleagues at Exeter University show great promise for the future of ageing. By enabling older cells to look and behave as they did in youth, chronic disease can be prevented, and symptoms can be reduced, allowing people to live to a ripe old age in sound body and mind.