[ad_1]
Researchers in Israel say they have partially reversed cellular aging using a somewhat controversial treatment. Although it is only a small study, it improves our understanding of the aging process in humans.
The shortening of telomeres, the caps at the end of each of our chromosomes, is one of the main mechanisms behind aging. Cell division shortens these telomeres each time it occurs, leaving each new chromosome slightly shorter than its predecessor.
This, in turn, increases the risk of the mutation across the board, which can often lead to age-related diseases like some cancers.
Scientists in Israel, led by Shair Efrati, a doctor from Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, say they can partially reverse this process by extending the length of these telomeres using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
They placed 26 volunteers aged 64 and over in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for five 90-minute sessions each week for three months, taking regular samples throughout the process.
At the end of the study, the researchers were pleasantly surprised to find that some of the patients’ telomeres had extended up to 20%.
Also on rt.com
Anti-aging revolutionary: scientists successfully ‘reset’ 114-year-old ‘supercentennial’ cells
The aging process is not a direct result of telomere shrinking, but keeping the lid on the chromosomes does improve cellular performance in old age. Fighting telomere shrinkage can be aided by quality sleep, exercise, and good food, but the application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy appears to promote healthier telomeres in the body as well.
However, the researchers acknowledge that their study was based on a small sample size, it needs to be replicated, and that the technique has previously been tried without success.
Additionally, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be a somewhat controversial topic, however, as there have been extraordinary and poorly highlighted claims that it can treat conditions ranging from aseptic bone necrosis, to global brain ischemia to autism.
Efrati describes the full knowledge and understanding of telomere shortening as “The ‘Holy Grail’ of the Biology of Aging.”
Also on rt.com
Important anti-aging breakthrough as the “magic bullet” targets zombie cells
To “turn back the time” of the aging process, we would need to recover some of the pieces of genetic code lost during cell division. This happens in some tissues that line our intestines, via an enzyme called telomerase, another avenue of in-depth research.
However, telomerase reactivation is a technique employed by some cancers to replicate, so scientists must also proceed with caution as they explore that particular avenue.
The aging process extends far beyond shortening telomeres, so humanity is still a long way from discovering the fountain of youth, but early indications are that HBOT can improve health in old age.
Do you think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
Source link
