In a groundbreaking study published in Nature, scientists have discovered that blocking the IL-11 pathway can significantly extend both the lifespan and healthspan of mammals. The research, led by Anissa A. Widjaja and Stuart A. Cook from Duke-NUS Medical School, shows that stopping IL-11 can reduce age-related diseases and improve overall health in aged mice.
Key Findings:
- IL-11 and Ageing: IL-11, a molecule that causes inflammation, increases in various tissues as mice age. This affects important pathways related to ageing, such as ERK, AMPK, and mTORC1.
- Genetic Deletion of IL-11: Mice that lack IL-11 or its receptor IL-11ra1 show protection against decline in metabolism, multiple illnesses, and frailty typically seen with old age.
- Anti-IL-11 Treatment: Administering anti-IL-11 therapy to 75-week-old mice for 25 weeks improves their metabolism, muscle function, and reduces signs of ageing and frailty.
- Lifespan Extension: Mice without IL-11 live about 24.9% longer. Similarly, anti-IL-11 treatment extends the lifespan of male mice by 22.5% and female mice by 25%.
Detailed Mechanisms:
The study explains how IL-11 affects ageing at the molecular level. IL-11’s role in causing inflammation and fibrosis harms organs over time. When researchers stopped IL-11, they observed fewer inflammation markers and better tissue function in organs like the liver, kidneys, and muscles.
Metabolic Benefits:
Besides extending lifespan, blocking IL-11 improves metabolic health in aged mice. The treated mice show better glucose tolerance, increased insulin sensitivity, and less body fat. Therefore, these improvements are key for reducing the risk of age-related conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.
Muscle Function and Frailty:
Muscle loss and frailty are major issues for the elderly. The study found that blocking IL-11 helps keep muscle mass and strength. This leads to better physical performance and less frailty in aged mice. Thus, this is crucial for improving life quality in older populations.
Implications for Human Health:
The findings highlight IL-11 as a key factor in ageing. They suggest that anti-IL-11 therapy, now in clinical trials for fibrotic lung disease, could be used to fight age-related illnesses in humans. Consequently, this study opens new paths for ageing research and treatments aimed at extending healthy human lifespans.
Ethical and Social Considerations:
As with any potential anti-ageing treatment, ethical and social issues must be considered. Extending lifespan raises questions about societal impact. These include healthcare resource allocation, the potential for a larger population, and the need to ensure fair access to such treatments.
Future Directions:
Researchers need to conduct more studies to see if IL-11 inhibition can work in humans. The focus will be on understanding IL-11’s role in age-related diseases. Additionally, refining anti-IL-11 treatments for clinical use is essential. Long-term studies and trials will check the safety and effectiveness of these treatments in humans.
This discovery marks a big step forward in understanding ageing at the molecular level. It provides a promising target for extending health and lifespan in humans. Researchers and healthcare professionals hope this breakthrough will lead to new treatments that help people live longer, healthier lives.
