Scientists based in China are claiming a major breakthrough in anti-ageing. The researchers were reportedly able to reverse signs of ageing in elderly macaques (a type of monkey) using stem cell therapy.
In the study, elderly crab-eating macaques received twice-weekly injections of genetically altered stem cells for 44 weeks. The macaques share physiological similarities with people in their 60s or 70s.
The monkeys who received the injections performed better on cognitive tasks than did controls. They also had lower physiological signs of ageing across a range of systems. Rejuvenation was measured in tissues including the brain, bones and reproductive tissue, in terms of reduced lipid build-up, reduced inflammation, lower oxidative stress, lower number of senescent cells and restored protein balance and immune function.
Stem cells circulate widely in younger individuals and are able to repair cells and construct new ones. As their number declines with age, top-ups have been hypothesised as a means of anti-ageing for decades.
With the promise of eternal youth, stem cells have long captured the popular imagination. Clinics in Panama, Mexico, China and South-East Asia cater to “stem-cell tourism”, a phenomenon that has also been dubbed as “biotech pilgrimage”. One treatment centre in Panama says its services starts at USD $26,900.
Medically speaking, however, injected stem cells run the risk of triggering an immune response that defeats their potential impacts. Case histories of stem-cell tourists suggest therapies have set in train meningitis, lesions and even tumours.
Thus the major breakthrough of the macaque research was in the genetic alteration of the stem cells to prevent such side effects from arising.
The area appears to be one of major interest in China. Late last year, Zhengzhou University-based researchers improved the fertility of an elderly cynomolgus monkey using stem cell injections.
The area remains reminiscent of science fiction, but perhaps one with substantial promise in years ahead.
Sign Up To Our Free Newsletter