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Scientists on Trail of Fountain of Youth

Chemical could improve cell life, slow aging, and defeat disease

November 21, 2008
There may soon be a pill that could stop, or at least slow, the aging process. Scientists say that boosting the levels of a chemical found in the body could prolong cell life, warding off disease and leading to longer lifespans.

The virtual fountain of youth may be the protein telomerase, which is produced naturally in the body to provide protection to chromosomes. When cells age, they divide and are more likely to die. Boosting telomerase, they say, could hold cells together longer, prolonging their lives.

The research was carried out at the Spanish National Cancer Center in Madrid, where scientists tested the theory on laboratory animals. They say those whose bodies were induced to produce extra telomerase expanded their lifespans by 50 percent.

Though promising, the research doesn't tell scientists exactly how boosting telomerase levels would work in humans, according to lead researcher Maria Blasco.

And then there may be a pretty significant side effect. Raising the level of telomerase in the body might increase the risk of cancer, Blasco says. She says more study is needed before the therapy is tried on human subjects.

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