Scientists Reverse Aging Process In Mice

 The lowly mouse may hold the key to the Fountain of Youth, according to researchers at Harvard-affiliated medical centers.

In a series of breakthrough experiments, the scientists engineered a group of mice to age faster than normal, then were able to slow the aging process. The million dollar question, of course, is whether they can do it in humans.

Dr. Ronald DiPinho, professor of medicine and genetics at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, and co-author of the study, called the slowdown in aging "a dramatic reversal and believes the findings do, in fact, hold promise in human health.

In human cells, naturally occurring enzymes protect DNA from damage. As humans age, they produce less of the enzyme and the DNA is left vulnerable to damage. That's why our appearance changes as we get older, and eventually we become more vulnerable to organ failure.

In the experiments, researchers were able to replace the vital enzymes. It not only stopped the aging process in the rodents, but revived failing organs. Fur that had started to gray began to darken again.

Possible Alzheimer's application

Previous studies have focused on the enzyme's role in Alzheimer's disease, and this study also suggests the anti-aging therapy might hold promise to warding off that dreaded disease. In the mice experiment, the aging mice had brains that were about 75 percent their normal size. Following the therapy, the researchers say, the brains returned to their normal size.

Alzheimer's disease affects about 4.5 million Americans, gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activities, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The disease is eventually fatal.

While there have been false claims and hopes for a cure in the past, experts remain optimistic that a cure can be found. Whether these latest experiments on mice lead to that cure remains to be seen.