Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks was linked to over 3 million new diabetes and heart disease cases globally in 2020, with the highest burdens in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. Younger, urban, and more educated adults were most affected, highlighting urgent need for targeted prevention and policy action.
SGLT2 inhibitors show promise for longevity and disease prevention
SGLT2 inhibitors, originally for type 2 diabetes, show broad potential to slow ageing, prevent age-related diseases, and extend healthspan and lifespan. They enhance autophagy, reduce oxidative stress, rejuvenate mitochondria, and protect against heart, kidney, brain, and metabolic decline, even in non-diabetics, with a strong safety profile.
Brown fat’s role in healthy ageing and performance
Brown adipose tissue enhances exercise capacity and supports healthful ageing by improving metabolism, vascular function, and resistance to age-related diseases. Transplanting BAT, especially from long-lived RGS14 knockout mice, boosts performance and longevity, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for promoting vitality and extended healthspan.
Gene therapy extends lifespan without cancer risk
Genetic activation of telomerase in mice significantly extended lifespan and improved healing of skin and intestinal injuries, without increasing cancer risk. This targeted intervention boosted cellular repair, antioxidant defences, and telomere length, offering a promising strategy for enhancing longevity and resilience to age-related decline.
High-intensity exercise reduces muscle ageing through inflammation
High-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) reduces cellular senescence in human muscles through acute inflammation, as shown by decreased p16INK4a and CD11b mRNA levels. Blocking inflammation with ibuprofen attenuates these effects, highlighting the role of inflammation in exercise-induced muscle rejuvenation and its potential for enhancing healthspan and longevity.
Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) exposure damages DNA and accelerates ageing
Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), a common plasticiser, disrupts reproductive health by increasing DNA damage and oxidative stress. Exposure impairs chromosome stability and gene expression, potentially affecting fertility and ageing. Findings highlight concerns about environmental toxins’ impact on longevity and underscore the need for minimising exposure.
Genetic variability and the effects of dietary restriction on lifespan
Caloric restriction (20%-40%) and intermittent fasting enhanced lifespan in genetically diverse mice, with stronger effects tied to stricter calorie reduction. Lifespan varied with genetics and stress resilience, revealing healthspan and longevity are not always aligned. Extreme restrictions caused adverse effects, questioning optimal dietary strategies for ageing.
Mitochondria therapy improves stromal cell function and longevity
Artificial mitochondrial transplantation rejuvenates mesenchymal stromal cells, reducing senescence and enhancing anti-inflammatory effects. By transferring healthy mitochondria, aged cells regain energy metabolism, diminish oxidative stress, and improve insulin sensitivity, presenting a promising tool for regenerative therapies targeting ageing and chronic inflammation.
The role of mTORC1/2 in safeguarding ovarian function
Inhibiting mTORC1/2 during chemotherapy helps preserve ovarian function and fertility in mice, offering a potential approach to reducing chemotherapy-induced reproductive ageing and supporting healthspan.
A humanised mouse model reveals pathways to enhance longevity
A humanised mouse model now produces mature, class-switched, and hypermutated antibodies, offering insights into immune responses and advancing vaccine and antibody therapy research. This model may accelerate immunity understanding, supporting healthspan and longevity research.
