Aging is a natural process. Our cells age and die. This is a law of nature and cannot be thought otherwise. The idea of immortality or never aging, considered unrealistic, has sometimes been the subject of science fiction films. "The Age of Adeline," starring Blake Lively, deals with such a theme. In the movie, Adeline, a woman who never ages, witnesses many historical events while remaining 29 years old.

Antibody Pills Have Been Developed

Researchers at Universitat Oberta de Catalonia in Spain and the University of Leicester in England developed an antibody molecule that identifies specific proteins on aged cells.

What Is Cellular Aging?

To understand this research finding, we need to understand cellular aging. When cells become damaged and lose their ability to divide, they face three options: repair themselves, die, or transform into zombie cells. Zombie cells refuse to die despite losing their functions, becoming senescent (aged) cells. They make tissue repair difficult and can release chemicals that harm healthy cells. They pave the way for conditions such as diabetes, heart, and lung diseases.

According to research published in Scientific Reports, monoclonal antibodies carrying toxic substances are being trained to identify and eliminate aging cells. Just as antibodies detect germs and protect us. The foundation of the research is based on senolytic drugs, defined as medications that delay aging. These drugs detect cellular aging in the body and slow down the effects of aging.

Dr. Salvador Macip, a lecturer at the University of Leicester and one of the scientists conducting the research, demonstrated that these antibodies specifically target and clean up aging cells without affecting normal cells.

Which Diseases Can Be Treated With It?

Dr. Macip says that this method they developed could initially be used in diseases where aged cells accumulate, such as Alzheimer's, lung fibrosis, and cancer. In the long term, this treatment method can also be used to protect human health and extend lifespan.

The Process Can Be Reversed

BioNTech CEO Uğur Şahin states that it has been previously shown that cells can be reprogrammed with certain factors, that is, rejuvenated. He says that one day we will be able to inject these factors into cells through mRNA, allowing us to completely or partially reverse the aging process of a damaged heart or another organ.

Quercetin Prevents Aging

We discussed quercetin extensively during the pandemic because of its immunity and antiviral effects. This antioxidant also has strong anti-aging properties that prevent aging. In addition to its beneficial effects on vascular health, having a rejuvenating effect was not a surprise to me.

The Importance of α-Klotho Protein

Senolytic drugs developed at Mayo Clinic manage to reduce the side effects of zombie cells thanks to α-Klotho protein, a geroprotective protein that can reduce or alleviate harmful changes caused by aging and disease. In mythology, the Moirai, also called the Goddesses of Fate by Zeus and Themis, are three: Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. According to legend, Clotho spins the thread of life (aging), Lachesis measures its length (determines lifespan), and Atropos cuts this thread with her scissors to end life (death occurs). The Klotho protein, named after Clotho in this myth and which delays aging, was first identified in 1997. When drugs containing α-Klotho protein were tested on mice in this Mayo Clinic experiment, it was found that they extended their lifespans by 30 percent.

Currently, it is not possible to access senolytic drugs from pharmacies, but we know that quercetin significantly supports α-Klotho protein. Foods containing the most quercetin are onions, apple skin, citrus fruits, and parsley.