A cocktail of three different anti-aging drugs, already known but never used in combination, has almost doubled the life span in a known biological model. The nematode worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) treated with the mix not only have obtained the greater longevity record drug induced ever observed in the animal world, but also looked to extend the period in which they remained in good health and without any side effects. Research of the National University of Singapore and of the Yale-NUS College was published in Developmental Cell.

The nematode worms are often used in studies on aging because they have a well-known genome sequenced and are readily observed under the microscope and live for 2-3 weeks - a short enough time to evaluate the effects of drugs or genetic defects.

Unity is strength? The aim of the scientists was whether the combination of anti-aging drugs already known to extend the life of simple animal models and humans already used in clinical settings (for example, to limit the rejection of the transplanted organ) could Sorting better results than therapy "individual" drugs. With the long-term goal to transfer this knowledge one day in humans, they have been used only molecules already used on patients or the safety of which had already been tested on mammals.

The winning mix. They were tested various combinations of five drugs, but the most effective was the one formed by an antibiotic called rifampicin, an immunosuppressive agent, rapamycin, and a compound used in the cosmetic field, the allantoin. The worms treaties have doubled the duration of their lives with good continuity health and no side effects worth mentioning. Similar results were observed in another, that is the animal model: fruit flies.

Perspectives. The hope at this point is that the effects are universal and can also be extended to humans. One of the biggest challenges posed by aging populations, in fact, is not only prolong life, but extend the life of the years lived in good health. In any case it is, for now, a theoretical research, especially: the point was not to find specific drug targets but to demonstrate that an attack on several fronts simultaneously aging can maximize results.

From Focus