Protein Breakthrough Could Extend Healthy Lifespan, Study Finds
A protein called Klotho, when boosted, helps mice live longer and age healthier, offering a potential new path for anti-aging treatments in humans, according to a groundbreaking study from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).
Published in Molecular Therapy and led by Professor Miguel Chillón, the study found that a specific form of Klotho, known as secreted Klotho (s-KL), improved muscle strength, bone health, and brain function in treated mice. These mice lived 15–20% longer than untreated peers, reaching the human equivalent of about 70 years with greater physical and mental vitality.
Klotho is known to combat inflammation and oxidative stress, key drivers of aging. Unlike other forms of the protein, s-KL circulates freely in the body without disrupting systems like calcium metabolism, making it a safer candidate for therapies.
'If we can find a viable delivery method, s-KL could make a significant contribution to improving people's quality of life,' the researchers said, per The Brighter Side of News. 'It could help build the healthiest society possible.'
Using gene therapy with adeno-associated viruses (AAV9), scientists delivered s-KL through the bloodstream and directly into the brain, targeting areas critical for muscle and memory. Three groups of mice were treated: one at six months (young adulthood), another at 12 months (middle age), and a control group.
By 24 months, treated mice showed stronger muscles with larger fibers, less fibrosis, and enhanced repair by satellite cells. Bone structure, particularly in females, remained more intact, suggesting protection against osteoporosis.
'KL treatment improved physical fitness, related to a reduction in muscle fibrosis and an increase in muscular regenerative capacity,' the researchers noted, The Brighter Side reported.
In the brain, s-KL promoted new neuron growth in the hippocampus, the memory center, and boosted immune processes like phagocytosis, where cells clear toxic waste. This cleanup is vital as aging glial cells often fail to remove debris, contributing to cognitive decline. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased gene activity tied to immune response and brain cell regeneration.
'We now have viral vectors that can reach the brain after being administered intravenously, which would make it easier to safely transfer this therapy to humans,' said Joan Roig-Soriano, the study's first author, per The Brighter Side.
The findings aim to extend health span — the years spent in good health — rather than just lifespan. The team has filed patents for using Klotho to support cognition, strengthen bones and muscles, and increase longevity. While gene therapy was used in the study, direct protein delivery as a drug is also being explored, though a reliable method to target tissues without side effects is still needed.
With global populations aging — experts predict a quarter of people in developed countries will be over 65 by 2060 — such treatments could ease the burden on health systems by preventing age-related diseases before they start. The study's results suggest Klotho could redefine aging, offering a future where decline is not inevitable.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Tick Bite? Here's What to Know About Lyme Disease and Your Next Steps
You just finished a satisfying summer hike or wrapped up a weekend of yard work when you spot a tick clinging to your clothes. The fresh-air high fades quickly as you remember the risks -- ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease, a growing concern across the US. Lyme disease cases have more than doubled in recent years, according to the CDC, with annual reports jumping from around 42,000 to nearly 90,000. While part of that increase is due to improved detection and reporting methods, the risk is still very real. Whether you're spending time on the trails or just working in your backyard, it's worth knowing how to prevent tick bites, recognize early symptoms and get treatment if needed. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe this summer. What is Lyme disease? You can get Lyme disease when a tick bites you, spreading a specific type of bacteria. Dr. Bobbi Pritt, a pathologist who specializes in the laboratory diagnosis of vector-borne and parasitic diseases, explains the disease more in-depth: "Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged (deer) ticks. In the United States, it is caused primarily by Borrelia burgdorferi, and to a lesser extent, Borrelia mayonii. Lyme disease is the number-one cause of tick-transmitted disease in the United States." However, the tick has to carry the bacteria to give you Lyme disease. Not all ticks carry the bacteria. According to the Global Lyme Alliance, anywhere from under 1% to over 50% of black-legged ticks may carry Borrelia burgdorferi, depending on location. However, they may have other pathogens. Dr. Donald Harker, wilderness medicine fellow at the University of Nevada, Reno, says, "Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterial spirochete that lives in the midgut of infected ticks, typically requiring extended attachment of a tick to host for transmission to occur." Lyme disease symptoms "There are three stages of disease including early localized, early disseminated and late disseminated Lyme disease," says Harker. Stage 1 Lyme disease symptoms The Mayo Clinic lists symptoms of the early stage occurring three to 30 days after an infected tick has bitten you. Pritt says the early localized state can include "fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pains and a characteristic 'bull's-eye' rash (known as erythema migrans) at the tick bite site. The rash is seen in about 70% of infected people, but it may go unnoticed, especially if it is on a part of the body that isn't easily seen, such as the scalp or back. The rash enlarges over time and sometimes clears to create the classic target or 'bull's-eye' appearance." Dr. Omar Al-Heeti, an assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University who practices internal medicine with a specialty in infectious diseases, and one of CNET's medical reviewers, adds, "More common than not, there is not central clearing or 'target' appearance. The rash should be larger than 5 cm." Willowpix/Getty Images Stage 2 Lyme disease symptoms Stage 2 of Lyme disease tends to happen three to 10 weeks after the tick bite. During stage 2, symptoms can already become serious or deadly. According to Harker, "During transition to early disseminated disease, multiple erythema migrans rashes may develop more distant from the original bite location, along with flu-like symptoms, cranial nerve palsy, meningitis or cardiac conduction abnormalities. While Lyme carditis [occurs when Lyme disease bacteria enter the heart's tissue] is rare, it is a significant cause of Lyme disease-related mortality and has been documented to result in complete heart block in as little as four days after infection." The Mayo Clinic lists additional symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, painful swelling around the eye or eyelid, eye nerve pain or vision loss, muscle weakness that can happen on one or both sides of the face and body pain. Stage 3 Lyme disease symptoms Symptoms from earlier stages can persist into stage 3. But a host of new serious symptoms might arise, characterized most commonly by arthritis in large joints. "The last stage, late disseminated Lyme disease, presents months to years after the initial tick bite," Harker says. "Characteristic symptoms of late disseminated Lyme disease include Lyme arthritis with pain in one or more major joints and nervous system involvement including sleep disturbance, memory loss, mood swings, migraine, encephalopathy [a change in how your brain functions], vertiginous dizziness and peripheral paresthesia [the sensation of tingling, prickling or numbness]." Post-Treatment Lyme disease syndrome symptoms "Some people experience fatigue, joint pain and brain fog lasting six months or more – this is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), and it can be very debilitating for some people," Pritt states. No one quite knows why symptoms may persist after treatment. According to Harker, "The etiology of PTLDS is unclear, though several mechanisms have been proposed, including microbial persistence, though no evidence has shown continued infection. Other proposed mechanisms include immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, residual inflammation or gut microbiome alterations, though further research is required at this point."Lyme disease risk factors Since ticks transmit Lyme disease, it primarily affects people who spend the most time outside in certain regions. Pritt identifies the following risk factors: "Living or spending time in wooded or grassy areas, especially in the Northeast, upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest US, and not using protection against tick bites when outdoors." Harker mentions other risk factors: "Seasonally, the risk of infection is highest during late spring, summer and early fall when nymphal ticks are most active, though climate changes have enabled tick expansion to regions that have historically not experienced as much tick-borne illness. House pets are also able to bring ticks into the home, with the largest risk associated with cats. Lastly, we do see an increased incidence of infection in certain age groups, including children less than 15 and individuals aged 50-70 years old." How is Lyme disease diagnosed? Pritt outlines the whole diagnostic process: "Lyme disease is usually diagnosed through a review of the patient's symptoms in conjunction with a history of tick exposure, and blood tests to detect the patient's immune response to the bacteria (called serologic testing). When present, the bull's-eye rash is considered diagnostic of Lyme disease in endemic areas and should prompt immediate treatment. However, not all cases of Lyme disease are straightforward, and laboratory testing can play a crucial role in making the diagnosis, particularly in the later stages of disease." How is Lyme disease treated? Can it be cured? Pritt states that doctors treat with antibiotic courses like doxycycline. Harker adds that treatment may vary based on how someone's symptoms manifest, which organs are infected and what stage of infection the person is experiencing. Oral antibiotics tend to go to those who exhibit rashes. People with more serious symptoms like neurologic issues or heart problems might get IV antibiotics. People with a tick bite and potential exposure may get prophylactic postexposure antibiotics if it is noted that the tick is the deer tick, the bite occurred in a highly endemic area and the tick was attached for over 36 hours. Treatments can get even more involved for the worst complications. According to Harker, "[For] cardiac manifestations, IV antibiotics [may be used], with a potential need for a pacemaker if [there is the] presence of a symptomatic heart block." Pritt adds, "Lingering after-treatment symptoms can be very troublesome and challenging to treat. Rest, physical therapy, stress management and support from healthcare providers can help manage symptoms." She adds that lingering symptoms might result from an overactive immune response or residual tissue damage, rather than ongoing infection. Al-Heeti adds, "Long-term antibiotics are not recommended for PTLDS or chronic Lyme as sometimes prescribed." rbkomar/Getty Images What to do if a tick bites you Follow these steps if you notice that a tick has bitten you: Remove the tick immediately. "Mechanical removal is generally recommended by experts, and the CDC has endorsed removal with forceps [or tweezers]. During removal, forceps should be placed as close to the skin as possible and force should be applied steadily perpendicular to the skin surface, without twisting and with care used not to crush the tick," says Harker. "Mechanical removal is generally recommended by experts, and the CDC has endorsed removal with forceps [or tweezers]. During removal, forceps should be placed as close to the skin as possible and force should be applied steadily perpendicular to the skin surface, without twisting and with care used not to crush the tick," says Harker. Clean the area. The CDC says rubbing alcohol or soap and water is OK. Also, make sure to clean both your hands and the bite area. The CDC says rubbing alcohol or soap and water is OK. Also, make sure to clean both your hands and the bite area. Safely save the tick. "Save the tick, if possible, for identification," recommends Pritt. The CDC advises that you dispose of the tick by "putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet." Do not crush it with your fingers. "Save the tick, if possible, for identification," recommends Pritt. The CDC advises that you dispose of the tick by "putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet." Do not crush it with your fingers. Watch for symptoms and keep in touch with your doctor. Keep an eye out for telltale symptoms like the bull's-eye rash. If exposure is likely and you live in the Northeast, you might consider getting preventative antibiotics from a doctor. How to prevent Lyme disease There are currently no Lyme disease vaccines on the market. "A new vaccine is in development and could become available in the next few years, pending approval," says Pritt. There are some in human trials at the moment, says Harker. Since Lyme disease can range from asymptomatic to deadly, it's best to avoid ticks in the first place using a few easy preventative measures. Use tick repellent Harker recommends tick repellants like DEET or picaridin. He also suggests finding tick-resistant clothing treated with permethrin. Dress appropriately outdoors Pritt recommends wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Harker reminds us that you can tuck clothing into the waist of pants and socks to minimize gaps that pests can get into. "Light-colored clothing may also aid in the early identification of ticks attached to clothing," says Harker. Perform tick checks "As transmission of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease typically requires a tick to be attached for 15 to 48 hours, frequent skin checks for possible tick exposure should be performed when in outdoor areas with risk of contact," Harker says. You should also perform frequent tick checks while outside and after. "Showering after being in tick-prone areas can help to identify ticks on your body," says Pritt. "Be sure to check all of the members of your group, including your pets." When to contact a doctor Pritt takes a pragmatic approach: "If you develop a rash, fever or flu-like symptoms within 30 days, or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, then you should contact your doctor to see if you should be tested for tick-borne diseases." Harker also says you should contact your doctor if there is any concern, as he states that "prophylactic antibiotics may be indicated and are best administered within the first 72 hours after the tick bite." The bottom line Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that live in the deer tick. People contract the disease after the tick has bitten them and been on their bodies for most of the day or longer. Symptoms go in three stages and may start with the signature bull's-eye rash. Later stages can mean arthritis, heart problems, stiffness and pain in the body, eye pain or vision loss and muscle weakness. It's best to prevent tick bites by covering as much skin as possible outdoors, with regular tick checks and by using tick repellant. Lyme disease FAQs Can Lyme disease go away on its own? According to Cedars Sinai, if untreated, the Lyme infection may go away on its own. However, if untreated, you may have to deal with complications down the line. Watch out for symptoms and contact your doctor if there are any concerns. Can you live long with Lyme disease? Yes, you can live a long life even if you contract Lyme disease – especially if it is diagnosed and treated early. Brown University Health reports that it is very unlikely for someone to die from Lyme disease.
Medscape
an hour ago
- Medscape
NICE Backs Leadless Pacemakers for Some Heart Patients
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has provisionally recommended leadless cardiac pacemaker implantation for patients with bradyarrhythmias who require single-chamber pacing. In draft guidance, NICE said there was insufficient evidence to support their use for dual-chamber pacing outside of research settings. Benefits Over Traditional Pacemakers The recommendation is based on an evidence review involving over one million patients across multiple studies. These included a randomised controlled trial, four systematic reviews with meta-analyses, five registry studies, four prospective studies, and two retrospective studies. Leadless pacemakers were found to be effective at detecting abnormal heart rhythms, restoring normal pacing, and improving quality of life. Unlike conventional transvenous pacemakers (TVPs), they do not require a chest incision, reducing the risk of infection and other complications, the regulator noted. 'The evidence demonstrates that leadless pacemakers can effectively regulate heart rhythm while reducing the risk of complications associated with traditional pacemakers, particularly infections and lead-related issues,' said Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, HealthTech programme director at NICE. How Leadless Pacemakers Work Bradyarrhythmias, which affect around 1 in 1000 people are typically treated with TVPs. These devices consist of a subcutaneous pacemaker box and leads that connect to the heart. For single-chamber leadless pacemakers, the proximal end is attached to a deflectable delivery catheter system. It is usually inserted percutaneously through the femoral or jugular vein using an introducer sheath. It is then moved into the right atrium, through the tricuspid valve, and into the right ventricle. Dual-chamber systems, which are still under evaluation, involve placing two devices — one in the right atrium and another in the right ventricle — during a single procedure. NICE highlighted that TVPs are known to carry risks, including lead failure and generator-related complications. Leadless pacemaker implantation may be preferable for patients with a history of device infection, endocarditis, immunosuppression, limited vascular access, or high infection risk. Call for Further Research While the draft guidance supports leadless pacemakers for single-chamber pacing, NICE said that more evidence is needed before endorsing their wider use. This includes research on patient selection — such as age, comorbidities, and the underlying cause of bradyarrhythmia — as well as data on implantation sites and clinical outcomes. Long-term durability of leadless devices also remains an area for investigation. 'The incidence of bradyarrhythmias increases with age, making this guidance particularly relevant to our ageing population,' said Professor Tom Clutton-Brock, chair of NICE's interventional procedures advisory committee. The draft guidance is open for public consultation until 23 July 2025. The advisory committee will meet again on 11 September 2025 to review feedback and finalise recommendations.
Medscape
2 hours ago
- Medscape
Two ‘Spectacular' Studies & Other Movement Disorder Updates
This transcript has been edited for clarity. Dear colleagues, I'm Christoph Diener, from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Duisburg-Essen. In this month's video, I would like to concentrate on movement disorders. We understand that biomarkers play a hugely important role in Parkinson's disease for identifying preclinical stages for differential diagnosis with multisystem atrophy and for the assessment of prognosis in people with manifest Parkinson's disease. Prodromal Parkinson's and Two Spectacular Studies There are a number of biomarkers, like alpha-synuclein in cerebral spinal fluid, serum, and skin biopsy, dopaminergic biomarkers, imaging, and neurofilaments. Although we have at present no disease-modifying therapy, there is a need to identify individuals in the prodromal stage of Parkinson's disease once these treatments become available. There is a study based on the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study with 51,000 people and surveys between 2012 and 2017. In this particular manuscript, 6000 men were identified without Parkinson's disease. They were followed for 3.5 years, and 103 participants developed manifest Parkinson's disease. Potential prodromal symptoms, such as constipation, hyposmia, and REM sleep disorders, were recorded. If three of these prodromal symptoms were present, the risk of developing Parkinson's disease in the next 3 years is increased by a factor of 23, and this shows how important it is to identify these prodromal symptoms early. There were two spectacular publications in Nature , with a potentially new therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease with the implantation of dopaminergic progenitor cells or blood-derived potent stem cells in the striatum in Parkinson's disease bilaterally. One study in the United States with 12 patients, who also received immunosuppression, showed no serious adverse events and in particular no tumors, and an increase in 18Fluoro-DOPA uptake in the putamen in the high-dose group on PET. A second study in Japan with seven patients over 24 months showed no safety signals with clinical improvement in six patients and 18F-DOPA uptake increasing by approximately 45% on PET. Both studies clearly show that stem cells can survive once they are implanted into the striatum. However, the clinical application is questionable, given the invasive nature and the high cost of these procedures. GLP-1 Drugs Disappoint, and Subcutaneous Apomorphine My next topic is GLP-1 agonists. There are epidemiologic studies and preclinical models that suggest the GLP-1 agonists, which are used for the treatment of diabetes and obesity, may be also effective in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. However, a randomized, placebo-controlled study with 2 mg exenatide per week subcutaneously vs placebo in 215 patients on dopaminergic medications showed no difference in the condition of is really frustrating, but further studies with different drugs are currently ongoing. Continuous, subcutaneous apomorphine has long been used in Europe in patients with Parkinson's disease and serious fluctuations. There is an ongoing study in the United States with 85 patients over 52 weeks, which clearly showed that OFF times with continuous, subcutaneous apomorphine decrease over time with high patient dose of levodopa can also be reduced. Typical side effects include local reactions, nausea, and somnolence. I think this is an important treatment, particularly in patients who cannot receive deep-brain stimulation. Common problems associated with Parkinson's disease are falls and cognitive was a small study that investigated an acetylcholine M 1 receptor-positive allosteric modulator called TAK-071 in 74 patients with at least one fall in the past 12 months. This was a crossover study with placebo over 6 weeks each. Unfortunately, gait disorders and falls were not functions were slightly improved, but I think this does not justify the use of this drug in the near future in people with Parkinson's disease, falls, and cognitive impairment. Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, a few studies in movement disorders. The most spectacular, I think, are the two studies published in Nature . I am Christoph Diener, from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Thank you very much for listening and watching.
