03-08-2025
This protein molecule in your body could be the answer to increasing your lifespan
Proteins are usually associated with good health, and they are even labelled as the 'building blocks' of our body. But what if we told you that blocking a certain protein in your body could possibly increase your lifespan by 25%?
A new study shows that inhibiting IL-11, a protein that promotes inflammation, could be the key to increasing your lifespan. While the results have only been seen on mice, this study may have amazing benefits for humans in the near future.
The researchers used an antibody to inhibit this protein in a sample of mice that were about 75 weeks old — roughly equivalent to 55 years for a human. It was found that these mice's life span was increased to about 155 weeks, while untreated rats lived an average of 120 weeks.
The inhibition of IL-11 showcased other health benefits in the mice as well, including reduced cancer risk, improved muscle function, improved vision, and the absence of grey hair. Researchers say that similar antibodies are being tested in human trials.
But what is IL-11? And how does it affect ageing so much?
IL-11 is a protein that promotes inflammation. As we get older, our cells accumulate damage, and the immune system is triggered to spew out inflammatory molecules, one of which is IL-11. 'Small doses [of IL-11] might protect us from diseases; however, excess amounts can cause damage to the cells, which is believed to accelerate ageing', said Dr Roohi Pirzada, Senior Physician and Critical Care Specialist residing in Mumbai. She also said that anti-IL-11 therapies hold promise for treating kidney disease in Alport syndrome.
The results of anti IL-11 therapies have showcased similar results seen in some studies when mice are treated with rapamycin. However, rapamycin has also been known for causing various side effects, which are not present in anti IL-11 treatments.
'The therapy might not be available for use in humans till further evidence based studies and trials are conducted' said Dr Pirzada. Determining the effects of this treatment on human longevity through clinical trial is a little more difficult, since there are many other factors affecting the life span too. Hence, it will be a long time before we could see this treatment being available for public use.
