Scientists: Aging can be slowed down and perhaps even partially reversed

Aging can be slowed and perhaps even partially reversed, according to a report prepared by a team of researchers from Poland, the US, and the UK, led by Dr. Piotr Chmielewski of the Medical University of Wrocław. The university has just published its results.

A team led by Dr. Piotr Chmielewski from the Department of Human Morphology and Embryology at the Medical University of Wrocław published a review of what science knows about aging and diseases related to this process.

As the authors of the report emphasize, aging is not only the passage of time, but above all the gradual loss of biological integrity, which leads to the development of many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer or neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia.

- At the molecular level, we observe DNA damage, disturbances in the regulation of gene expression, oxidative stress and reduced efficiency of repair systems - explains Dr. Chmielewski.

The report's authors cite one of the most important discoveries of recent years: the role of senescent cells. These are cells that have lost their ability to divide but have not undergone apoptosis, or natural elimination from the body. Although they no longer perform their normal function, they remain metabolically very active and secrete harmful substances (the so-called SASP, or senescence-associated secretory phenotype), causing chronic inflammation throughout the body.

- Eliminating replicative old cells is currently one of the most important therapeutic goals - emphasizes Dr. Chmielewski.

As he explains, the accumulation of such cells in tissues promotes chronic inflammation, organ dysfunction and an increased risk of age-related diseases.

Dr. Chmielewski emphasizes that they also have a positive role, supporting tissue repair, wound healing, and protecting against the development of cancer in the short term. Therefore, their removal is not a universal solution.

His team also analyzed the effects of anti-aging medications such as senolytics and metformin. The question of whether their use is worthwhile divides the scientific community. Dr. Chmielewski believes that metformin, although safe for treating type 2 diabetes, affects multiple health pathways, and its impact on the aging process in healthy individuals remains unclear. Currently, studies are underway to assess whether this drug can actually slow biological aging in humans. However, there are no clear answers yet.

The scientist emphasizes that interventions in aging processes based on individual miRNA profiles, epigenetic markers, or metabolic indicators are still a distant prospect. Although—in his opinion—this is a promising concept, it is in the early stages of development and far from practical clinical application.

As the authors of the report argue, the best-documented anti-aging strategies remain simple lifestyle interventions: regular physical activity, a healthy diet (e.g., Mediterranean), avoiding stimulants, and taking care of social relationships.

Experts also recommend ensuring adequate sleep quality, with a minimum of 7 to 8 hours. Sleep deprivation impairs cell regeneration, increases inflammation, and accelerates brain aging.

Another important element in the fight against aging is muscle mass. As we age, our bodies lose muscle, which reduces metabolism and performance. Therefore, it's worth incorporating strength training into your routine, even with light weights.

One of the strongest risk factors for mortality in older people is loneliness, so it is important to take care of social relationships.

Quitting stimulants like smoking and drinking alcohol is also important. These habits, as the report's authors point out, shorten telomeres, damage DNA, and increase the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Doctors also recommend maintaining metabolic balance by monitoring glucose, lipids, and blood pressure levels. (PAP)

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