Yeast genes may be the key to a new treatment in anti-aging medication. Genes called sirtuins have long been known to be involved in the aging process in genes. However, new research shows that it also has a hand in the human aging process.
Researchers discovered that inserting extra sirtuin genes into mice or feeding them a sirtuin activator caused a lifespan extension by about 24-46%. Sirtuin helps to regulate gene activity. It also repairs breaks in DNA. As DNA damage accumulates with age, sirtuin becomes over involved in repairing DNA and neglects its gene regulation activity. This results in the characteristics of aging.
This new finding may bring about new research in drugs that can stabilize sirtuin activity.
SOURCES: Cell, November 2008
My Views
Resveratol, a supplement derived from the Japanese knotweed, has the ability to activate sirtuins when applied topically to the skin. It can also be found in grapes and red wine. Reveratol is an anti-inflammatory as well as an antioxidant.
However, let’s not jump to conclusions about this substance. One study saw resveratol increase harmful DNA mutations. If deciding to use this supplement, be sure to avoid sun exposure as more research is needed on resveratol's ability to increase UV-induced mutations.
