The Indonesian Express
Scientists around the world are racing to reveal the secret to a long and healthy life, from promoting exercise and sleep to strategies to slow down aging. A recent study in mice has revealed the key to adding 16 years to a human's lifespan. Quoted from Medical Daily, Wednesday, a recent study from the University of Barcelona shows that a protein called klotho is an important factor in this study. Researchers found that mice injected with the protein were able to live 20 percent longer than mice that were not given the injection. And increased the life expectancy of mice from 26.3 months to 31.5 months. In comparison, klotho was able to add 16 years to the human life expectancy which is calculated to be a maximum of 80 years old. The protein not only increases lifespan but also appears to slow down several aspects of aging, including decreased muscle strength, bone density, and brain function. Furthermore, mice given a dose of this protein also showed better muscle and bone strength, with less chance of fibrosis (scarring of muscle tissue), better regeneration, compared to those who did not receive treatment. While the findings published in the journal Molecular Therapy are promising, their application to humans may require more time and rigorous clinical testing. The scope of the current study, which is limited to mice, can vary widely across species, and before klotho-based therapies can be considered for humans, they must be evaluated for safety, dosage, and long-term effects.