China plans to produce long-term medicine that doubles life expectancy

Scientists in Shanghai, China are conducting experiments on roundworms to triple their lifespan, from which to formulate a tablet that is able to break the age limit in humans. .

Chinese scientists are making drugs to help people live up to 200 years old.(Photo: Love That Face.)

According to a study published in the March issue of Cell Metabolism, the research team led by Professor Han Jingdong of Shanghai Institute of Biology gave a new theory based on experiments with roundworms . South China Morning Post reported.

Han's group identified three gene groups that affect aging in roundworms when their diets are limited. Through changes in gene expression in cells and three groups, researchers can increase the average life span of the laboratory from nearly 20 days to more than 50 days.

The team hopes to be able to develop a human pill that contains a chemical compound that controls the expression of similar gene groups. " We are experimenting with mice that drugs can simultaneously affect up to three gene groups. One day, this invention may allow us to live up to 200 years , " Han said.

In recent years, many have expressed doubts about whether a more frugal diet really affects people's lifespan. Two independent studies in Rhesus monkeys , primates are very close to humans, resulting in conflicting results after scientists track the effects of a calorie-restricted diet for a long time.

According to Han, the results are contradictory in part because monkeys are offered a variety of foods and partly due to a lack of understanding of the mechanism behind the slowing of aging . Han also pointed out that vegetarianism is as frequent as in Islam and some cultures around the world, not always helping to prolong life.

Scientists found that three gene groups play different roles in body activity. For example, the TOR gene group helps control cell life and aging by regulating lipid levels in blood and internal organs.

If the TOR or the other two groups of genes do not work, human lifespan will not be affected by their diet. In normal people, all three gene groups are inactive. Scientists do not encourage healthy people to diet because of the risk of having harmful side effects from malnutrition to organ damage, or inhibiting growth in children.

One of the biggest advantages of Han's medicinal formula is that it ensures the supply of nutrients that the body needs as well as meets the requirements to live longer without causing dangerous side effects. The experiment team also acknowledged that apart from diet, there are many other factors that contribute to the aging process and more research is needed. Han said it may take years to perfect the tablet before putting it on the market.