Finding chemical elements can slow down the aging process and increase life expectancy

Scientists have hypothesized after finding that fruit flies can live longer than 16% thanks to it.

Lithium may slow down the aging process in humans, scientists have hypothesized after finding fruit flies that can live 16% longer when using low concentration Lithium. Chemical salts have long been used as emotional stabilizers to treat diseases such as bipolar disorder (sudden emotional change syndrome). However, scientists from College London and Harvard University have discovered the use of protecting cells against destruction.

The theory is that lithium can slow down the aging process by blocking molecules called glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) . This molecule is involved in cell death and diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's. Lithium also helps develop a group of molecules that increase cell activity.

Lithium helps slow down the aging process in humans.

If this method is effectively applied to people like fruit flies, we can extend the life expectancy by 13 years.

Scientists want to test lithium on large animal groups and ultimately on humans."To improve quality of life and increase life expectancy, we must prevent the development of age-related diseases by prolonging the healthiest period of life," Jorge Ivan Castillo-Quan , who led the research team from Harvard Medical University shared.

"Determining the treatment for aging is an important step in achieving this goal. With the goal of GSK-3, we can discover new ways to control aging in animals, including humans ".

Research published on Cell Reports shows that both male and female flies live longer than average when using low-dose lithium during adulthood, regardless of genetic factors.

With low concentrations, some negative effects were seen in flies. However, they continue to grow and reproduce normally.

The researchers used different lithium chloride concentrations for 160 flies to determine the effect of lithium on their life cycle. High lithium concentrations will reduce life expectancy while low concentrations may extend the life of the fly from 16% to a maximum of 18% compared to the salt-only fly group.

The effects of lithium are also detected when they are used with one-time treatments. Flies that use a single dose at the end of life can live longer than a maximum of 13%.

Hope for age-old diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's has been opened.

"We found that low amounts of lithium not only help prolong life but also help the body reduce stress and prevent the formation of fat masses in flies with a high sugar diet" , co-author Ivana Bjedov from UCL Cancer Institute shared.

The project's lead researcher, Professor Dame Linda Partridge, director of the UCL Institute of Aging Health and the Max Planck Institute for Aging Medicine said: " Our goal is to find ways to intervene in the process chemistry, aiming for a healthier and longer life for human beings ".

"It can be done through dietary methods, gene interventions or drugs. That's why we want to find the most effective drug."

"The fly's reaction when tested with low concentrations of lithium gives hope for research. The next step is to experiment with GSK-3 in more complex animals. We hope this method will be used for people in the near future ".

Claire Bale, Parkinson's research communications director in the US, a project investor, said: "It is indeed a great encouragement to see researchers able to identify the main element of the old problem. One day not far away, it may allow us to interfere with the aging process. "

"This research has the potential not only to create a healthy generation of older people but also to help us see the opportunity of treating old-age diseases like Parkinson's."