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Scientists Reverse Muscle Aging In Mice

Posted by Soulskill on from the mighty-mouse-will-return dept.

retroworks sends word that a group of researchers has found a chemical that successfully rejuvenated muscle tissue in mice. The scientists "said it was the equivalent of transforming a 60-year-old's muscle to that of a 20-year-old — but muscle strength did not improve." The study (abstract) is being called an "exciting finding" but the researchers are quick to point out the chemical only reverses one aspect of aging. Damage to DNA and shortening of telomeres continues. Still, it's one piece of the puzzle, and the group is hoping to begin clinical trials in 2015.

8 of 34 comments (clear)

  1. Huh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

    DNA and telomere damage continues, and muscle strength does not improve. So what exactly makes this the equivalent of 20 year old's muscles? An affinity for beer and an overwhelming urge to chase women around?

    1. Re:Huh? by Trepidity · · Score: 4, Informative

      From the summary, it seems they're specifically looking at the decline in mitochondrial function that accompanies aging. There's already known to be such a relationship, and the study linked here is claiming that increasing the levels of something claimed NAD+ in the muscular tissue of mice appears to reverse the decline in mitochondrial function.

      --
      10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10
    2. Re:Huh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

      This isn't really novel since the SIRTUIN/NAD+/Resveratrol story has been know for sometime. Activation of Sir2 in yeast by resveratrol extended lifespan(guarente et al).

    3. Re:Huh? by ackthpt · · Score: 2

      DNA and telomere damage continues, and muscle strength does not improve. So what exactly makes this the equivalent of 20 year old's muscles? An affinity for beer and an overwhelming urge to chase women around?

      Don't forget the urge to drive monster trucks.

      --

      A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
  2. Left out some details? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yes, but more importantly, how does that affect the flavor of the mice?

  3. Keep up the good work scientits! by Sla$hPot · · Score: 2

    Speaking of scientits. What about soft tissue?

  4. NAD(H) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Bodybuilders have been using this for a while now...

  5. "You are not ready for immortality." by mmell · · Score: 2

    *turns, leaves room*