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The findings in the new study, which is published in the November issue of the journal Cell Metabolism, also answer a big scientific question: whether scientists searching for ways to combat aging have been targeting the right gene.
SRT1720, like resveratrol, works by targeting a gene known as sirtuin 1, or SIRT1, which many scientists believe plays a fundamental role in regulating life span. SIRT1 encodes for a class of proteins known as sirtuins, and it is a central controller of mitochondrial activity (mitochondria are the powerhouse energy providers to the cells). "Firing up mitochondria is one of the best treatments against diabetes and obesity because you burn off extra energy instead of storing it," notes Auwerx.
However, unlike the new compound, resveratrol is not specific to SIRT1, and thus many experts have questioned whether the effects of resveratrol in mice were mediated by SIRT1 activation or by some other pathway.
The fact that another chemical activates the same gene and produces similar effects strongly suggests that the metabolic benefits can be attributed to SIRT1, says Leonard Guarente, an MIT biologist whose lab first discovered the sirtuin 1 gene. He is on Sirtris's advisory board but wasn't involved in the study. "This is a very important finding, and [it] means that [SIRT1 activators] are good candidates for lead compounds [in] antidiabetic drugs in humans," Guarente says. SIRT1 could also be a target for other diseases related to aging, he adds, "which would be a silver bullet."
"The scientific community is focusing on mitochondria as the most important organelle in muscle that affects the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and the loss of physical function in elderly people," says Evans. "The compound may be one additional help or aid that we could use to treat these conditions. It is an exciting, new development."
Sinclair says that a cousin molecule of SRT1720, which is even more potent, is currently in human trials and will enter clinical studies for the treatment of diseases like type 2 diabetes in 2009. "We could know as early as next year if the same types of benefits we see in mice, we see in humans," he says.
New research raises further questions about the role of sirtuins in aging.
Engineering mice with a fat-burning strategy from bacteria keeps the animals thin.
Mice fed an ingredient in red wine are healthier, although they don't necessarily live longer.
Resveratrol and Sirt 1 activation
The concentrate of a compound contained in red wine, biotivia Transmax, discovered by Dr. Sinclair of Harvard, has been shown in peer reviewed studies to not only cause substantial weight loss but to also prevent diabetes in obese mammals and to both prevent the onset of Diabetes in obese mammals and to safely reduce blood sugar. In studies of biotivia transmax and bioforte, a concentrated resveratrol supplement used by reseachers, this compound has also exhibited important neuroprotective effects against Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease. Resveratrol works by activating the human SIRT-1 anti-aging genes. In a journal Nature study it was found to increase life span of mice by 31% and prevent the usual diseases of aging and obesity including Diabetes, stroked and tumors.
Re: Resveratrol and Sirt 1 activation
Bioresearcher said, "Resveratrol works by activating the human SIRT-1 anti-aging genes. In a journal Nature study it was found to increase life span of mice by 31% and prevent the usual diseases of aging and obesity including Diabetes, stroked and tumors."
Suggest you reread that research paper Bioresearcher. The life extension you cite related to high dose resveratrol fed mice on a life shortening extremely high fat diet, compared to controls on the same life shortening high fat diet -- not reflecting, as you say, 'the usual diseases of aging' in mice let alone the longest living humans, none of whom had or have obesity or diabetes. Indeed, diabetics die on average 5-10 years younger than our mean human lifespan (our documented maximum reached 122.5 in 1997).
Guest (Britt Borden)
Re: Resveratrol and Sirt 1 activation
According to this article Resveratrol is old news, Britt Borden
Under old news the critical component of the resveratrol equation was delivery, and "Longevinex" was the best form of res because of the extended release method.
This new compound is a game changer. It might affect human evolution and sociology in ways similar to anti-biotics and vaccines.
In the short term this is the biggest patent in pharm. In the long term, post-patent, the availability changes our concepts of health, lifestyle, personal responsibility, and the even lending and insurance actuarial assumptions related to earning potential and lifespan. Will we work longer, mortgage longer, require more or less health care with longevity? And how will these compounds be made available.
Insurers, employers, and lenders, are stakeholders affected by these developments.
The implications have crossed my mind as well, if even just the tip of the iceberg of said implications. In my humble opinion, let's wait and see. Nothing major is gonna change until whatever pill, vaccin of shake will live up to its claimed potential.
Besides, with several hundreds of diseases active or non-active in any large community I'm expecting any medicine as described here to at least react to/with a percentage of those diseases, causing early deaths in some cases.
In short, anything that has such deep impact on the world as we know it won't hit the free market in a hurry. After all, we're still developping, building, buying and using fossil fuel crafts etc.
How interesting that you all should be talking about Resveratrol. There IS a new product out, a very new product produced by a company called Nexagen and it contains Resveratrol. Resveratrol is reported to provide one with more energy and stamina, greater alertness and an increased attention span, Provides more flexibility, is heart healthy, helps increase endurance, and increases one's metabolism which in my way of thinking would lead to weight loss and thus a longer life span. The name of this prodcut is Jen FE Full Life One. Comes in a 2 oz bottle or in a I think 32 oz bottle. No need to wait for the skinny pill when you can be working on thinner now Carolyn
Guest (Dr Britt Borden MD)
Resveratrol has been studied extensively; it will be interesting to see what the results will be with SRT1720.
Manufacturing in the United States is in trouble. That's bad news not just for the country's economy but for the future of innovation.
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lasertekk
146 Comments
Take Two
My first comment must have been non-pc. So, to rephrase, if this research creates a viable product, men worldwide will be forever thankful. The perfect weight loss device for their significant other.
Reply
Shiladie
56 Comments
Re: Take Two
This sounds more like a general health pill. If it's economically viable and there ends up being no side effects, I can see this becoming extremely widely used among middle class.
I've been following resveratrol research, and seeing that this appears to be targeting the same thing, but being much stronger it may become commercially available.
Reply
Manuvidya
19 Comments
Re: Take Two
If it really prolonges life etc, it's gonna be the spice melange for planet earth. Don't expect it to be cheap and don't expect it to be for the middle class.
Although I am hopeful, I doubt that there won't be any side effects, there almost always are.
Btw, I bet that the 'significant others' feel the same way about this pill, Lasertek, but then for their own counterparts ;)
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Guest (Britt Borden)
Re: Take Two
I would be interested in what food scientists have to say regarding this wonder pill matter.
Reply