Frontiers
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IN
SEARCH OF
THE SECRETS OF AGING
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Gerontology
is headed toward a deeper understanding of aging in the
search for ways to make it a healthier process.
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New territory,
unexplored or only sketchily mapped, lies ahead. As gerontologists
isolate and characterize more and more longevity- and aging-related
genes in laboratory animals, insights into genes and gene products
important in human aging will emerge. Comparable human genes
will be identified and mapped to chromosomes.
This information
will be useful in designing both genetic and non-genetic interventions
to slow or even reverse some aging-related changes. Already,
for example, a study by Helen Blau of Stanford University has
shown that muscle cells can be genetically modified and injected
into muscle where they will produce and secrete human growth
hormone. Non-genetic strategies will include the development
of interventions to reduce damage to cellular components, such
as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.
Normal aging
will be more closely defined. For instance, at NIA's Gerontology
Research Center, the behavior of the cells that line blood vessels
during aging is now providing clues to the stiffening of blood
vessels that occurs with age as well as insights into vascular
disease. As key biomarkers of aging are identified, researchers
will be able to use them to test interventions to slow aging.
Studies will begin to delve more deeply into differences in
aging between the sexes and among ethnic groups.
In short, gerontologists
will be charting the paths and intersections of genetic, biochemical,
and physiologic aging. What they find will reveal some of the
secrets of aging. It may lead to extended life spans. It will
very certainly contribute to better health, less disability,
and more independence in the second fifty years of life.
For More
Information:
National Institute
on Aging
Public Information Office
Building 31, Room 5C27
Bethesda, MD 20892
301-496-1752
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