Researchers have discovered that blocking the IL-11 protein can extend lifespan and prevent cancer. Conducted by Duke-NUS Medical School and Imperial College London, the study on mice saw a lifespan increase of up to 25% and lower tumor incidence. Hopes are high for applicability to human health.
A study published in Nature reveals that blocking the interleukin-11 (IL-11) protein in mice increases lifespan and prevents aging-related health issues.
Conducted by scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore and Imperial College London, the research found that IL-11 levels rise with age, leading to fat accumulation, muscle loss, hair loss, and cancer.
Middle-aged mice treated with an IL-11 blocking drug lived up to 25% longer and showed fewer health problems, with only 16% developing tumors compared to over 60% in the control group.
Lead researcher Anissa A. Widjaja hopes these findings will be applicable to humans. Cardiovascular medicine professor Stuart Cook anticipates widespread use of anti-IL-11 therapy for improved health. Concurrent research in Russia and the UK is advancing cancer
vaccine development.