Scientists have discovered male hormones that can reverse ageing by stimulating the production of an enzyme naturally found in the human organism. The hormone, called Telomerase, is the closest of all known substances to a “cellular elixir of youth”.
Rodrigo Calado of the University of Sao Paolo said: “one of the processes of ageing is the progressive shortening of telomeres, DNA-protecting structures at the ends of chromosomes (like the plastic tips on shoelaces).
“Each time a cell divides, its telomeres get shorter. Eventually, the cell can’t replicate anymore and dies or becomes senescent. However, telomerase can keep the length of telomeres intact, even after cell division.”
The New England Journal of Medicine published the research which found that the production of the Telomerase enzyme could be induced in a laboratory by providing patients with prescription steroids.
Some cells avoid ageing by using telomerase to lengthen their telomeres and so maintaining their capacity to multiply and “stay young”.
Telomerase is naturally found in the human body and now the Brazilian scientists have proven that taking steroids can restart production when required.
Rodrigo Calado of the University of Sao Paolo said: “one of the processes of ageing is the progressive shortening of telomeres, DNA-protecting structures at the ends of chromosomes (like the plastic tips on shoelaces).
“Each time a cell divides, its telomeres get shorter. Eventually, the cell can’t replicate anymore and dies or becomes senescent. However, telomerase can keep the length of telomeres intact, even after cell division.”
The New England Journal of Medicine published the research which found that the production of the Telomerase enzyme could be induced in a laboratory by providing patients with prescription steroids.
Some cells avoid ageing by using telomerase to lengthen their telomeres and so maintaining their capacity to multiply and “stay young”.
Telomerase is naturally found in the human body and now the Brazilian scientists have proven that taking steroids can restart production when required.