A promising medical discovery is raising hopes for a longer, healthier life. Researchers have identified a blood pressure medication that could slow aging in animals. Does this advance open the way to a new era in the fight against aging in humans?
The aging of the global population is a major challenge for society and medicine. Recently, a study published in the journal Aging Cell has shed light on the unexpected potential of a hypertension drug to prolong life and improve the health of aging organisms. This discovery, although preliminary, offers new perspectives in research on aging.
Rilmenidine: a drug with surprising effects
Rilmenidine, commonly prescribed to treat hypertension, has demonstrated remarkable anti-aging properties in Caenorhabditis elegansCaenorhabditis elegans worms. These tiny creatures, often used as models in scientific research, saw their lifespan increase when treated with this drug.
The study found that rilmenidine works by mimicking the effects of calorie restriction at the cellular level. This discovery is particularly interesting because:
- Calorie restriction is known to prolong life in several animal models.
- It could offer the benefits of a low-calorie diet without its disadvantages.
- Side effects of rilmenidine are generally mild and rare.
The Dr João Pedro Magalhãesmolecular biogerontologist at the University of Birmingham, emphasizes: “ For the first time, we were able to show in animals that rilmenidine can increase lifespan ».
Mechanisms of action and future perspectives
Researchers have identified a key biological receptor, called nish-1, that plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of rilmenidine. This discovery could pave the way for new strategies to improve longevity and slow aging.
Tests carried out on mice have also shown promising results. Gene activity associated with caloric restriction was observed in the kidney and liver tissues of rodents treated with rilmenidine. This finding suggests that the potential benefits of this drug could extend beyond worms.
Here is a summary table of the potential benefits of rilmenidine:
Towards an application in humans?
Although these results are encouraging, it is important to note that the road to application in humans remains long. The biological differences between worms, mice and humans are considerable, and many questions remain:
- Will the effects observed in animals translate in the same way to humans?
- What would be the long-term effects of anti-aging treatment based on rilmenidine?
- How to adapt the dosage to obtain anti-aging benefits without compromising cardiovascular health?
Nevertheless, this study opens up interesting perspectives. As Dr Magalhães points out: “ With an aging global population, the benefits of delaying aging, even slightly, are immense “. Rilmenidine could thus become a valuable tool in the quest for a longer and healthier life.
This finding fits into a broader context of aging research, where the World Health Organization is emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy aging. Rilmenidine could contribute to this goal, offering a new weapon in the medical arsenal against the effects of time.
