Recent studies have yielded a significant discovery, shedding light on the role of a specific protein in the aging process. This protein, interleukin-11 has been found to increase in our organs as we age, actively contributing to the physical decline that accompanies aging.

By inhibiting the activity of this protein, researchers believe it may be possible to not only extend human lifespan, but also slow the physical decline associated with aging. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of aging and open up new avenues for anti-aging therapies.

The Research

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore have previously undertaken three different studies to examine interleukin-11 (IL-11) protein expression and its role in heart and kidney, liver and lung health. The lattermost research has led to an experimental anti-IL-11 therapy that's currently in clinical trials to treat fibrotic lung disease.

"This project started back in 2017 when a collaborator of ours sent us some tissue samples for another project," explained first author Anissa Widjaja, an assistant professor at Duke-NUS. "Out of curiosity, I ran some experiments to check for IL-11 levels. From the readings, we could clearly see that the levels of IL-11 increased with age and that's when we got really excited."

The Negative Impacts of IL-11

• Fat accumulation in the liver and abdomen
• Reduced muscle mass and strength
• Promotes the aging process

The Solution

By blocking IL-11 protein expression, these hallmarks of aging could be drastically reduced. 

The Study

In a preclinical mouse model, the researchers found that:

• Deleting this protein provided protection against age-related decline, frailty, and disease
• Deleting the IL-11 gene in mice extended the lives of the animals by an average of 24.9%
• When mice were given an anti-IL-11 therapeutic at 75 weeks of age (the equivalent of around 55 human years) until death, the average lifespan of male mice was increased by 22.5% and 25% in female mice

All The Benefits

• Boosted metabolism, with the animals producing calorie-burning brown fat, not problematic stores of white fat
• Blocked the loss of muscle mass and strength
• Protected against multimorbidity and cardiometabolic diseases
• Reduced cancer risk
• Improved cell health across the board, reducing the rate of telomere shortening and keeping the powerhouse mitochondria functioning efficiently

The Future

"Our aim is that one day, anti-IL-11 therapy will be used as widely as possible, so that people the world over can lead healthier lives for longer," said senior author Stuart Cook, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Sing Health Duke-NUS Academic Medical Center.

Future Possibilities

If successful, an anti-aging treatment could have far-reaching consequences, including:

• Increased life expectancy: A longer, healthier life for individuals who can reduce IL-11 and perhaps find natural ways of doing this. 
• Reduced healthcare costs: A significant decrease in age-related diseases and conditions
• Improved quality of life: Enhanced physical and mental well-being for seniors

The possibilities are endless, and the potential rewards are undeniable. As scientists continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge, we may be on the cusp of a revolutionary discovery that changes the course of human history.

Natural Remedies for Reducing Inflammatory Cytokines like IL-11, IL-4, IL-17, etc.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic root used for thousands of years for a variety of ailments. It has been shown to reduce tumour necrosis factor |(TNF) alpha and interleukin beta levels (1). The authors noted that the results showed that Ashwagandha inhibited TNF-a and IL-1B and superoxide in vitro and that the "in vivo study confirmed its anxiolytic and stress-relieving effects" (1).

Turmeric

The compounds in turmeric, curcumin, has been found in many studies to have a powerful antioxidant effect, anti-tumor, and immune system regulation effects. Clinical evidence has found that it restores balance between Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg, and is able to have such as large positive effect on autoimmune disease by supressing inflammatory cytokines IL-17, IL-1, etc. (3). 

Sources

2). Widjaja, A.A., Lim, WW., Viswanathan, S. et al. Inhibition of IL-11 signalling extends mammalian healthspan and lifespan. Nature 632, 157–165 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07701-9

3). Dolati S, Ahmadi M, Rikhtegar R, et al. Changes in Th17 cells function after nanocurcumin use to treat multiple sclerosis. Int Immunopharmacol. 2018;61:74-81.