GLP-1 Drug Semaglutide Slows Aging and Extends Lifespan in Mice
Semaglutide improved health, reduced aging-related changes, and extended lifespan in older female mice, sometimes outperforming caloric restriction. However, human longevity benefits remain unproven. The post GLP-1 Drug Semaglutide Slows Aging and Extends Lifespan in Mice appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News .
An estimated 11% of Americans currently take GLP-1 drugs, which are primarily used to manage diabetes and obesity. Recent research, however, has uncovered additional effects of these drugs on human health. A study published in Nature found that the GLP-1 drug semaglutide extended the lifespan of older, healthy mice.
The study compared the effects of semaglutide to those of caloric restriction, a well-known method for promoting longevity. Surprisingly, the drug appeared to mimic the anti-aging benefits of calorie restriction, but with potentially greater advantages in certain areas. GLP-1s have been shown to delay the onset of many age-related diseases in animals, but this study provides evidence that these drugs may slow down physiological aging itself.
The research, conducted by a team at the National Institute on Aging, involved administering semaglutide to 20-month-old female mice for three months. Compared to a control group, the treated mice demonstrated improved muscle and cognitive function. Gene expression analysis revealed that several hallmarks of aging, such as increased inflammation and reduced regenerative capacity, were diminished in the treated animals.
To further investigate the drug's effects, another group of mice was treated with semaglutide until the end of their lives. This group had a median lifespan that was nearly 100 days longer than that of untreated mice. The authors specifically noted that the treatment improved physiological function, attenuated aging hallmarks, and modulated nutrient sensors and genetic regulators of aging.
To determine whether semaglutide's benefits were solely due to reduced food intake, the researchers compared the drug's effects to those of a calorie-restricted diet. Over five months, one group of 20-month-old female mice received semaglutide, while another group received a 24% reduction in their daily caloric intake. Most physiological measurements remained stable between the two groups, but the semaglutide-treated mice showed superior performance in exploratory behavior, spatial memory, and blood-sugar maintenance.
The researchers concluded that semaglutide may activate a biological pathway independent of calorie restriction. While these findings offer promising insights into the potential of GLP-1 drugs for longevity enhancement, further clinical studies are needed to determine their efficacy in humans. Additional research could also explore the benefits of GLP-1s in healthy aged individuals, expanding their potential applications.
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