By Isagenix Nutritional Sciences
A new study on mice published in Nature has added validation to research that is being performed by Bill Andrews, Ph.D., who has partnered with Isagenix Founder John Anderson to “turn back the clock” on aging.
Their approach is to screen thousands of natural product compounds a week to turn on the enzyme, telomerase, in cells to protect telomere length and reverse its loss.
Telomeres are protective sequences of repetitive non-coding DNA segments found at the end of chromosomes. In recent years, telomere length has been hypothesized to be the closest way to measure lifespan in humans.
In this latest study, Harvard Medical School researchers found that mice lacking telomerase aged much more rapidly, and died earlier, as an abundance of critically short telomeres developed. But when the enzyme was reawakened in the mice, age-related symptoms disappeared and rejuvenation was seen in several organs including their brains.
The study, which was led by geneticist Dr. Ronald Depinho, presents a strong case for advancing research for turning on telomerase in humans as a potential anti-aging therapy.
In addition, Dr. Depinho explained that the study helps put concerns to rest that turning on telomerase was potentially cancerous.
Dr. Andrews adds, “This study is really just another nail in the coffin for the idea that telomerase induction would lead to cancer. Even as early as 2002, a review of 86 publications showed that telomerase is not a carcinogen or oncogene.”
Indeed, telomerase stimulation is far from harmful, and in fact, has the potential to bring a new paradigm to what it means to age gracefully and achieve a healthier, longer life.
“Just as telomerase activation reversed degeneration in the organs of these mice, we expect that it can do the same for humans,” said Dr. Andrews. “Telomerase activation technology promises to be the most significant advance in human health since germ theory.”
Anderson said, “What we’re doing is going to change the world, but it shouldn’t be seen as a ‘holy grail,’ only another way of improving your health.” He explained that stimulation of telomerase should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, optimal nutrition, nutritional cleansing, avoidance of toxic chemicals, and regular exercise.
Dr. Andrews and Anderson have announced that they expect to launch a nutraceutical that will turn on telomerase exclusively through Isagenix in the near future.