Common drugs may combat ageing disease

TWO common drugs have reversed the effects in mice of progeria, a rare genetic disease that causes premature ageing. The drugs have few side effects, so might one day be used to treat children with the disease.

Progeria accelerates ageing from early childhood (above) and is usually fatal before puberty. There is currently no cure. It is caused by gene mutations that disrupt production of a protein called prelamin A, found inside the nuclei of cells. The damaged prelamin A binds to molecular fragments in the body called farnesyls, which in turn bind to the nuclear membrane, causing the build-up of protein that underlies the disease.

Statins, which are used to reduce cholesterol, and bisphosphonates, which curb osteoporosis, are known to reduce farnesyl levels, so Carlos López-Otín of the University of Oviedo, Spain, wondered if they could reverse progeria. When his team gave a blend of the two drugs to progeroid mice, it reduced ageing symptoms and they lived longer than controls (Nature Medicine, DOI: 10.1038/nm1786).

Previous attempts to prevent farnesylation by inhibiting the enzyme that attaches farnesyls to prelamin A proved disappointing. The researchers are now seeking permission for tests in humans to see whether statins and bisphosphonates can do a better job.

Genetics - Keep up with the pace in our continually updated special report.

Death - Delve deeper into the riddle of human mortality in our special report.

From issue 2663 of New Scientist magazine, 09 July 2008, page 17

RESOURCE/SOURCE: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19926635.500-common-drugs-may-combat-ageing-disease.html on Wednesday July 9, 2008.