Insulin and Anti-ageing

Tweaking insulin levels may potentially expand life spans.

Researchers "have gained new insight into the workings of insulin, potentially laying the groundwork for an anti-aging treatment," according to a study published in the Mar. 21 issue of the journal Cell.

T. Keith Blackwell, M.D., Ph.D., senior investigator at Harvard Medical School's Joslin Diabetes Center, in Boston, and colleagues, examined "the effects of changing insulin levels in a species of tiny worm known as Caenorhabditis elegans," which has a very short life span.

The scientists "found that more insulin results in less activity by a gene-regulating protein called SKN-1." Therefore, "by lowering insulin levels, the study authors were able to boost levels of the protein, and make the worms live longer."

The researchers noted that the "mechanism at work here seems to relate to how well cells defend themselves against damage," which may enable people to fight disease better, thereby extending their lives.