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| {{other uses}} | | {{Short description|Medical discipline focused on reversing biological aging processes}} |
| {{redirect|Rejuvenate|the album by Ralph Moore|Rejuvenate!}}
| | '''Rejuvenation''' is a [[medicine|medical]] discipline concerned with the practical reversal of the [[aging]] process through biological and medical interventions. Unlike methods aimed merely at slowing or preventing aging ('''[[life extension]]'''), rejuvenation specifically seeks to repair or replace tissues damaged or degraded due to aging, effectively restoring youthful function and structure. |
| '''Rejuvenation''' is a medical discipline focused on the practical reversal of the [[senescence|aging process]].<ref>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1089/154916804323105017| title = Welcome to Rejuvenation Research| journal = Rejuvenation Research| volume = 7| pages = 1–2| year = 2004| last1 = De Grey| first1 = Aubrey D. N. J.}}</ref> | |
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| Rejuvenation is distinct from [[life extension]]. Life extension strategies often study the causes of aging and try to oppose those causes in order to slow aging. Rejuvenation is the ''reversal'' of aging and thus requires a different strategy, namely repair of the damage that is associated with aging or replacement of damaged tissue with new tissue. Rejuvenation can be a means of life extension, but most life extension strategies do not involve rejuvenation. | | ==Definition== |
| | Rejuvenation is distinct from general [[life extension]]. Life extension typically studies underlying causes of aging and seeks to mitigate these causes, thereby slowing aging. In contrast, rejuvenation actively seeks to reverse aging-related changes by repairing biological damage or replacing aged tissue with healthy tissue. While rejuvenation may contribute to increased lifespan, not all life extension approaches involve rejuvenation. |
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| ==Historical and cultural background== | | ==Historical background== |
| Various myths tell the stories about the quest for rejuvenation. It was believed that [[magic (paranormal)|magic]] or intervention of a [[supernatural]] power can bring back the youth and many mythical adventurers set out on a journey to do that, for themselves, their relatives or some authority that sent them.
| | The concept of rejuvenation has been explored throughout history, from ancient myths such as the search for the "[[Fountain of Youth]]" to early scientific experiments in the 20th century. Modern rejuvenation science emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as part of broader efforts in [[regenerative medicine]] and biotechnology. |
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| An ancient Chinese emperor actually sent out ships of young men and women to find a pearl that would rejuvenate him. This led to a myth among modern Chinese that Japan was founded by these people.
| | ==Biological mechanisms== |
| | Rejuvenation strategies aim at counteracting key cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in aging, including: |
| | * Accumulation of cellular damage |
| | * [[Telomere shortening]] |
| | * Accumulation of senescent cells ([[cellular senescence]]) |
| | * Loss of [[stem cell]] function |
| | * Reduced regenerative capacity of tissues and organs |
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| In some religions, people were to be rejuvenated after death prior to placing them in [[heaven]].
| | By addressing these biological targets, rejuvenation interventions attempt to restore youthful physiological states. |
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| The stories continued well into the 16th century. The Spanish explorer [[Juan Ponce de León]] led an expedition around the [[Caribbean islands]] and into [[Florida]] to find the [[Fountain of Youth]]. Led by the rumors, the expedition continued the search and many perished. The Fountain was nowhere to be found as locals were unaware of its exact location.
| | ==Approaches to rejuvenation== |
| | Current and emerging rejuvenation strategies include: |
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| Since the emergence of [[philosophy]], [[wise old man|sages]] and self-proclaimed [[wizard (fantasy)|wizards]] always made enormous efforts to find the secret of youth, both for themselves and for their noble [[patron]]s and [[sponsor (commercial)|sponsors]]. It was widely believed that some [[potion]]s may restore the youth.
| | ===Regenerative medicine=== |
| | '''[[Regenerative medicine]]''' utilizes biological and engineering techniques to regenerate damaged tissues and organs. This involves the use of: |
| | * [[Stem cell therapy]] – Replacement of damaged tissues with healthy stem cells or derived cells. |
| | * [[Tissue engineering]] – Creating artificial tissues or organs for transplantation. |
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| Another commonly cited approach was attempting to transfer the [[essence]] of youth from young people to old. Some examples of this approach were sleeping with [[virgin]]s or [[child]]ren (sometimes literally sleeping, not necessarily having sex),<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1136/bmj.321.7276.1580 |pmc=1119261 |title=How to live forever: Lessons of history |journal=BMJ |volume=321 |issue=7276 |pages=1580–1582 |year=2000 |last1=Shapin |first1=S. |last2=Martyn |first2=C. }}</ref> bathing in or drinking their blood.
| | ===Senolytic therapy=== |
| | '''[[Senolytics]]''' are drugs specifically designed to eliminate senescent cells, which accumulate with age and contribute to chronic inflammation and tissue dysfunction. |
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| The quest for rejuvenation reached its height with [[alchemy]]. All around Europe, and also beyond, alchemists were looking for the [[Philosopher's Stone]], the mythical substance that, as it was believed, could not only turn lead into gold, but also prolong life and restore youth. Although the set goal was not achieved, alchemy paved the way to the [[scientific method]] and so to the medical advances of today.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}
| | ===Telomere restoration=== |
| | Restoration or maintenance of [[telomere]] length, potentially via activation of the enzyme [[telomerase]], may help cells maintain their replicative potential and avoid [[senescence]]. |
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| [[Serge Voronoff|Serge Abrahamovitch Voronoff]] was a French surgeon born in Russia who gained fame for his technique of grafting monkey testicle tissue on to the testicles of men while working in France in the 1920s and 1930s. This was one of the first medically accepted rejuvenation therapies (before he was proved to be wrong around 1930–1940). The technique brought him a great deal of money, although he was already independently wealthy. As his work fell out of favor, he went from being a highly respected surgeon to a subject of ridicule. By the early 1930s, over 500 men had been treated in France by his rejuvenation technique, and thousands more around the world, such as in a special clinic set up in [[Algiers]].<ref>Common, Laura. (April 25, 2000) [[The Medical Post]] [http://www.mdpassport.com/] ''Great balls of fire: from prehistory, men have tried implants and extracts from macho animals to cure impotence, but it was only relatively recently that they began to understand why they did so.''</ref> Noteworthy people who had the surgery included [[Harold Fowler McCormick|Harold McCormick]], chairman of the board of [[International Harvester Company]],<ref>Grossman, Ron. (March 31, 1985) [[Chicago Tribune]] ''Lost lake shore drive: Mourning an era; Mansions of rich and famous yield to giant condos.'' Section: Real estate; Page 1.</ref> and the aging premier of [[Turkey]].<ref>Jones, David. (December 11, 1986) ''[[The Times]]'' ''Christmas Books: Believe it or not - Adam and Eve to bent spoons / Review of books on beliefs.''</ref>
| | ===Gene therapy=== |
| | '''[[Gene therapy]]''' techniques may reverse aging by correcting age-related genetic mutations or enhancing genes associated with cellular longevity. |
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| Swiss doctor [[Paul Niehans]], who was one of the fathers of cellular therapy, developed in 1931–1949 years the so-called Fresh cell therapy. Fresh cell therapy is mainly the use of live animal embryo organs cells which are injected into the patient with the purpose of achieving a revitalizing effect. These cells are generally extracted from [[sheep]]’s [[Fetus (biology)|fetuse]]s because in comparison to other animals, like pigs, rabbits and cows, sheep are clean animals and rarely contract diseases. Of course animal cells are not able to be included in human tissue, but they can secrete factors for rejuvenating. That's why this rejuvenation technology, despite the harsh criticism<ref>Chaisinthop, N. (2013). [http://www.centreforbionetworking.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/What-is-Fresh-Cell-Therapy.pdf What is Fresh Cell Therapy?]</ref><ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.15585/mmwr.mm6438a3 |pmid=26421460 |title=Q Fever Outbreak Among Travelers to Germany Who Received Live Cell Therapy — United States and Canada, 2014 |journal=MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report |volume=64 |issue=38 |pages=1071–1073 |year=2015 |last1=Robyn |first1=Misha P. |last2=Newman |first2=Alexandra P. |last3=Amato |first3=Michael |last4=Walawander |first4=Mary |last5=Kothe |first5=Cynthia |last6=Nerone |first6=James D. |last7=Pomerantz |first7=Cynthia |last8=Behravesh |first8=Casey Barton |last9=Biggs |first9=Holly M. |last10=Dahlgren |first10=F. Scott |last11=Pieracci |first11=Emily G. |last12=Whitfield |first12=Yvonne |last13=Sider |first13=Doug |last14=Ozaldin |first14=Omar |last15=Berger |first15=Lisa |last16=Buck |first16=Peter A. |last17=Downing |first17=Mark |last18=Blog |first18=Debra }}</ref> is practiced to this day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janson-mueller.de/index.php?id=30|title=Dr. Janson-Müller: Hintergründe|publisher=}}</ref>
| | ===Hormonal rejuvenation=== |
| | Balancing age-related hormonal declines through hormone replacement or modulation (e.g., [[Human Growth Hormone]], [[estrogen]], [[testosterone]]) can potentially reverse physiological aging markers. |
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| In fiction, there is an increasing amount of work being done on possibilities of rejuvenation treatments, and the effect this would have on society. [[Misspent Youth]] as well as the [[Commonwealth Saga]] by [[Peter F. Hamilton]] are one of the most well known examples of this, dealing with the short- and long-term effects of a near perfect 80-year-old to 20-year-old body change with mind intact. Also the [[Mars trilogy]] deals with a much more imperfect type of rejuvenation, including problems such as long-term memory loss and sheer boredom that comes with such age. Also the post-mortal characters in the [[Revelation Space]] series often illustrate this issue with long-term or essentially infinite lifespans, sheer boredom induces them to undertake activities of extreme risk.
| | ===Nutritional and metabolic strategies=== |
| | Interventions such as dietary restriction (caloric restriction), fasting protocols, and nutritional supplementation (e.g., [[NAD+]], antioxidants) may contribute to rejuvenation by enhancing cellular metabolism and reducing oxidative stress. |
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| ==Modern developments== | | ==Potential benefits== |
| [[Aging]] is an accumulation of damage to [[macromolecule]]s, [[cell (biology)|cells]], [[biological tissue|tissues]] and [[organ (anatomy)|organs]]. If any of that damage can be repaired, the result is rejuvenation.
| | Effective rejuvenation therapies could provide significant health and societal benefits, including: |
| | * Restoration of cognitive and physical function |
| | * Reduced prevalence of age-related diseases (e.g., [[cardiovascular disease]], [[Alzheimer’s disease]], [[osteoporosis]]) |
| | * Improved quality of life for elderly populations |
| | * Increased productive and healthy lifespan |
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| There have been many experiments which have been shown to increase the [[maximum life span]] of [[laboratory]] animals{{Citation needed|date=October 2017}}, thereby achieving [[life extension]]. A few experimental methods such as replacing [[hormone]]s to youthful levels have had considerable success in partially rejuvenating [[laboratory]] animals and humans. A recent experiment involved breeding genetically manipulated mice that lacked an enzyme called telomerase, causing the mice to age prematurely and suffer ailments. When the mice were given injections to reactivate the enzyme, it repaired the damaged tissues and reversed the signs of aging.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1038/nature09603 |pmid=21113150 |pmc=3057569 |title=Telomerase reactivation reverses tissue degeneration in aged telomerase-deficient mice |journal=Nature |volume=469 |issue=7328 |pages=102–106 |year=2011 |last1=Jaskelioff |first1=Mariela |last2=Muller |first2=Florian L. |last3=Paik |first3=Ji-Hye |last4=Thomas |first4=Emily |last5=Jiang |first5=Shan |last6=Adams |first6=Andrew C. |last7=Sahin |first7=Ergun |last8=Kost-Alimova |first8=Maria |last9=Protopopov |first9=Alexei |last10=Cadiñanos |first10=Juan |last11=Horner |first11=James W. |last12=Maratos-Flier |first12=Eleftheria |last13=Depinho |first13=Ronald A. |bibcode=2011Natur.469..102J }}</ref> There are at least eight important hormones that decline with age: 1. [[human growth hormone]] (HGH); 2. the sexual hormones: testosterone or oestrogen/progesterone; 3. [[erythropoietin]] (EPO); 4. insulin; 5. [[DHEA]]; 6. melatonin; 7. thyroid; 8. pregnenolone. In theory, if all or some of these hormones are replaced, the body will respond to them as it did when it was younger, thus repairing and restoring many body functions. In line with this, recent experiments show that heterochronic [[parabiosis]], i.e. connecting the circulatory systems of young and old animal, leads to the rejuvenation of the old animal, including restoration of proper stem cell function. Similar experiments show that grafting old muscles into young hosts leads to their complete restoration, whereas grafting young muscles into old hosts does not. These experiments show that aging is mediated by systemic environment, rather than being an intrinsic cell property{{Citation needed|date=October 2017}}. Clinical trials based on transfusion of young blood were scheduled to begin in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22329831-400-young-blood-to-be-used-in-ultimate-rejuvenation-trial | date = August 20, 2014 | title = Young blood to be used in ultimate rejuvenation trial | publisher = New Scientist}}</ref>
| | ==Ethical considerations== |
| | The pursuit of rejuvenation raises ethical concerns and debates, including: |
| | * Fair access and socioeconomic disparities in treatment availability |
| | * Impact on population growth and resource allocation |
| | * Ethical implications of significantly extended human lifespans |
| | * Regulatory and safety challenges associated with novel biomedical interventions |
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| Most attempts at [[genetics|genetic]] repair have traditionally involved the use of a [[retrovirus]] to insert a new [[gene]] into a random position on a [[chromosome]]. But by attaching [[zinc finger]]s (which determine where [[transcription factor]]s bind) to [[endonuclease]]s (which break [[DNA]] strands), [[homologous recombination]] can be induced to correct and replace defective (or undesired) DNA sequences. The first applications of this technology are to isolate [[stem cell]]s from the [[bone marrow]] of patients having [[blood]] disease [[mutation]]s, to correct those mutations in [[petri dish|laboratory dishes]] using zinc finger endonucleases and to transplant the stem cells back into the patients.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1126/science.310.5756.1894 |pmid=16373552 |title=GENE THERAPY: Putting the Fingers on Gene Repair |journal=Science |volume=310 |issue=5756 |pages=1894–1896 |year=2005 |last1=Kaiser |first1=J. }}</ref>
| | ==Current research and developments== |
| | Ongoing research focuses on understanding and manipulating biological aging mechanisms. Prominent research programs include: |
| | * The [[SENS Research Foundation]], pursuing strategies for engineered negligible senescence |
| | * [[Calico (company)|Calico Labs]], a Google-funded company researching aging biology |
| | * Academic institutions conducting clinical trials on senolytics and telomere biology |
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| Stem cell [[regenerative medicine]] uses three different strategies:
| | ==Future prospects== |
| # Implantation of [[stem cell]]s from [[cell culture|culture]] into an existing [[biological tissue|tissue]] structure
| | Advances in biotechnology, genetics, and regenerative medicine are rapidly progressing, suggesting rejuvenation therapies may become practical and widespread in the coming decades. However, extensive clinical trials and ethical discussions are needed before routine adoption into medical practice. |
| # Implantation of stem cells into a [[tissue scaffold]] that guides restoration
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| # Induction of residual [[cell (biology)|cells]] of a tissue structure to regenerate the necessary body part
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| A [[salamander]] can not only regenerate a [[limb (anatomy)|limb]], but can regenerate the [[lens (anatomy)|lens]] or [[retina]] of an [[eye]] and can regenerate an [[intestine]]. For regeneration the salamander tissues form a [[blastema]] by [[cellular differentiation|de-differentiation]] of [[mesenchymal stem cell|mesenchymal cells]], and the [[blastema]] functions as a self-organizing system to regenerate the limb.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1126/science.1115200 |title=Appendage Regeneration in Adult Vertebrates and Implications for Regenerative Medicine |journal=Science |volume=310 |issue=5756 |pages=1919–1923 |year=2005 |last1=Brockes |first1=J. P. |last2=Kumar |first2=Anoop |bibcode=2005Sci...310.1919B |url=https://zenodo.org/record/889360/files/article.pdf }}</ref>
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| Yet another option involves cosmetic changes to the individual to create the appearance of youth. These are generally superficial and do little to make the person healthier or live longer, but the real improvement in a person's appearance may elevate their mood and have positive side effects normally correlated with [[happiness]]. [[Cosmetic surgery]] is a large industry offering treatments such as removal of wrinkles ("face lift"), removal of extra fat (liposuction) and reshaping or augmentation of various body parts ([[abdomen]], [[breast]]s, [[face]]).
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| There are also, as commonly found throughout history, many fake rejuvenation products that have been shown to be ineffective. Chief among these are powders, sprays, gels, and [[Homeopathy|homeopathic]] substances that claim to contain growth hormones. Authentic growth hormones are only effective when injected, mainly due to the fact that the [[Growth hormone|191-amino acid protein]] is too large to be absorbed through the [[mucous membrane]]s, and would be broken up in the stomach if swallowed.
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| The [[Methuselah Foundation|Mprize]] scientific competition is under way to deliver on the mission of extending healthy human life. It directly accelerates the development of revolutionary new life extension therapies by awarding two cash prizes: one to the research team that breaks the world record for the oldest-ever mouse; and one to the team that develops the most successful late-onset rejuvenation. Current [[Methuselah Foundation|Mprize]] winner for rejuvenation is Steven Spindler. Caloric restriction (CR), the consumption of fewer calories while avoiding malnutrition, was applied as a robust method of decelerating aging and the development of age-related diseases.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1073/pnas.0305300101 |pmid=15044709 |title=Temporal linkage between the phenotypic and genomic responses to caloric restriction |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |volume=101 |issue=15 |pages=5524–5529 |year=2004 |last1=Dhahbi |first1=J. M. |last2=Kim |first2=H.-J. |last3=Mote |first3=P. L. |last4=Beaver |first4=R. J. |last5=Spindler |first5=S. R. |bibcode=2004PNAS..101.5524D |pmc=397416 }}</ref>
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| ==Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence ==
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| {{Main|Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence}}
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| The biomedical [[gerontologist]] [[Aubrey de Grey]] has initiated a project, Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS), to study how to reverse the damage caused by aging. He has proposed seven strategies for what he calls the seven deadly sins of aging:<ref>{{cite book |last=de Grey |first=Aubrey |author2=Rae, Michael |title=Ending Aging: The Rejuvenation Breakthroughs that Could Reverse Human Aging in Our Lifetime |publisher=[[St. Martin's Press]] |date=September 2007 |location=New York, NY |pages=416 |isbn=978-0-312-36706-0|title-link=Ending Aging }}</ref>
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| # Cell loss can be repaired (reversed) just by suitable [[exercise]] in the case of [[muscle]]. For other tissues it needs various [[growth factor]]s to stimulate [[cell division]], or in some cases it needs [[stem cells]].
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| # Senescent [[cell (biology)|cells]] can be removed by activating the [[immune system]] against them. Or they can be destroyed by [[gene therapy]] to introduce "suicide [[gene]]s" that only kill senescent cells.
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| # [[Protein]] [[cross-link]]ing can largely be reversed by [[medication|drugs]] that break the links. But to break some of the cross-links we may need to develop enzymatic methods.
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| # [[Extracellular]] garbage (like [[amyloid]]) can be eliminated by [[vaccination]] that gets [[immune]] cells to "eat" the garbage.
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| # For intracellular junk we need to introduce new [[enzyme]]s, possibly enzymes from soil [[bacteria]], that can degrade the junk ([[lipofuscin]]) that our own natural enzymes cannot degrade.
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| # For [[mitochondrial]] mutations the plan is not to repair them but to prevent harm from the mutations by putting suitably modified copies of the mitochondrial genes into the [[cell nucleus]] by gene therapy. The [[mitochondrial DNA]] experiences a high degree of [[mutagenic]] damage because most [[radical (chemistry)|free radicals]] are generated in the [[mitochondria]]. A copy of the mitochondrial DNA located in the [[cell nucleus|nucleus]] will be better protected from free radicals, and there will be better [[DNA repair]] when damage occurs. All mitochondrial [[protein]]s would then be imported into the mitochondria.
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| # For [[cancer]] (the most lethal consequence of mutations) the strategy is to use [[gene therapy]] to delete the [[gene]]s for [[telomerase]] and to eliminate telomerase-independent mechanisms of turning normal cells into "immortal" cancer cells. To compensate for the loss of telomerase in [[stem cells]] we would introduce new stem cells every decade or so.
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| In 2009, Aubrey de Grey co-founded the [[SENS Foundation]] to expedite progress in the above-listed areas.
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| ==Scientific journal==
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| * ''[[Rejuvenation Research]]'' Editor: [[Aubrey de Grey]]. Publisher: [[Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.]] ISSN 1549-1684 – Published Bimonthly.
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| ==See also== | | ==See also== |
| {{div col|colwidth=25em}}
| | * [[Anti-aging medicine]] |
| * [[Ageless]] | | * [[Biogerontology]] |
| * [[Aging brain]]
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| * [[American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine]]
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| * [[Gerontology#Biogerontology|Biogerontology]] | |
| * [[Biological immortality]]
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| * [[DNA repair]]
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| * [[DNA damage theory of aging]]
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| * [[Eternal youth]]
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| * [[Facial rejuvenation]]
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| * [[Fountain of Youth]]
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| * [[Hayflick]]
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| * [[Hayflick limit]]
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| * [[Immortality]]
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| * [[Indefinite lifespan]]
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| * [[Induced stem cells#iPSc as a result of radical rejuvenation|iPSc as a result of radical rejuvenation]]
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| * [[Life extension]] | | * [[Life extension]] |
| * [[Maximum life span]] | | * [[Gerontology]] |
| * [[Nanomedicine]] | | * [[Regenerative medicine]] |
| * [[Photorejuvenation]] | | * [[Stem cell therapy]] |
| * [[SAGE KE]]
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| * [[Senescence]] | | * [[Senescence]] |
| * [[Shunamitism]]
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| * [[Telomere]]
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| * [[Telomerase]]
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| * [[Timeline of senescence research]]
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| * [[Tissue engineering]]
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| * [[Therapeutic cloning]]
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| {{div col end}}
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| ==References==
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| {{Reflist}}
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| ==External links== | | ==External links== |
| *{{Commonscat-inline}} | | *[https://www.sens.org/ SENS Research Foundation] |
| | | *[https://www.nih.gov/health-information/your-healthiest-self-wellness-toolkits/accessible-health/aging National Institutes of Health - Aging] |
| {{Life extension}} | | {{Life extension}} |
| {{Longevity}} | | {{Longevity}} |
| | | {{nt}} |
| [[Category:Life extension]] | | [[Category:Life extension]] |
| [[Category:Transhumanism]] | | [[Category:Transhumanism]] |
| [[Category:Concepts in alternative medicine]] | | [[Category:Concepts in alternative medicine]] |
| [[Category:Senescence]] | | [[Category:Senescence]] |
Medical discipline focused on reversing biological aging processes
Rejuvenation is a medical discipline concerned with the practical reversal of the aging process through biological and medical interventions. Unlike methods aimed merely at slowing or preventing aging (life extension), rejuvenation specifically seeks to repair or replace tissues damaged or degraded due to aging, effectively restoring youthful function and structure.
Definition[edit]
Rejuvenation is distinct from general life extension. Life extension typically studies underlying causes of aging and seeks to mitigate these causes, thereby slowing aging. In contrast, rejuvenation actively seeks to reverse aging-related changes by repairing biological damage or replacing aged tissue with healthy tissue. While rejuvenation may contribute to increased lifespan, not all life extension approaches involve rejuvenation.
Historical background[edit]
The concept of rejuvenation has been explored throughout history, from ancient myths such as the search for the "Fountain of Youth" to early scientific experiments in the 20th century. Modern rejuvenation science emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as part of broader efforts in regenerative medicine and biotechnology.
Biological mechanisms[edit]
Rejuvenation strategies aim at counteracting key cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in aging, including:
By addressing these biological targets, rejuvenation interventions attempt to restore youthful physiological states.
Approaches to rejuvenation[edit]
Current and emerging rejuvenation strategies include:
Regenerative medicine[edit]
Regenerative medicine utilizes biological and engineering techniques to regenerate damaged tissues and organs. This involves the use of:
Senolytic therapy[edit]
Senolytics are drugs specifically designed to eliminate senescent cells, which accumulate with age and contribute to chronic inflammation and tissue dysfunction.
Telomere restoration[edit]
Restoration or maintenance of telomere length, potentially via activation of the enzyme telomerase, may help cells maintain their replicative potential and avoid senescence.
Gene therapy[edit]
Gene therapy techniques may reverse aging by correcting age-related genetic mutations or enhancing genes associated with cellular longevity.
Hormonal rejuvenation[edit]
Balancing age-related hormonal declines through hormone replacement or modulation (e.g., Human Growth Hormone, estrogen, testosterone) can potentially reverse physiological aging markers.
Nutritional and metabolic strategies[edit]
Interventions such as dietary restriction (caloric restriction), fasting protocols, and nutritional supplementation (e.g., NAD+, antioxidants) may contribute to rejuvenation by enhancing cellular metabolism and reducing oxidative stress.
Potential benefits[edit]
Effective rejuvenation therapies could provide significant health and societal benefits, including:
Ethical considerations[edit]
The pursuit of rejuvenation raises ethical concerns and debates, including:
- Fair access and socioeconomic disparities in treatment availability
- Impact on population growth and resource allocation
- Ethical implications of significantly extended human lifespans
- Regulatory and safety challenges associated with novel biomedical interventions
Current research and developments[edit]
Ongoing research focuses on understanding and manipulating biological aging mechanisms. Prominent research programs include:
- The SENS Research Foundation, pursuing strategies for engineered negligible senescence
- Calico Labs, a Google-funded company researching aging biology
- Academic institutions conducting clinical trials on senolytics and telomere biology
Future prospects[edit]
Advances in biotechnology, genetics, and regenerative medicine are rapidly progressing, suggesting rejuvenation therapies may become practical and widespread in the coming decades. However, extensive clinical trials and ethical discussions are needed before routine adoption into medical practice.
See also[edit]
External links[edit]
