Geroprotector

Geroprotector is a class of anti-aging drugs and interventions that aim to prevent, slow, or reverse the aging process and extend healthy lifespan. Geroprotectors work by targeting the underlying mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases.

Definition

A geroprotector is a substance that supports healthy aging and extends the lifespan of organisms. The term was coined by Russian scientist Vladimir Dilman in 1981. Geroprotectors are not intended to merely extend life, but to extend the period of life that is free from chronic diseases and functional decline, also known as the healthspan.

Mechanisms of action

Geroprotectors work by targeting the nine hallmarks of aging, which include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication.

Examples of geroprotectors

Some examples of substances that have been studied as potential geroprotectors include metformin, rapamycin, resveratrol, spermidine, and NAD+ precursors.

Research

Research into geroprotectors is a rapidly growing field, with many studies showing promising results in animal models. However, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of these substances in humans.

See also

• Anti-aging
• Senescence
• Longevity
• Biogerontology

References

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