Metformin Decelerates Aging in Male Monkeys 

The Big Picture:

A common diabetes drug, metformin, may slow aging in multiple organs—including the brain—according to a new study conducted on monkeys and published in Cell magazine.

Why It Matters:

If metformin's anti-aging effects translate to humans, it could potentially delay the onset of age-related diseases, improve organ function, and enhance overall longevity. This could have significant implications for aging populations and the management of age-related health issues.

Key Details:

• In a 3.5-year study, cynomolgus monkeys treated with metformin showed reduced biological aging in the kidneys (4.9 years), lungs (5.1 years), skin (2.6 years), and brain (up to 6 years).

• Metformin preserved brain structure and improved cognitive function in monkeys, likely due to the activation of Nrf2, a protein known for its anti-oxidative properties.

• Previous studies have shown metformin's potential anti-aging effects in rodents, flies, and worms, and human studies have indicated it may delay the onset of age-related diseases.

Go Deeper:

• Read the study in Cell magazine: Metformin decelerates aging clock in male monkeys

Explore it:

• Talk to a Doctor about Metformin

Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging

The Big Picture:

Taurine deficiency has been identified as a potential driver of aging, with research showing that supplementation of this amino acid can increase life span and health span in animals like mice, monkeys, and worms.

Why It Matters:

If taurine’s anti-aging effects hold true for humans, it could offer a promising intervention for age-related diseases and improve longevity. This discovery highlights taurine’s role in combating cellular aging, DNA damage, and inflammation, warranting further clinical trials in humans.

Key Details:

• Life Span Extension in Animals: Taurine supplementation extended the median life span of mice by 10-12% and increased life expectancy at 28 months by 18-25% (Science).

• Systemic Health Benefits: Supplemented animals showed improved bone density, muscle strength, immune function, and reduced DNA damage and inflammation, leading to an overall increase in health span (Science).

• Human Implications: Lower taurine levels in humans were associated with age-related diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation, making taurine a potential target for anti-aging interventions (Science).

Go Deeper:

• Read the study in Science: Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging

• Learn more about Taurine on examine.com 

Explore it:

• Taurine on Amazon

A Little Gratitude Might Go a Long Way.

The Big Picture: A new study has found that older U.S. female nurses who frequently experience gratitude may live longer, with those in the highest gratitude group showing a 9% lower risk of death from all causes compared to those in the lowest group.

Why It Matters: Gratitude is a modifiable psychological factor, and enhancing it through simple, low-cost techniques could potentially improve longevity and overall well-being in older adults, though more research is needed to confirm its effects on physical health.

Key Details:

• In a study of over 49,000 older female nurses, those who scored higher in gratitude had a 9% lower risk of all-cause mortality, even after accounting for factors like physical health, lifestyle, and mental well-being.

• Gratitude was especially linked to a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease (HR 0.85).

• The study adjusted for a wide range of confounding factors, but further research is needed to explore gratitude’s impact on mortality in more diverse populations.

Go Deeper:

• Read the Study: Gratitude and Mortality Among Older US Female Nurses

Try it:

• Express gratitude to someone today!