X-Message-Number: 2469 From: whscad1!kqb (Kevin Q Brown +1 201 386 7344) Subject: CRYONICS Anti-Aging Gene The following recent sci.life-extension message announces intriguing progress toward identifying the genetics of some aging mechanisms, and potentially Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, too. Even if other aging mechanisms eventually take you down, therapies derived from this work may ensure that at the time of suspension you still possess a mind to preserve. Kevin Q. Brown INTERNET or PS: Even though the message below contains a copyrighted ClariNet article, permission for reposting to USENET was granted, so, as I understand it, distribution here should be OK, too. ---- > Newsgroups: sci.life-extension > From: (Daniel Marvin Garrett) > Subject: Article: Anti-aging Gene > Date: Fri, 19 Nov 93 02:58:09 GMT I found the following article extremely interesting. If you or your system is not on ClariNet, I'd strongly suggest you lobby for it. Copyright 199? by <UPI/Newsbytes/Whoever> Reposted with permission from the ClariNet Electronic Newspaper newsgroup clari.<groupname>. For more info on ClariNet, write to or phone 1-800-USE-NETS. > Article 5548 of clari.tw.health: > From: (LIDIA WASOWICZ, UPI Science Writer) > Newsgroups: clari.tw.health,clari.news.group > Subject: Finding may lead to treatments for aging diseases > Keywords: health, seniors, special interest > Copyright: 1993 by UPI, R > Date: Thu, 18 Nov 93 15:08:05 PST > Slugword: us-aging > ANPA: Wc: 480/455; Id: a1109; Sel: na--w; Adate: 11-18-N/A Scientists said Thursday they have uncovered the mechanisms by which an anti-aging gene prevents death of brain cells, findings with critical implications for future treatments of such diseases as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In a report published in the journal Science, the researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, said the gene BCL-2 thwarts the entire cycle of neuron damage, degeneration and death. ``The study is important because it sheds light on the pathology of degenerative neurological diseases that often accompany aging and suggests a possible therapeutic approach,'' said head researcher Dr. Dale Bredesen. The scientists found BCL-2 decreases brain cells' production of reactive oxidants, free radical molecules derived from oxygen but with an unpaired electron that pose a lethal threat to cells. ``The exciting thing about this finding is that BCL-2 prevents cell death from conditions that are analogous to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other degenerative diseases,'' Bredesen said. ``In addition, we now understand for the first time how BCL-2's protective influence works.'' The study has key implications for future therapies, from gene manipulation to replace BCL-2 in brain cells to increasing anti-oxidant levels in other, simpler ways, the researchers said. ``At least now we know where to focus our efforts,'' Bredesen said. The UCLA team previously had found the gene protects neurons from death, but until now the specific mechanisms were not understood. The new study showed BCL-2 prevents cell death by decreasing the cells' production of so-called ``reactive oxygen species,'' Bredesen said. ``Typically, 1 to 5 percent of oxygen molecules utilized by cells become super-oxides -- a type of free radical -- which are responsible for aging and which have been linked to many degenerative neurological diseases,'' he said. The study also for the first time conclusively links apoptosis -- programmed cell death -- with aging. And it proves the source of the cell damage that eventually causes apoptosis, the researchers said. ``These cells 'blow out' like worn tires,'' Bredesen said. ``What we've found is that the cell membrane becomes damaged by a process called lipid peroxidation. This happens when hydrogen peroxide, produced by the oxygen-based free radicals, weakens the membrane and causes it to rupture.'' While damage to cells without BCL-2 rises dramatically, those with the gene are fully protected, the scientists found in the study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health. ``The whole process of cell damage, degeneration and death is now more clear, and BCL-2 prevents the whole cycle,'' Bredesen said. ``We believe it is a very important gene.'' -- Dan Garrett Stanford Economics ---- Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=2469