Blocking an inflammatory protein slows the pace of ageing

Mice live longer and healthier lives when a cytokine protein called IL-11 is blocked, a new study suggests.

The research, published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that blocking IL-11 in middle-aged mice boosted metabolism, reduced frailty, and increased lifespan by about 25%.

The findings could have implications for developing new treatments to slow the ageing process and prevent age-related diseases in humans.

IL-11 is a cytokine, a type of protein that is involved in inflammation. Inflammation is a normal response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can damage tissues and organs and contribute to the ageing process.

In the study, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas studied the effects of blocking IL-11 in mice. They found that mice that were treated with an IL-11 inhibitor lived longer and healthier lives than untreated mice.

The treated mice had improved metabolism, reduced frailty, and increased lifespan by about 25%. They also had reduced levels of inflammation and age-related diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

The researchers say that their findings suggest that IL-11 is a potential target for new treatments to slow the ageing process and prevent age-related diseases.