A Geroprotector refers to a substance or mechanism that helps slow down the body’s ageing processes and extend the lifespan of cells or living organisms. Its main goal is to prevent or delay biological ageing.
What Are Geroprotectors?
A Geroprotector is a compound or drug that can:
- Reduce damage caused by oxidative stress
- Regulate metabolism and inflammation
- Promote autophagy – the process of removing cellular waste
- Modulate gene expression related to longevity
Examples of Geroprotective Substances
- Metformin – a diabetes medication shown to reduce the risk of age-related diseases
- Rapamycin – a drug that inhibits the mTOR pathway, which is linked to ageing
- Resveratrol – a compound found in red wine that activates the SIRT1 gene
- Resveratrol – a compound found in red wine that activates the SIRT1 gene
- Curcumin, Quercetin, and Fisetin – plant-based phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory and senolytic effects (promoting the clearance of senescent cells)
Key Properties of Geroprotectors
- Inhibition of Ageing Signals: They protect against and potentially reverse key cellular markers of ageing.
- Lifespan Extension: They help prolong overall lifespan and improve health in later years.
- Safety: They should be safe for long-term use.
- Broad Efficacy: They should be effective across the general population, not limited to specific genetic groups.
Role in Anti-Ageing Medicine (Geroscience)
Geroprotectors are central to the field of Geroscience, which explores the connection between ageing and chronic diseases (Non-Communicable Diseases, NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia. The ultimate aim is to maintain cellular youthfulness and reduce the incidence of age-related conditions.
References
- Moskalev A., Chernyagina E., Kudryavtseva A., Shaposhnikov M. (2016/2017)“Geroprotectors: A Unified Concept and Screening Approaches.” Aging and Disease. 2016/17.
- Knufinke M., MacArthur M. R., Ewald C. Y., Mitchell S. J. (2023)“Sex differences in pharmacological interventions and their effects on lifespan and healthspan outcomes: a systematic review.”
- Diffee G. M., Lamming D. W., Hornberger T. A., Konopka A. R.(2023) “Geroprotector drugs and exercise: friends or foes on healthy longevity?” BMC Biology.
- Bellantuono I. et al.(2022) “Geroprotectors and Skeletal Health: Beyond the Headlines.” Frontiers in Cell & Developmental Biology.
