Researchers find way to reverse aging skin in mice

PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 28, 2007 (KGO) (KGO) -- Researchers at the Stanford School of Medicine may unlock one of the mysteries of aging. They have actually reversed the effects of aging on the skin of mice.

Dr. Howard Chang says his research on mice bolsters a theory that aging has a genetic component that can be reversed.

"Different genes were being turned on by different tissues but behind them all was this same factor, this particular NF-kappa-B," said Dr. Chang.

NF-Kappa-B or nuclear factor kappa b is a protein complex active at varying levels in a wide array of genes.

Chang and his colleagues took mice which were two years old and on a patch of skin chemically blocked NF-Kappa-B activity for two weeks.

The result: the skin's characteristics changed dramatically.

"When we inhibited the gene's NF-kappa-B in the skin of old mice, we found there's a significance difference and there's more cells dividing like that of young skin and there's also thicker skin," said Dr. Chang.

Initially the findings may sound like a new fountain of youth but researchers say not so fast. They don't know if the rejuvenating effects are long lasting or if there could be negative effects.

NF-Kappa-B plays a role in cancers, regulating the immune system and other critical functions so switching it off could ultimately have undesired consequences such as higher rates of cancer or other diseases.

Dr. Chang says short term manipulation of the protein however, could possibly help older patients heal faster from trauma.

"In elderly it's known that healing takes place more slowly so we might be able to boost the regenerative potential of older tissue and get them to heal and repair themselves," said Dr. Chang.

The research is being published in the December 15th issue of the Journal Genes and Development.

The Chang Lab will now explore the more long term anti aging effects on mice. Researchers believe any safe and effective human testing is at least five to ten years away.

Get more Healthy Living »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•