Scientists discover 'the elixir of life'

Published on Wednesday 6 October 2010 01:44

A GENUINE "elixir of life" that can hold death at bay has been discovered by scientists.

• Holding death at bay was something Dorian Gray was able to achieve, although his methods werevery different to the pioneering new research by scientists at the University of Milan. Picture: PA

The cocktail of amino acids - building blocks of proteins - was found to increase the lifespan of mice by 12 per cent. But, more importantly, scientists believe it may also benefit humans, especially the elderly or sick.

In a major development, researchers studied mice in laboratory conditions and found the rodents that were given certain chemicals lived longer.

In laboratory experiments, middle-aged male healthy mice were given drinking water laced with three specific amino acids.

The animals lived significantly longer than other mice fed a normal diet. Their lifespan range had a midpoint of 869 days compared with 774 days for untreated mice - a difference of 12 per cent.

Longer survival was accompanied by biological changes which boosted the energy supply to cells and reduced oxidative damage caused by destructive molecules called free radicals. The treated mice had more stamina and improved muscle co-ordination.

"This is the first demonstration that an amino acid mixture can increase survival in mice," said study leader Dr Enzo Nisoli, from the University of Milan in Italy.

Last year scientists showed that the same amino acids - leucine, isoleucine and valine - could extend the lifespan of single-celled yeast. The new findings, reported in the journal Cell Metabolism, raise the possibility of amino acid supplements benefiting humans.

The scientists pointed out that the mice studied were aged but otherwise healthy. They believe taking the amino acids might be especially helpful for the elderly or ill, particularly people with heart failure, chronic lung disease, or other conditions characterised by flagging energy levels.

Dr Nisoli said a large patient trial was needed to provide evidence convincing enough for doctors. However, there was little financial incentive for companies to conduct such studies on dietary supplements.

Leucine, isoleucine and valine, known as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), account for a fraction of the 20 amino acids from which proteins are made, but appear to have special anti-ageing properties.

Mice given the three amino acids produced larger numbers of mitochondria - the rod-like "powerhouses" in cells that generate energy - in their heart and skeletal muscle.

They also showed increased activity of SIRT1, a well-known longevity gene, and developed better defences against free radicals.

BCAA nutritional supplements are readily available in health food stores and online.

Amino acid supplements were likely to be more effective than consuming proteins containing the same amino acids, according to the researchers. Unlike protein, they did not have to be digested, and could enter the bloodstream immediately.

"They come with no energy cost," said Dr Nisoli.

In their paper the scientists wrote: "We have provided evidence that an original BCAA mixture increases average life span in male mice. This was likely the consequence of increased mitochondrial biogenesis and reduced oxidative stress in cardiac and skeletal muscles. Our study offers a rationale for deeply exploring the role of amino acids in prevention and control of age-related disorders."