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<\/p>\nScientists have made a major breakthrough in anti-ageing medication. <\/p>\n
Researchers in Japan claim to have discovered a new medical agent capable of, essentially, turning back the clock.<\/p>\n
The new agent can remove senescent cells, which causes age-related diseases like diabetes and kidney conditions.<\/p>\n
A team from the University of Tokyo say its use can improve symptoms and will help prevent similar diseases.<\/p>\n
Having experimented successfully on mice, the experts revealed their findings last week, Japan Times reported.<\/p>\n
When cells are stressed they transform into senescent cells and accumulate as the body ages.<\/p>\n
Previous research with elderly mice suggested it was possible to delay the development of some age-related disorders by removing those cells.<\/p>\n
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This is the first time a medical agent has been used.<\/p>\n
Makoto Nakanishi, a lead author on the study, said: \u201cIt may also be effective for treating other age-associated diseases such as dementia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would be great if we could try to carry out clinical trials (for such use) in the next five to 10 years.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the scientists, the cells need the gene glutaminase 1, or GLS1, to survive.<\/p>\n
When dosed with an inhibitor of GLS1, senescent cells in elderly mice were eliminated and kidney, lung and livers all improved as a result.<\/p>\n
Improvements were also seen in mice with arteriosclerosis or diabetes.<\/p>\n
It is hoped that the same results would be found in humans.<\/p>\n
The articles abstract read: "Thus, targeting glutamine and associated metabolic processes could be an attractive, clinically feasible way to modify the ageing process."<\/p>\n