Next Generation of “Anti-Aging” Molecules Reported

In species as diverse as single-celled yeast, worms, fruit flies, and mice (mammals like us), stimulating the sirtuin enzyme system not only extends life span but also reduces the frequency of several diseases of aging, including type 2 diabetes.

Last year, a Harvard team reported that a natural sirtuin-stimulating molecule found in red wine — resveratrol — protected mice that were fed a high-fat diet against hyperglycemia and insulin insensitivity and extended their lifespan (Journal Watch Dec 28 2006). Now, in an industry-supported study, the same team reports the discovery of several small molecules that are exponentially more potent than resveratrol in stimulating the sirtuin system. In diet-induced obese mice and genetically obese mice,…