The Science Behind Aging (Not Just Behind Wrinkles)

Understanding cellular aging mechanisms has led to insights into how environment, habits, and lifestyle help slow aging, followed by the development of new drugs targeting specific mechanisms that can decelerate cellular aging, and ultimately to discovering truly effective therapies to halt and slow tissue aging.

We discuss this with Professor Carlo Tremolada, Researcher and Director of Image Regenerative Clinic.

Supplements and Off-label Medications

Supplements that increase NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels are primary candidates for anti-aging therapies. NAD is crucial for cellular metabolism and longevity, with studies dating back to 1997 when David Sinclair, professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School, discovered that NAD can help regulate a family of proteins called sirtuins, which improve epigenetic health and increase longevity in yeast. This led to interest in resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine and used in many supplements, to activate sirtuins. A recent study (Cell Metabolism, 2024) examined promising supplements and off-label medications for slowing aging, including Metformin (primarily used for type 2 diabetes), NAD precursors, Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonists, TORC1 inhibitors involved in growth and aging, Spermidine, Senolytics, Probiotics, and Anti-inflammatories.

However, their effectiveness on aging and longevity remains a subject of debate in the scientific community. Off-label medications and supplements remain controversial, with ongoing discussions about their efficacy.

Cellular Reprogramming

Caloric Restriction

The effects of caloric restriction on longevity (in laboratory subjects) have been discussed since the 1990s, but it wasn't until 2007 that a major multi-year clinical study called the Calerie Study analyzed the effects of caloric restriction in humans. Recent findings demonstrate that subjects on lower-calorie diets showed reduced inflammation and increased production of immune system T-cells and energy-producing mitochondria. Subsequently, studies on intermittent fasting or time-restricted feeding in mice suggest that such routines could suppress genes involved in inflammation and improve protein production, even at advanced ages.

Infiltrative Therapies with Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Distinct from umbilical cord or bone marrow stem cell therapies still under study and debate, infiltrative therapies with mesenchymal stem cells are already part of clinical practice for treating various conditions. Among these, the Lipogems regenerative system, patented by Professor Carlo Tremolada, is widely used worldwide by physicians for treating cellular aging and chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. Lipogems is a minimally invasive regenerative procedure that utilizes autologous adipose tissue, rich in mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors, to promote tissue regeneration. The procedure maintains the intact perivascular niche of adipose tissue, ensuring the survival and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in the regenerative process.