Researchers at the Buck Institute for Age Research in California have managed to quadruple the lifespan of mice genetically engineered to live for one week by giving them a cocktail of antioxidant drugs. The study is the first to SHOW that antioxidant drugs can be used to extend the lifespan of mammals. Study leader, Simon Meloy, said: “What this paper shows is these drugs are very effective against preventing oxidative damage in the brain. That may have utility in diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.” He now plans to study the effect of the drugs on normal mice.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 2nd November 2001
