Experts from the Mayo Clinic have discovered a receptor known as interleukin-23 (IL-23R) that is directly linked to the aging process in both humans and mice. Research has shown that the concentration of IL-23R in the blood increases with age, but decreases with certain anti-aging therapies aimed at eliminating senescent cells.
Using the Olink Target 96 Mouse Explorator, scientists analyzed 92 blood proteins, narrowing it down to 67 proteins that showed significant changes in experimental animals of different ages. They also used the PCR method to study 21 genes in real time to understand how aging cells produce harmful substances and contribute to inflammation in various tissues.
During the study, researchers examined samples from the kidneys, liver, spleen, brain cortex, adipose tissue, and lungs to understand the effects of aging at the cellular level. They also tested the effectiveness of substances like Venetoclax, Navitoclax, Fisetin, and Luteolin in eliminating dysfunctional tissues, in addition to transgenic methods aimed at removing cells with excess protein P16 expression.
Out of all the plasma proteins analyzed, IL-23R, CCL5, and CA13 were identified as particularly significant. IL-23R and CCL5 levels increased with age in the blood but decreased with anti-aging interventions, while CA13 showed the opposite trend, decreasing with age and being restored to youthful levels with treatment.
IL-23R stood out as a unique marker due to its consistent correlation with age across different tissues and species, including both mice and humans. The receptor is associated with cells that continue to function abnormally during aging, leading to disrupted intercellular communication and excessive inflammation.
Researchers believe that IL-23R could serve as a valuable biomarker for early detection of aging-related diseases, allowing for proactive intervention before symptoms manifest. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the field of gerontology and improve the effectiveness of age-related disease prevention.