Hormonal
Reduced signaling of the Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth Factor (GH/IGF-I) system extends longevity and delays aging in mammals, primarily through enhanced insulin sensitivity, reduced oxidative stress, and increased stress resistance.
Current research in long-lived mouse models suggests that lower levels of Growth Hormone and IGF-I signaling are associated with extended longevity and delayed aging. While GH therapy is marketed for anti-aging, genetic evidence points to reduced signaling as the beneficial pathway. This does not currently translate to a recommended intervention for healthy humans, but highlights the importance of metabolic health and insulin sensitivity.
In the mouse, several spontaneous or experimentally induced mutations that interfere with GH biosynthesis, GH actions, or sensitivity to IGF-I lead to extended longevity... Extended longevity of hypopituitary and GH-resistant mice appears to be due to multiple mechanisms including reduced insulin levels, enhanced insulin sensitivity, alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, reduced generation of reactive oxygen species, enhanced resistance to stress, reduced oxidative damage, and delayed onset of age-related disease.
Why this rating
Strong evidence from multiple genetically modified mouse models (Ames, Snell, GHRKO) and supporting human epidemiological data (centenarians), though direct human intervention trials are not the primary focus.
Source
Minireview: Role of the Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth Factor System in Mammalian Aging
Andrzej Bartke · Endocrinology · 2005
DOI 10.1210/en.2005-0411
Related findings · Hormonal
- Initial treatment for type 2 diabetes should be a combination of metformin and either an SGLT-2 inhibitor or a GLP-1 receptor agonist to achieve cardiorenal protection, rather than monotherapy or older agents like sulfonylureas.Strong
- For patients with specific monogenic obesity syndromes (leptin deficiency, POMC/PCSK1/LEPR mutations), targeted pharmacotherapy (recombinant leptin or setmelanotide) is highly effective and should be prioritized, unlike in polygenic obesity.Strong
- Continued weekly administration of 2.4 mg subcutaneous semaglutide prevents weight regain and promotes further weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, whereas switching to placebo results in significant weight regain.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →