Unlocking the Promise of Reverse Ageing

WORDS DR FERNANDO CORTIZO

FEATURED EXPERT
DR FERNANDO CORTIZO
Executive Director
Agape ATP Corporation

In Malaysia, like many other nations, the ageing population is a growing concern, highlighting the need for sustainable healthcare solutions.

This backdrop adds a poignant relevance to humanity’s age-old fascination with staying young forever. From legendary tales like the fountain of youth to cutting-edge scientific research, the concept of reversing ageing has captured our imagination for centuries.

Today, thanks to breakthroughs in biotechnology and medical research, what once seemed like a fantasy is edging closer to reality.

ANTI-AGEING & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

The idea of reversing the effects of ageing is now firmly established in the domains of scientific investigation and experimentation.

Until now, by using an integrative medicine approach, most of the efforts have been focused on the slowing down of the ageing process. This has been possible by a combination of exercise, nutrition, lifestyle modification, diet, and hormones restoration.

Researchers have made great progress in solving the secrets of ageing over the course of the past few decades. They have identified critical molecular pathways and biological processes that contribute to cellular decline and senescence. Armed with this information, scientists are currently engaged in the process of actively researching new products, therapies, and protocols with the goal of reversing the fundamental process of ageing.

The fields of regenerative medicine, cellular rejuvenation, and genetic engineering are witnessing ground-breaking discoveries that are at the vanguard of this revolutionary frontier.

STEM CELLS & IMMUNOTHERAPY

The utilization of stem cells, which possess the theoretical capacity to regenerate and repair damaged tissues, is one strategy that shows promise.

The regenerative ability of stem cells is harnessed by scientists to investigate new methods of replenishing ageing cells, restoring tissue function, and rejuvenating organs that have aged.

The application of these cells in a clinical setting, while promising, remains a challenge, with many unregulated operators offering a variety of stem cells treatments without the proper safety and quality checks and balances.

Furthermore, there is clear lack of consensus and criteria within the scientific and medical community as to what constitutes a proper stem cell and expected outcomes for clinical application.

EPIGENETICS & GENE EXPRESSION

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence.

It is another line of inquiry that takes into consideration the function that epigenetics plays in the regulation of the ageing process. This approach currently offers some promising results in animal studies when it comes to reversing macular degeneration, eyesight loss, and physical ageing.

Resetting the biological clock, reversing age-related alterations, and restoring youthful gene expression patterns are the goals of researchers that manipulate epigenetic pathways in an effort to reset the biological clock. The epigenetic therapies that are being discussed here have the potential to revitalize cells and tissues and thereby reversing the effects of human ageing.

SENOLYTICS & ZOMBIE CELL ELIMINATION

Recent developments in the field of senolytics—a category of medications that selectively target and remove senescent cell that accumulate with age and contribute to tissue malfunction—have opened up new options for reversing the degeneration associated with ageing.

During preclinical research, senolytic medicines have demonstrated the potential to restore tissue function and improve overall health span. This is accomplished by eliminating the “zombie cells” that are present in tissues that have aged.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Recent developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning are altering our understanding of ageing and expediting the identification of anti-aging therapies. These developments are occurring in addition to the biological approaches that have been discussed previously.

Artificial intelligence algorithms are able to uncover novel biomarkers of ageing, anticipate individual health trajectories, and adapt individualized interventions for best anti-aging outcomes. This is accomplished by evaluating large volumes of data, which range from genomic profiles to clinical outcomes.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The possibility of reversing the effects of ageing is filled with fundamental ethical, social, and philosophical concerns.

We have to address fundamental concerns about the nature of ageing, identity, and the human experience when we pursue the idea of a longer lifespan and eternal youth.

We must make certain that equal access to anti-ageing medicines is emphasized, and that the benefits are distributed in an equitable manner across a variety of communities, as we continue to push the limits of what is considered to be a healthy lifespan.

The extension of lifespan will challenge our perception and attitudes about future generations and the world’s limited resources and environmental impact at a large scale.

Furthermore, the pursuit of reverse ageing encourages us to rethink the ways in which our society views the ageing process and adopt a more holistic approach to health and well-being.

Instead of perceiving ageing as an inevitable decline, we can adopt a proactive mentality that prioritizes preventative methods, healthy lifestyle choices, and interventions that promote resilience and vitality across the lifespan. This will allow us to perceive ageing as something that is actually happening.

EMBRACING PROGRESS WITH OPTIMISM & INQUISITIVENESS

Much progress that has been made in reverse ageing is the final frontier in our search for life and endless youth. We are getting closer and closer to discovering the reasons behind the ageing process and prolonging the health span and the lifespan of the human body with each new scientific discovery and technological advancement.

These are indeed exciting times. Together, we should embrace the potential of reverse ageing with optimism, inquisitiveness, and a persistent dedication to enhancing the human condition in the decades to come.

Doctors Answer Parents’ Burning Questions About Eczema and Children

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT
DR MELANIE MAJAHAM
Consultant Paediatrician
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity

WHY DOES MY CHILD HAVE ECZEMA?
Dr Melanie Majaham explains that:

  • Eczema usually happens in a child that already has a tendency for dry skin.
  • The child’s skin becomes inflamed and very itchy when they are exposed to triggers such as chemicals, sweat and heat.
  • Red, dry, itchy patches form on the skin as a result of the inflammation.
  • Because of the itch, the child will constantly scratch their skin, which can lead to further damage to the skin. Blisters, oozing, crusting, and sores are some possible consequences from the constant scratching.
  • Such damaged skin leaves the child vulnerable to bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
HOW IS ECZEMA TREATED?

Dr Melanie says that treatment options will depend on which phase the eczema is in.

Active flare-ups
  • In active flare-ups, the child may need steroid-based creams to reduce the inflammation and break the itch cycle. These steroid creams are safe and will not cause long-term complications when used correctly over a short duration.
  • If the skin is infected, antibiotics and antiviral medications may be needed. Parents should be reassured that steroid creams prescribed correctly and in short duration will not lead to long term complications.
Subacute or chronic case (the skin is merely dry; no active inflammation present)
  • Maintenance therapy is important to prevent flare-ups.
  • Such therapy include intensive moisturizer creams that are free from fragrance and certain chemicals.
  • The child will also need to bathe with soap-free solutions to prevent excessive drying of the skin.
  • While bathing, make sure the water is not too warm. Dr Melanie nots that water that is too warm tend to worsen one’s eczema.
  • Wet skin should be pat dried gently with a towel.
FEATURED EXPERT
DR JUANI HAYYAN ABDUL KARAF
Consultant Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) and Head & Neck Surgeon
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity
WILL IMMUNOTHERAPY HELP MY CHILD?

Dr Juani Hayyan Abdul Karaf explains that immunotherapy—in the form of shots—is available to treat allergies, but this is specific for certain allergens such as house dust mites.

WILL MY CHILD CONTINUE TO HAVE ECZEMA WHEN THEY ARE AN ADULT?

Children with eczema can develop food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and asthma—a natural progression from infancy to adulthood known as the atopic march.

Dr Juani shares that the atopic march happens when children continue to develop inter-related allergies into childhood that can begin with eczema.

“It can start with a skin condition as it’s the first body barrier that can be breached. The body’s response can continue and manifest later as food allergies, allergic rhinitis, and asthma,” she elaborates.

More than 50% of children with eczema develop asthma later in life, with a further 33% developing food allergies, as well as an increased risk of developing allergic rhinitis .

CLOSING ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS
  • “Parents should ensure the child is kept cool as heat can aggravate eczema,” Dr Melanie points out. “Constant round-the-clock moisturizing also does wonders in keeping the child comfortable.”
  • Dr Melanie also discourages the use of antiseptic soaps, as these soaps are harsh and can worsen eczema. “Some parents think eczema is caused by poor hygiene and tend to use antiseptic soaps. However, the more appropriate bathing solution would be something soap-free and fragrance-free and rich in emollients.”
  • Dr Juani advises parents to encourage their child to exercise regularly and spend time outdoors to soak up vitamin D.

Not Sure What Immunotherapy Is? Get Your Answers From an Oncologist!

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT
DR HAFIZAH ZAHARAH AHMAD
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity
IMMUNOTHERAPY IS A NEWER APPROACH TO TREAT CANCER, BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

According to Dr Hafizah Zaharah, immunotherapy is a pretty unique way to treat cancer, in that it uses the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells.

“The immune system is like the police force of our bodies,” she says. “It is designed to protect the body against infections, illnesses, and diseases.”

The cells that make up our immune system. Click on the image for a larger, clearer version.

When it comes to faulty or mutated cells in our body, the immune system identifies and eliminates these cells before these cells become a significant threat to our healty.

However, the cells of our immune system may not be strong enough to kill cancer cells, according to Dr Hafizah. Sometimes, the cancer cells are able to fool our immune system by resembling normal cells or hiding themselves.

THIS IS WHERE IMMUNOTHERAPY COMES INTO THE PICTURE

“Immunotherapy can boost or change how the immune system works, so it can recognize and kill cancer cells,” explains Dr Hafizah.

For example, cancer cells originate from normal cells, so the immune system may still mistake them for normal cells.

“These cancer cells can push a ‘brake’ button on the immune cells, so the immune system would not attack them,” Dr Hafizah adds.

Now, a type of immunotherapy called checkpoint inhibitors can take the ‘brakes’ off the immune system, allowing it to now recognize and attack the cancer cells!

There are other types of immunotherapy, of course, and these treatments can be used for various cancers.

CANCERS THAT CAN RESPOND TO IMMUNOTHERAPY
  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Triple negative breast cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Gastric cancer
  • Oesophageal cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Liver cancer
  • Renal cell carcinoma
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Colon cancer
WHAT IS IMMUNOTHERAPY LIKE?

According to Dr Hafizah, various immunotherapy agents are given as an infusion into a vein (a drip) typically once every few weeks.

These immunotherapy agents can be given to the patient all by itself, or in combination with targeted therapy or chemotherapy.

“For advanced stage cancer, immunotherapy treatment generally is given for 2 years, alongside close monitoring,” Dr Hafizah further says.

IS IT EFFECTIVE, THOUGH?

Although immunotherapy seems like the answer every person with cancer is looking for, Dr Hafizah warns that not all types of cancers will respond well to the treatment.

This is why, before embarking on immunotherapy, one will first undergo a specific biomarker test, such as the PD-L1 test, which will be carried out on a cancer specimen to ensure that the person will respond to the treatment.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT?

“Generally, the treatment is well tolerated,” Dr Hafizah assures us.

However, just like with most types of treatments, side effects are possible. These include:

  • Feeling tired, skin rash, or muscle or joint pain
  • Rare side effects include allergic reactions such as dizziness, fast heart rate, face swelling, or breathing problems
  • Autoimmune reactions, which can lead to serious problems in the lungs, intestines, liver, hormone-making glands, kidneys, skin, etc