Scientist Believe They Discovered a Hormone to Reverse Cell Aging

Scientists from Brazil and the US have used a synthetic steroid danazol, which is a male hormone to encourage the growth of an enzyme called telomerase (already known to keep cells from "aging"). The telomerase stops cells from aging by stopping the deterioration telomeres on the end of chromosomes (shown in red).

In simpler terms, the enzyme stops chromosomes aging by stopping the shortening of red stuff, which are DNA protecting structures. It is basically like the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces to stop the end from fraying and getting "old".

As our cells divide to keep our skin young, telomeres shorten in the process, and it keeps dividing till there is about no more telomere. This is when the role of telomerase comes in; it keeps the telomeres intact so we can keep reproducing the skin cells.

With this new knowledge, scientists have been testing for two years and found people with aplastic anaemia, a deficiency of cells caused by telomerase gene mutations. These people would lose 300 more cells than an average person per year, but when given danazol (the male hormone), it stimulated the enzymes of telomerase and not only stopped it from losing cells quicker but reproduced cells faster.

This treatment did have a few side effects such as mood swings, digestive problems, and weariness, but we are one step closer to the elixir of youth.