Genes and Small Molecules That Slow Aging-Effects on Cardiovascular Disease

Aging increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. At the other end of the spectrum, reducing caloric intake by 40 percent (caloric restriction) is the most robust and reproducible way to delay age-related diseases and extend lifespan in mammals. We have undertaken studies to find genes and small molecules that activate conserved longevity pathways underlying caloric restriction, with a view to finding drugs to treat (and prevent) multiple diseases of aging, potentially with a single pill. Results from pre-clinical and clinical studies will be presented, including new data showing that inflammation and cardiovascular disease can be dramatically slowed in both lean and obese mice using resveratrol, a SIRT1 activator.