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Interleukin 11 plays a crucial role during early development, but researchers have discovered that production levels increase as organisms age. Elevated IL-11 correlates with heightened levels of inflammation, which is a significant driver of age-related decline and various chronic diseases.
Further, IL-11 acts as a biological switch, influencing pathways that control the pace of aging. Its increased presence in older organisms appears to accelerate detrimental aging processes, emphasizing its role as a potential target for longevity interventions.
Cutting-Edge Interventions: Gene Editing and Pharmacology
To explore practical applications, scientists used two strategies:
- Gene editing in mice to prevent IL-11 production.