In a laboratory experiment with fruit flies, scientists discovered that lithium prolongs their lifespan by blocking an enzyme called GSK-3.
Different doses of lithium chloride were given to 160 adult flies to measure the effect on lifespan, compared to a control group that received sodium chloride.
This study, published in Cell Reports, showed that fruit flies lived 16% longer than average when given low doses of lithium. The drug’s benefits have also been seen when used irregularly, or as a single treatment. On the other hand, at high doses lithium reduced their life expectancy.
“We have found that low doses not only prolong life but also protect the body from stress and block fat production in flies given a high-sugar diet.” said Dr. Ivana Bjedov of the Harvard Cancer Institute, co-author of this study. The latter now hopes to explore the effects in more complex animals in the hope of eventually developing a drug that allows humans to age in good health.
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