Anti-aging Purposes Research Articles

Efficacy study of the new polycaprolactone thread compared with other commercialized threads in a murine model.

BackgroundPolydioxanone (PDO) threads, poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) threads, and polycaprolactone (PCL) threads have been used for lifting and antiaging purposes. The new PCL threads that have less residual monomer compared to the previous PCL are developed.AimsThe efficacy of threads regarding collagen synthesis and wrinkle improvement was evaluated in vivo model.MethodsIn this study, threads were inserted into 30 six‐week‐old male SKH‐1 hairless mice. One of four threads was implanted at either side of the spine of each mouse. Biopsy specimens obtained at 1, 4, and 8 weeks were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Herovici's stain. Additionally, immunoblot analysis was performed using primary antibody for collagen type III and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and visualized by chemiluminescence and densitometric quantification. Finally, skin replicas were used to calculate total wrinkle area (mm2).ResultsNeocollagenesis was significantly increased by 50% in the new PCL and pre‐existing PCL groups at 8 weeks (p value < 0.001). Additionally, new‐PCL‐implanted mice showed a significant increase in collagen type III and TGF‐β expressions at 8 weeks (p value < 0.001). The number of inflammatory cells was also increased in the skin of PCL‐implanted mice at 8 weeks. Finally, wrinkles were reduced about 20% in the new PCL group at 8 weeks.ConclusionsThe new PCL thread exhibited a superior skin rejuvenation effect. This suggests that the material processing technology can be applied not only to the thread but also to various products such as dermal filler and cosmetics.

Defective recruitment of motor proteins to autophagic compartments contributes to autophagic failure in aging.

SummaryInability to preserve proteostasis with age contributes to the gradual loss of function that characterizes old organisms. Defective autophagy, a component of the proteostasis network for delivery and degradation of intracellular materials in lysosomes, has been described in multiple old organisms, while a robust autophagy response has been linked to longevity. The molecular mechanisms responsible for defective autophagic function with age remain, for the most part, poorly characterized. In this work, we have identified differences between young and old cells in the intracellular trafficking of the vesicular compartments that participate in autophagy. Failure to reposition autophagosomes and lysosomes toward the perinuclear region with age reduces the efficiency of their fusion and the subsequent degradation of the sequestered cargo. Hepatocytes from old mice display lower association of two microtubule‐based minus‐end‐directed motor proteins, the well‐characterized dynein, and the less‐studied KIFC3, with autophagosomes and lysosomes, respectively. Using genetic approaches to mimic the lower levels of KIFC3 observed in old cells, we confirmed that reduced content of this motor protein in fibroblasts leads to failed lysosomal repositioning and diminished autophagic flux. Our study connects defects in intracellular trafficking with insufficient autophagy in old organisms and identifies motor proteins as a novel target for future interventions aiming at correcting autophagic activity with anti‐aging purposes.

Coffee Silverskin: A Review on Potential Cosmetic Applications

Coffee silverskin, the major coffee-roasting by-product, is currently used as fuel and for soil fertilization. However, there are several studies reporting silverskin as a good source of bioactive compounds that can be extracted and further used by cosmetic industry. Its high antioxidant potential may be due to the synergistic interaction of chlorogenic acids (1–6%), caffeine (0.8–1.25%), and melanoidins (17–23%), among other antioxidant compounds. The bioactive compounds of silverskin can answer to the new fields of cosmetic industry on natural active ingredient resources that improve health skin appearance, counteract skin aging and related diseases, in an environmentally friendly approach. Skin aging is a complex process associated with oxidative metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. ROS production increase matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), as well as pro-inflammatory mediators, resulting in consequent skin damage and aging. To counteract this process, cosmetic industry is looking for compounds able to increase MMP inhibitory activities, hyaluronidase inhibitory activity, expression of collagen and elastase inhibitory activity, as potential bioactive ingredients with anti-aging purposes. This review focuses on skin aging factors and the potential anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cellulite and anti-hair loss activity, as well as protection against UV damage, of coffee silverskin and their bioactive compounds.

Anti-aging and tyrosinase inhibition effects of Cassia fistula flower butanolic extract.

BackgroundNatural products made from plant sources have been used in a variety of cosmetic applications as a source of nutrition and as a whitening agent. The flowers of Cassia fistula L, family Fabaceae, have been used as a traditional medicine for skin diseases and wound healing and have been reported to possess anti-oxidant properties. The anti-aging effect of C. fistula flower extract on human skin fibroblast was investigated.MethodsThe butanolic extraction of C. fistula flowers was completed and the active compounds were classified. The cytotoxicity of fibroblasts was evaluated by SRB assay for the purposes of selecting non-toxic doses for further experiments. The collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis was then measured using the collagen kit and ELISA, respectively. Moreover, the enzyme activity, including collagenase, matrixmelloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tyrosinase, were also evaluated.ResultsIt was found that the flower extract did not affect skin fibroblast cell growth (IC50 > 200 μg/mL). The results did show that the flower extract significantly increased collagen and HA synthesis in a dose dependent manner. The flower extract (50–200 μg/mL) also significantly inhibited collagenase and MMP-2 activity. Furthermore, this flower extract could inhibit the tyrosinase activity that causes hyperpigmentation, which induces skin aging.ConclusionsThe C. fistula flower extract displayed a preventive effect when used for anti-aging purposes in human skin fibroblasts and may be an appropriate choice for cosmetic products that aim to provide whitening effects, and which are designated as anti-aging facial skin care products.

The resveratrol derivatives trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4-fluoro-4'-hydroxystilbene and trans-2,4',5-trihydroxystilbene decrease oxidative stress and prolong lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene (1)) was previously shown to extend the lifespan of different model organisms. However, its pharmacological efficiency is controversially discussed. Therefore, the bioactivity of four newly synthesized stilbenes (trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4-fluoro-4'-hydroxystilbene (3), trans-4'-hydroxy-3,4,5-trifluorostilbene (4), trans-2,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene (5), trans-2,4',5-trihydroxystilbene (6)) was compared to (1) and pterostilbene (trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene (2)) in the established model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF), thermotolerance assays, C. elegans lifespan analyses. All compounds exert a strong in-vitro radical scavenging activity (6 > 1 > 5 > 2 = 3 = 4), but in vivo, only (3) and (6) reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Furthermore, (3) and (6) increased the mobility of aged nematodes and prolonged their mean lifespans, while these compounds decreased the thermal stress resistance. Using daf-16 (FoxO), skn-1 (Nrf2) and sir-2.1 (sirtuin) loss-of-function mutant strains, the in vivo antioxidant effects of compounds (3) and (6) were abolished, showing the necessity of these evolutionary highly conserved factors. However, short-time treatment with stilbenes (3) and (6) did not modulate the cellular localization of the transcription factors DAF-16 and SKN-1. In contrast to resveratrol, the synthetic stilbene derivatives (3) and (6) increase the lifespan of C. elegans, rendering them promising candidates for pharmacological anti-ageing purposes.

Polyphenols Nanoencapsulation for Therapeutic Applications

Natural polyphenols are valuable compounds present in plants, fruits, legumes, chocolate, tea, wine and marine organisms possessing scavenging properties towards radical oxygen species. These abilities make polyphenols interesting either for the treatment of various diseases like inflammation and cancer or for anti-ageing purposes in cosmetic formulations. Unfortunately, such compounds lack in long-term stability, are very sensitive to light, and often present a low water solubility and poor bioavailability. To overcome these limitations and enhance polyphenols therapeutic applications, nanotechnology-based delivery systems have been developed, and among all, nanoencapsulation represented a promising strategy. This review described a recent overview of physicochemical nanoencapsulated polyphenols focusing on the most representative molecules such as resveratrol, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and curcumin.

The standardized Lycium chinense fruit extract protects against Alzheimer׳s disease in 3xTg-AD mice

BackgroundAlzheimer׳s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. This disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder accompanied with severe learning and memory impairment. This study investigated whether treatment with standardized Lycii Fructus Extract (LFE) would improve the cognitive function and the pathological features of AD in 3xTg-AD mice. Ethnopharmacological relevanceLycii Fructus is a fruit of Lycium chinense Miller and widely distributed in East Asia and has been used traditionally for anti-aging purposes. Materials and methodsThe cognitive function of 3xTg-AD mice was assessed using the Morris water maze test. The levels of the amyloid beta deposits and NeuN in the hippocampus were evaluated with immunohistochemistry. Brain neurotrophic derived factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) expressions were examined by western blot analysis. ResultsLFE treatment significantly ameliorated learning and memory deficits in AD mice, as shown by increased time spent in the target zone during probe tests. In addition, LFE significantly decreased Aβ deposits, increased NeuN-positive cells, and upregulated the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the 3xTg AD mice. ConclusionsThe present study suggests that LFE treatment can be a useful strategy for treating memory impairment induced by several neurodegenerative diseases.

Inhibitory effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on cell apoptosis and senescence is potentially mediated by the p53 signaling pathway

Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) fruit or extract has been regarded as a superior-grade Chinese medicine, used to modulate body immunity and for anti-aging purposes. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear. In the present study, L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), considered a major contributor of L. barbarum effects, were used to elucidate its mechanism of action by phenotypic and senescence associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) assays, evaluation of survival rates in vivo and expression profiling of genes related to the p53 signaling pathway in a zebrafish model. Zebrafish embryos were continuously exposed to various concentrations of LBPs (1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mg/ml) for 3 days. The results of fluorescent acridine orange and SA-β-gal staining indicated that cell apoptosis and senescence mainly occur in the head at 24 hours post fertilization (hpf) and 72 hpf. In addition, resistance to replicative senescence was observed at low doses of LBPs, especially at the 3.0 mg/ml concentration. Furthermore, the expression of genes that relate to aging, such as p53, p21 and Bax, was decreased, while that of Mdm2 and TERT genes was increased after treatment with LBPs. The results demonstrated that the effects of LBPs on cell apoptosis and aging might be mediated by the p53-mediated pathway.

Asn-Trp dipeptides improve the oxidative stress and learning dysfunctions in D-galactose-induced BALB/c mice.

The oral administration of Asn-Trp (NW) or carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) dipeptides to D-galactose (Gal)-induced BALB/c mice was used to evaluate antioxidant activities in vivo. D-Galactose (Gal) was subcutaneously injected into the dorsal necks of mice daily for eight weeks to induce oxidative stress (Gal group). From the beginning of the fifth week, groups of NW10, NW40 (10 or 40 mg NW kg(-1)) or carnosine40 (40 mg carnosine kg(-1)) were administered orally concurrent Gal injection until the end of studies. It was found that the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in these intervention groups were much lower than the Gal group. The mice in the NW40 group showed significant improvements compared to the Gal group in a reference memory task and probe trial test evaluated by Morris water maze. Mice in the intervention groups showed higher GSH levels and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity activities and lower MDA levels in the brain or liver tissues compared to the Gal group. The levels of advanced glycation end-products, including N(ε)-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and argpyrimidine, in the brain tissues of the NW40 interventions are significantly lower compared to the Gal group. These results suggest that NW may be useful in developing functional foods for antioxidant and anti-aging purposes.

Design and in vivo evaluation of emulgel formulations including green tea extract and rose oil

Prevention of skin aging and its treatment is an emerging field for development of new formulations in cosmetics. Accordingly, plant extracts with antioxidant properties are beneficial cosmetic ingredients for this purpose. This study was aimed at developing a stable and easily manufactured emulgel including green tea extract and rose oil that is effective on the barrier function and hydration of the skin. An emulgel formulation containing 20 % green tea extract and 5 % rose oil was designed as a result of pre-formulation studies. Physicochemical characterization, in vitro stability studies, in vivo water content of the stratum corneum and transepidermal water loss studies were carried out afterwards. In vivo studies on ten female subjects were evaluated by using non-invasive skin bioengineering techniques. Finally, a cosmetically acceptable, stable and effective emulgel formulation for skin barrier function with good hydrating properties was obtained for skin hydration, protection and anti-aging purposes.

밤나무잎의 항주름 효과

본 연구는 노령목의 산림의 경제적 가치를 증진하고자 밤나무 잎에 함유된 물질의 기능성화장품 원료로의 기능을 규명하여 화장품 산업에 적용하기 위하여 천연소재로써의 이용 가능성을 살펴보았다. 항산화능 측정을 위한 실험으로 DPPH radical 소거능과 ABTS cation radical 소거능을 실시하였으며, 양성 대조군으로는 항산화 작용이 있는 것으로 알려진 BHA를 이용하여 밤잎 추출물의 항산화 효과를 비교하였다. 그 결과 아세톤 추출물의 경우 시료 농도에 따라 DPPH radical 및 ABTS radical 소거 증가 정도가 컸으며, 열수 추출물은 10 ug/ml의 농도에서 50% 이상의 소거활성을 나타내었다. 이러한 결과로 미루어 볼 때 밤잎 추출물은 항산화 작용이 높고 피부에서 흔히 일어나는 활성산소에 대한 노화 방지에 도움이 될 것으로 사료된다. 주름개선 효과 측정으로 elastase 저해활성을 측정한 결과 아세톤과 열수 추출물에서는 그 효과가 없었으나 에탄올 추출물 100 ug/ml에서 64.6%의 우수한 elastase 저해활성을 나타내었으며, collagenase 저해활성을 측정한 결과 3가지 추출물은 100 ug/ml에서 열수 추출물 18.0%, 아세톤 추출물 14.3%, 에탄올 추출물 5.3%의 순으로 collagenase 저해활성능을 나타내었으며, 다른 천연물질을 이용한 연구결과와 비교 시 밤잎 추출물은 주름개선에 우수함을 확인 할 수 있었다. 주름개선 원료로의 이용가치가 있을 것으로 보인다. 이상의 연구 결과로 보아 밤잎은 항산화 및 항노화 효소 활성을 갖는 천연소재로서 주름개선 소재로 활용 될 수 있을 것으로 사료되며, 임삼 효능 평가 등의 계속적인 연구를 통해 기능성 화장품 소재로 개발된 가능성이 매우 높다고 사료된다. This research old age chestnut tree that loss function chestnut leaf renewal efficiency enlargement and development of cosmeceutical product by purpose. Chestnut leaf (CL) exhibits numerous pharmacological effect including anti-allergy and anti-microbial properties. However, the anti-wrinkle effect of CL is not completely understood. In this study, to find a possible explanation for the anti-wrinkle effects of CL, we evaluated the effects of CL on radical scavenging activity, elastase inhibition activity and collagenase inhibition activity. CL was extracted with various solvents including water (CLW), 70% ethanol (CLE) and 70% acetone (CLA). The results showed that CLW, CLE, and CLA have the radical scavenging activity. In addition, we showed that CLW, CLE, and CLA have the elastase inhibition activity and collagenase inhibition activity. Consequently, the CL has a potent anti-wrinkle effect and it could be a useful cosmeceutical product for anti-aging purposes.

Protein kinases as targets for interventive biogerontology: Overview and perspectives

Protein kinases are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of γ phosphate from adenosine triphosphate to substrate proteins, and are important signal transduction mediators in a diversity of biological processes, ranging from apoptosis to energy metabolism. In this article, we will take this prominent class of proteins as an example to illustrate the involvement of proteins in modulation of aging and to highlight the prospects and challenges of protein-targeted interventions for anti-aging purposes. It is hoped that through this article, more empirical work on interventive gerontology will follow, and with collaborative endeavors among researchers, hurdles in anti-aging intervention development can be overcome in the near future.

Superoxide Dismutase 3 Suppresses Hyaluronic Acid Fragments Mediated Skin Inflammation by Inhibition of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Pathway: Superoxide Dismutase 3 Inhibits Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Trafficking of Toll-Like Receptor 4 to Lipid Rafts

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a component of the extracellular matrix and has been extensively applied for cosmetic, therapeutic, and antiaging purposes. However, HA fragments (HAFs) cause adverse effects. Considering that UV-exposure produces HAF that accumulated on the skin, the role of HAF in skin inflammation and its precise mechanism needs to be clarified, and strategies for the prevention of skin inflammation are necessary. We found that extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD), SOD3, suppresses HAF-mediated skin inflammation, while HAF mediated skin inflammation, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) dominantly infiltrate, up-regulating inflammatory cytokines and chemokines receptors. However, keratinocytes indirectly responded to HAF. Instead, epidermis containing keratinocytes were stimulated by secreted molecules from HAF-treated macrophages or DC and produced inflammatory molecules including chemokines, which, in turn, led to skin inflammation. This orchestrated inflammatory response was inhibited by SOD3. In addition, SOD3 inhibited DC maturation by suppressing the expression of major histocompatibility complex II, CD80, and CD86. Interestingly, these responses did not occur in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) deficient mice. Similar to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), HAF promoted TLR4 translocation into the lipid rafts to initiate signaling. This trafficking was mediated, at least in part, by NAPDH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Subsequently, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) subunit, p65, was recruited the promoters of genes encoding inflammatory molecules. This inflammatory machinery was blocked by SOD3. Thus, we propose that SOD3 might provide an effective strategy for the treatment of HAF-mediated skin inflammation.

Encapsulation of Natural Polyphenolic Compounds; a Review

Natural polyphenols are valuable compounds possessing scavenging properties towards radical oxygen species, and complexing properties towards proteins. These abilities make polyphenols interesting for the treatment of various diseases like inflammation or cancer, but also for anti-ageing purposes in cosmetic formulations, or for nutraceutical applications. Unfortunately, these properties are also responsible for a lack in long-term stability, making these natural compounds very sensitive to light and heat. Moreover, polyphenols often present a poor biodisponibility mainly due to low water solubility. Lastly, many of these molecules possess a very astringent and bitter taste, which limits their use in food or in oral medications. To circumvent these drawbacks, delivery systems have been developed, and among them, encapsulation would appear to be a promising approach. Many encapsulation methods are described in the literature, among which some have been successfully applied to plant polyphenols. In this review, after a general presentation of the large chemical family of plant polyphenols and of their main chemical and biological properties, encapsulation processes applied to polyphenols are classified into physical, physico-chemical, chemical methods, and other connected stabilization methods. After a brief description of each encapsulation process, their applications to polyphenol encapsulation for pharmaceutical, food or cosmetological purposes are presented.

Nucleic acid therapy for lifespan prolongation: Present and future

Lifespan prolongation is a common desire of the human race. With advances in biotechnology, the mechanism of aging has been gradually unraveled, laying the theoretical basis of nucleic acid therapy for lifespan prolongation. Regretfully, clinically applicable interventions do not exist without the efforts of converting theory into action, and it is the latter that has been far from adequately addressed at the moment. This was demonstrated by a database search on PubMed and Web of Science, from which only seven studies published between 2000 and 2010 were found to directly touch on the development of nucleic acid therapy for anti-aging and/or longevity enhancing purposes. In light of this, the objective of this article is to overview the current understanding of the intimate association between genes and longevity, and to bring the prospect of nucleic acid therapy for lifespan prolongation to light.

Novel anti‐wrinkle effect of cosmeceutical product with new retinyl retinoate microsphere using biodegradable polymer

The novel hybrid retinoid, retinyl retinoate, is a synthetic material that was designed to reduce the side effects of retinoic acid and to increase the stability of retinol. The formulation of the retinyl retinoate, however, is required to enhance skin permeation, and thus to increase the anti-wrinkle effect. To identify the efficacy of retinyl retinoate microsphere using biodegradable polymer as an anti-aging agent of cosmetics in treating females over 30 years old with periorbital wrinkles. The retinyl retinoate microsphere was prepared using the biodegradable polymer; polylactic acid (PLA). We also conducted two clinical studies with a total of 44 Korean women for 12 weeks. In the first clinical study, 20 patients completed a 12-week trial of cream A [3% PLA-retinyl retinoate (2%) microsphere] applied twice daily to the face. In the second clinical study, 24 patients completed a 12-week trial of cream B (0.06% retinyl retinoate) applied twice daily to the face. Efficacy was based on a global photodamage score, photographs, and image analysis using replicas and Visiometers every 4 weeks. The PLA-retinyl retinoate microsphere was more effective for the permeation of retinyl retinoate than retinyl retinoate in itself. The cream A, which contains 3% PLA-retinyl retinoate (2%) microsphere, showed a statistically significant improvement in facial wrinkles (P<0.05) in 20 volunteers after only 4 weeks of application in a clinical trial test. The visual wrinkle improvement and the maximum roughness improvement rate (R2) for cream A was 6.05%, 8.03% higher than that of cream B which contains 0.06% retinyl retinoate, after 4 weeks. Retinyl retinoate has a potent anti-wrinkle activity, and the PLA-retinyl retinoate microsphere could be a useful cosmeceutical product for anti-aging purposes.

Statement by the Growth Hormone Research Society on the GH/IGF-I Axis in Extending Health Span

Despite the fact that growth hormone (GH) has not been approved for antiaging purposes, its use for this indication is widespread and increasing. The Growth Hormone Research Society (GRS) convened an international workshop to critically review and debate the available evidence related to the use of GH in the older adults and the relationship between the GH/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis and the aging process. This statement presents the conclusions reached and gives recommendations for future studies in this research field regarding the use of GH and growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) for promoting health span. The participants concluded that, until future clinical research in this area is conducted, in particular carefully designed, long-term studies, using validated outcome parameters, the clinical use of GH or GHS in older adults, alone or in combination with testosterone, cannot be recommended. In addition, future basic studies in model systems, to continue to unravel GH/IGF-I effects related to human life span and health span, were advocated.

Acting your age? Sports science and the ageing body

The medicalisation of aging and old age constructs ageing as first and foremost a biomedical event and as a process of inevitable decline. In sports science and sports medicine the functional decrements normally associated with ageing are being addressed. There is evidence reported in the scientific literature suggesting that certain exercise interventions can ‘reduc[e] or prevent[…] functional declines linked to secondary aging’ [Goggin, N.L., and Morrow, J.R. Jr. (2001). "Physical Activity Behaviors of Older Adults." Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 9, 58–66.]. However a sociological critique is necessary. Whilst sports science seeks to position itself as a key player in the fight against ageing, it also opens the potential for the reconstruction of the ageing body as fit. However the evidence that exercise can fundamentally reshape older bodies is equivocal. A new frame is proposed which divorces exercise from anti-ageing purposes and uses the science of exercise to enable older people to recover a sense of physical competence as a creative pursuit in its own right.

Hormontherapie und Anti-Aging

The desire for a long life is deeply embedded in nearly all men. Fortunately life expectancy has remarkably increased over the past decades, on the other hand advancing age is frequently associated with a rise in morbidity. Above simply prolonging life there is a need to search for strategies to improve the quality of life in the elderly. Different substances to prevent premature aging, cancer and degenerative disorders appear to be promising candidates. Since it has been suggested that the decline of different hormones over the lifespan is closely related to the aging process replacement of these hormones may be a strategy against aging. Especially hormones like growth hormone, DHEA, testosterone and melatonin were considered as anti-aging agents. This review is focusing on the theoretical background and the previously known effects of different hormones to slow aging processes. Despite some promising results in a variety of studies conducted over the past years presently available data do not justify the broad use of hormones for anti-aging purposes. However, although no single hormone can be recognized as a 'rejuvenating' and life extending agent, some of their actions may be beneficial for the aging process.

Anti-Aging Therapy With Human Growth Hormone Associated With Metastatic Colon Cancer in a Patient With Crohn’s Colitis

The nonapproved use of human growth hormone (HGH) for anti-aging has been increasing. Theoretical concerns for neoplastic potentiation by HGH have been raised, but not proven clinically. We report the case of a 68-year-old man with colonic Crohn's disease who was found to have aggressive metastatic colon cancer. The patient had been receiving HGH therapy for anti-aging purposes for 7 years before presentation. Normal and malignant colonic tissue was examined for qualitative and quantitative molecular profiles of growth hormone (GH) and its signaling molecules, using immunohistochemistry and RNA extraction with polymerase chain reaction amplification. Immunoreactivity was more robust in tumor tissue than in normal colon for insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) but not for IGF, GH, or GH receptor. RNA extraction with quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that IGF-1R and vascular endothelial growth factor expression, but not IGF-1, GH receptor, or suppressor of cytokine signaling-2, were higher in tumor than in normal colonic tissue. Colorectal cancer development concurrent with administration of HGH for anti-aging purposes occurred in an individual already at increased risk for colon cancer. This underscores the need for further investigation of the proneoplastic potential of GH supplementation for anti-aging.