Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, also known as IPF, is an incredibly deadly and vicious disease that attacks the lungs of humans. It has no known cure, and its symptoms can make breathing difficult, making it extremely debilitating. Fortunately, there are studies that are showing promising treatments for IPF, including oral treatments that improve levels of alpha-klotho.
What is Alpha-Klotho?
Alpha-Klotho is a protein that has been known for the past 30 years to regulate the aging process. Higher levels of Alpha-Klotho can help regulate aging factors such as insulin signaling, phosphate homeostasis, and much more.
Lack of Alpha-Klotho has, conversely, been associated with aging factors such as hypertension and vascular aging. From these studies, it can be inferred that Alpha-Klotho levels play an essential role in safeguarding humans from the effects of aging, as well as helping extend lifespan and preventing diseases like IPF.
Roll of Alpha-Klotho in IPF
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a type of chronic and progressive illness that leads to thickening and inflammation in the lung’s tissue, leading to the formation of scar tissue and, eventually, problems breathing and death.
There is no known cure for IPF, although treatments can help slow the progression of this disease. Such breakthrough treatments include the reduction of senescent cells within the body through oral treatments known as senolytics.
What are Senescent Cells?
Senescent cells are those that no longer grow, or go through a growth phase. These are cells that are stagnant, and that are thought to contribute to the aging process. Senescent cells can also compromise tissue repair and regeneration, leading to aging and a big component of IPF. However, there is now a new treatment known as senolytics therapy that claims to help reduce the number of senescent cells in the body.
Senolytics Therapy and IPF
Senolytics is a new and emerging medical treatment consisting of medications taken in pill form. Break-through studies have shown that these senolytics reduce senescent cells in the body. This can reduce aging, as well as improve levels of Alpha-Klotho in the body. Both of these can help in the treatment of IPF.
Putting it All Together
Alpha-Klotho has been studied for decades and is proven to play a role in aging. Increasing levels of Alpha-Klotho through senolytics or other means can potentially help improve outcomes for people with IPF, though more studies are needed.