In this recent New York Times article, Jennifer Welsh discussed the discovery of a specific cancer and diabetes resisting gene that is found in Ecuadorians with Laron syndrome. Laron syndrome happens when certain genes responsible for releasing growth hormones are mutated, stopping the production of the growth factor IGF1. Although this causes dwarfism, studies have shown it also increases longevity and reduces the incidence of cancer and diabetes.
I find this research to be very uplifting and exciting. I really hope that this can develop into something that can prevent cancer and diabetes in the future, because they are really horrible and should be eradicated. Valtar Longo, the lead study author of the University of Southern California, says that he is planning to run clinical trials with these drugs. I think this is a great idea but I also feel that the negatives of artificially altering the hormone levels in a person might out weigh the positives, especially if there are unknown side effects and such. Doesn't a lack in IGF1 cause dwarfism and other complications? I really like this research though it is very hopeful and interesting.
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