New study shows that aging of the pituitary gland can be rejuvenated

Aging is a complex system that, until recently, was a mystery to many professionals in the medical field. But as the ‘age-old’ saying goes; where there is a will, there is a way. A recent study carried out by stem cell biologist and professor from the Department of Development and Regeneration; Hugo Vankelecom—together with his associates—has successfully observed that the aging of the pituitary gland in mice is caused by an age-related kind of chronic inflammation. Published in the scientific journal, PNAS, the results open up the possibility that the aging process could be slowed down, and perhaps partially repaired through the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a minuscule and globular gland located just beneath the brain that plays an important role in hormone regulation. Results from Professor Vankelecom’s study show that the pituitary gland ages as a result of an age-related chronic inflammation that affects tissues, as well as the entire organism. Naturally, this inflammation goes undetected by the organism as it ages—a process known as ‘inflammaging’ which is a portmanteau of inflammation and aging. Vankelecom believes that this inflammation could be responsible for slowing down hormone production as we age. The study also spotlights the significance of stem cells in the aging process. In fact, in a previous study conducted by Vankelecom and his associates in 2012, the team observed that a swift reaction of stem cells in the pituitary gland to injury triggered a repair mechanism in tissue, even in adult organisms. From the study, Vankelecom was able to determine that the regenerative capacity of stem cells in the pituitary gland does not disappear with age. If anything, it is hindered by the inflammatory nature that encompasses the pituitary gland. But once the stem cells are removed from this environment, they exhibit similar features as stem cells from a young pituitary. This study opens up a whole series of significant therapeutic avenues that could potentially reactivate the pituitary gland among the elderly. It could mean slowing down the hormonal aging process, as well as repairing any damage caused by a tumor in the pituitary. However, Vankelecom mentions that such treatment options are yet to be realized, as a lot of fundamental research needs to be carried out first before such therapy is availed to the public. But the study also unveils another interesting avenue of aging; it suggests that the use of anti-inflammatory drugs could slow down pituitary aging and rejuvenate the pituitary. However, no research has been carried out to confirm this effect. It’s also important to note that Vankelecom’s study was carried out on mice; which have a far greater capacity for regeneration than humans. For example, mice are capable of repairing damaged teeth at any age, while humans lost this ability over the course of their evolution. That being said, Vankelecom is confident that the study could be applied to human beings. He says: “There are plenty of signs suggesting that pituitary processes in mice and humans are similar, and we have recent evidence to hand that gene expression in the pituitaries of humans and mice is very similar. As such, it is highly likely that the insights we gained will equally apply to humans.”