Aging, Longevity and Immortality Research Clement Li Core 547

1 Introduction: De Grey (2004), Olshansky, Carnes, and Cassel (1990) introduced a valid point in support of the study of longevity as being the only logical step in the evolution of research. They suggested that it is natural for medical advances to counter a problem currently experienced, or in an area where the greatest population could benefit most. Until the mid 1900s, the attention throughout medicine was centered on the mortality rates in childbirth. It wasnt until Dr. Louis Pasteur and his introduction of the germ theory that saw the utilization of proper hygiene and antibiotics seen in todays practice. Although childbirth continues to be an unnerving process, conditions developed through Dr. Pasteurs theories have mitigated the risks and lowered mortality rates, leading to improved longevity for both child and mother. Now, with the vast majority of diseases under control, and the overall population aging (Anderson and Hussey, 2000), the focus has no where to go but shift to longevity by dealing with the diseases of aging. Many (Altmann and Gubrud, 2004; Blagosklonny, 2012) hope that by conquering aging and its list of comorbidities, retirement benefits, social security fund, and the health care system will be alleviated of the burden expected to materialize. For some researchers, political and economical benefits may be just a side effect of their ambition to defeat the fate of death and transform humanity and its evolution. Because the notion of death is and has been a universal concept, by removing this variable from our evolutionary equation will result in a global paradigm shift at every level of society. It is then crucial for each individual not only to consider how this can be achieved, but attempt to comprehend the possible outcomes this could inflict upon society. In this paper, I will present various methods that have been explored in this area of science, as

2 well, discuss the implications tied to this topic. Scientific Approaches: Biologists have been making small strides over the last 3 decades to extend mortality rates. Even with these efforts, the research community has yet to determine what specific changes occur between the ages of 30 to 70 that increase the chance of dying by roughly 32-fold; perhaps we will find out within this century (De Magalhaes, 2004). Without knowing exactly where to start, researchers venture according to theoretical proficiency and seek a variety of ways to reverse signs of aging.

Gene Therapy: Gene therapy has been described as a major vehicle to deliver information into the body on a cellular level (De Magalhaes, 2004). DNA is carried within a dormant virus, as a medium, to target and insert customized DNA into the cells. In one discovery, an expression of IGF-1, a growth factor, reversed age-related changes in the skeletal muscle of mice, increasing strength by almost 30% of an aged subject compared to controls (Barton-Davis, Shoturma, Musaro, Rosenthal and Sweeney, 1998). Unfortunately, the amount of DNA that this method could transport into the cells are so minuscule in comparison to the complexity of a complete DNA structure that it may only be used as a supplementary method to counter aging.

Nanotechnology: Perhaps one of the most diverse biotechnologies at the moment is nanotechnology. It is widely accepted that as we age, our DNA accumulates damage,

3 whether the damage is a result of aging is yet to be confirmed. Naturally, the body features several nanostructures as part of the DNA repair machinery (De Magalhaes, 2004). By enhancing the body with additional nanostructures, the theory is that the process can function from repair to the reversal of such damage and contribute against age-related diseases. However, because of the variety of ways that nanotechnology could be applied, Altmann and Gubrud (2004) found that advances made in the field of nanotechnology has recently been used to create suits for the military; Altmann and Gubrud also suggest that the potential of weaponry designed through nanotechnology may become far more violent than currently imaginable. These findings have influenced the studies and usage of nanotechnology.

Stem Cells: One area of genetic biology that has been the center of the talk over the last decade and a half is stem cell research. A stem cell is an unprogrammed cell that has the potential to become any type of cell in the adult body. By replenishing mature cells with young, enhanced stem cells, we can reduce age-related atrophies of several organ systems (Donehower, 2002). The ability of stem cells to regenerate virtually all types of tissues holds great promise; and in theory, it is possible to create practically all components of a human body in the lab and then replace the patients organs and tissues one by one (Krause et al, 2001). Recently, these practices have produced working kidneys and even hearts. By stimulating the stem cells from within the bone marrow, we can mobilize these cells to migrate into various tissues to repair affected areas in the treatment of a variety of degenerative conditions (Horwitz et al, 1999). Diseases that

4 appear from aging such as cardiomyopathy, diabetes, arthritis, kidney failure, pulmonary diseases, muscular dystrophy and even erectile dysfunction have experienced positive results linked to circulating stem cells (Drapeau, 2011). At this preliminary stage, Stem cell research has shown to be an expensive and complex process and thus is questioned by its feasibility.

Rapamycin: Rapamycin is somewhat the new kid on the block. Traditionally, and currently used in preventing rejection in post-kidney transplant, new uses for the drug have recently surfaced. The excitement that surrounds rapamycin is the fact that it is currently in use, and clinically approved. In addition to being an immunosuppressant, rapamycin prevents hyperactivation and exhaustion of stem cells (Kennedy and Kaeberlein, 2009). Studies have revealed that rapamycin targets age-related diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and atherosclerosis if taken in small doses regularly (Blagosklonny, 2012). Because it is currently accessible, Blagosklonny has suggested its use for the purpose of longevity as a last resort to save the health care system. To put into perspective the condition of the health care system in the U.S., the Social Security trust fund is expecting depletion by 2033, three years sooner than predicted just the year before; and the Medicare insurance trust fund to be exhausted by 2024 from doubling in this time. To further this burden, Bohn (1999) anticipates a large portion of the work force to retire between 2003 and 2035, leading to a 45% increase in retirement benefit expenditures.

5 Rapamycin is a great example of how medical advances may benefit only the fortunate. At the moment, provincial health insurance does not cover the prescription for rapamycin exceptions are made for special cases. For those that are given a prescription, a three month supply for rapamycin will cost the user $900 at your local pharmacy. (A.Lo Pharmacist, personal communication, Mar. 27th, 2013)

Strategies for Engineering Negligible Senescence (SENS): Dr. De Grey (2002), a vocal leader in the research community, states that the idea of longevity and immortality provided by SENS, administers a continual maintenance of the human body to prevent aging and repair cellular damage. SENS is based on one of the prevailing theories of aging, the disposable soma theory (Kirkwood, 1977). The soma theory views aging as the result of the accumulation of damage through imperfect maintenance (Wensink, van Heemst, Rozing, and Westerndorp, 2012). De Greys research is centered on belief that by regularly checking and maintaining the body much like an automobile; SENS can prevent the build up of toxins that cause permanent damage. Immediately, I am led to question just how frequent these visits would be? Monthly? Daily? Obviously, for those pursuing this type of treatment, they would prefer to maintain as often as possible. How burdening could this process be for both the individual receiving care and the facility providing care? Even the allocation of all available resources to maintenance could be unable to stop aging in some organisms (Wensink, van Heemst, Rozing, and Westerndorp, 2012). Are results universally successful amongst participants? De Grey et al. (2002) has listed 9 identifiable areas of damage that precipitate aging, and subsequently feasible methods for their reversal.

6 However, the listed damages are specific (Cell loss) and often present themselves as symptoms instead of the cause. Would SENS be offering a service that only addresses the symptoms? Much like taking pain medication instead of getting stitches and antibiotics for an open wound. Perhaps one of the biggest critique to his work is his personal recognition of the fact that although there has been significant advances in this area of biology and biochemistry, it is widely agreed upon by researchers much like De Grey that what we dont know about the human body vastly overshadows what we do know. Specifically to aging, there also seems to be a gap between experimental and conceptual understanding of tissue aging and whether this is indeed a determinant of lifespan. Although common sense dictates a logical relationship between the two, the direct link remains elusive (Rando, 2006).

Discussion: When considering the intricacy of physiology, and the plethora of death causing conditions related to aging, it is reasonable to believe that death by aging is provoked by systemic failure of multiple components. If researchers seek success in attaining immortality, they must accept and collaborate with all methods to target a broad spectrum of aging. An elixir of life mythical potion does not seem to be a possibility that could provide immortality unless supernatural. Therefore, I personally dont believe that a single cure will be able to prevent or reverse aging. In order to cure aging, we will need to target multiple types of cells and different types of molecular damage and malfunction (de Magalhaes, 2004). I suppose when one considers new discoveries in laboratories and in nature, people of various cultures have contributed to the study of longevity for some

7 time. For example, Imai, Suga, and Nakachi (1997) have shown that consumption of green tea has a potentially preventative effect against cancer, one of many effects of aging. However, the line between healthy, longevity, and immortality is narrow. True immortality may never be achieved, because we are unaware of all current and future external influences that cause aging. A couple decades ago, Leyden (1990) and numerous other researchers presented what we all understand now as the correlation between aging (cell damage) of the skin and sun exposure under damaging ultraviolet radiation. By rejecting ignorance, we must accept the continual discovery of current common practices that may have negative effects on health. Further to this example, if longevity and immortality is achieved, it is then logical to assume that increase sun exposure may occur, furthering the cellular damage. Scientifically, the number of questions seems to pile as we dig deeper into the possibility of immortality; this is because we truly dont know enough. The focus of research has never been set on shortening life or making life difficult, because doing so would be against all theories of evolution and progression as we have seen occur throughout history. Therefore, the instinctively desirable alternative is to study methods that will improve health and longevity, and now in extreme cases, immortality. This topic becomes a contentious issue when current research efforts by the medical community are focused on prolonging life rather than preserving and improving the quality of life (Olshansky, Carnes, and Cassel, 1990). Indeed, there is much evidence both from literature, and in literature, that suggests people are willing to trade off quality of life for longevity (Harris, 2004). However, these goals are shortsighted and negligent of societal implications that extend beyond personal quality of life, with eventual effects

8 of longevity and immortality influencing all aspects of society on a global scale. Even if these measures were possible, a number of initial barriers will prevent large populations from achieving immortality right away. Aside from costs and availability, the long-term risks for these treatments will be questionable. The few that may know of these interventions, have access to them, and can afford them may already be living a satisfying lifestyle. The cost-benefit analysis of taking an unknown substance for a potential gain may deliver unsatisfactory results. Why risk something when you dont have to? Society will likely trend towards a segregation of groups that have invested in longevity, that have chosen to remain natural, and those unable to afford these technologies or in an area without access to such advancements altogether. Socioeconomic segregation will also be more distinguishable through external physical features, and the feeling of superiority and invincibility demonstrated by the rich and immortal. Their refusal to interact with mortals will cause social and geographical fragmentation in society, furthering oppression and marginalization of impaired groups. This disparity between the rich and the poor, developed and developing countries will parallel that of immortals and mortals seen in mythology (Harris, 2004). Historically, we have witnessed that the fortunate few govern and develop policy for the many, and that marginalized groups are easily casted away by society or ignored. With societys emphasis on achieving perfection, all efforts would be concentrated on furthering personal development, rather than furthering an inclusive societal development. This will affect all areas of policy making, research, and programming. Policies may be less tolerant of diversity and shift away from social inclusion, forcing marginalized populations to struggle on their own. Research funding may be put towards

9 removing impairments that result from disability, and providing adaptations to individuals to enhance their abilities. However, I believe it is more likely that the next topic of research would be to create sustainable energy or finding alternative resources to preserve immortal quality of life, as well as quantity of life. I suspect major deductions to social programming, considering immortals wont experience end of life diseases and will not be as benevolent or charitable to those who still require such services. Services such as physical rehabilitation may be still offered by the immortal population, but coming at great costs to those who access it. (This is assuming my judgment is correct and that a variety of mortals and immortals continue to inhabit the earth simultaneously.) The services for the most part will not differ significantly from what we experience today; however, education for these positions will be required to adapt to new technologies as they present themselves with less focus on the practical functionality applicable to daily living. Equipment and enhancements may be much more complex than we are accustomed to, and the collaboration with technical engineers may be introduced to this setting. One thing is for certain in this construction of society; social determinants of health will be devalued and replaced mostly by medical determinants. The value of individuals will be based primarily on their performance ability both externally, by peers, and internally, from an individuals self-worth. On a global platform, as the developed countries continue to distance themselves from developing countries, fewer efforts will be taken to address issues such as inequality, war/peace, and poverty which will persist on. Citizens of rich countries that gain further advantages over the poor should rightly disturb many (Harris, 2004). The argument that longevity would contribute in ratifying societal issues through ongoing

10 momentum is invalid for 2 reasons: first, organizations and volunteer groups have always been around to address these issues in developing countries, and the potential of longevity would not affect their unchanging mandate or allow them to be more present. Second, if an individual were to live forever, they would not experience the pressures of urgency to make a difference in the world. It is only when we truly appreciate life, as a result of death, that we are motivated to improve the quality of life for others. The suggestion that De Grey (2007) made to deliver the cure globally to prevent disparity as I have described it is protested by Wolbring (2007) quite accurately when stated, equal distribution for all is not a philosophy we currently employ, and there should not be any assumption that it will become the case with new technology. How would longevity affect our daily lives? How would longevity affect our relationships? The thought of a lifelong union in marriage may discourage the number of people taking part in this action or a significant boom in divorce rates. People will be obsessed with finding the perfect partner, because being tolerant for eternity just seems too daunting of a task. Individuals with disabilities will become excluded from simple relationships, as expectations of perfection can never be met, and with limited resources, people may experience a greater financial burden and inability to accommodate beyond personal necessities. Brief relationships will be widely accepted, as the first sign of struggle in a relationship would insert a sense of fear against lifelong success. The quick change in relationships could also mean more half/step-siblings, varying in generations of age. This perspective of a convoluted future would inspire the development of technologies that identify blood relationships to prevent inbreeding.

11 In the workforce, competition in career opportunities would force younger and inexperienced groups into unemployment, creating a sub-market where different and creative ways of earning an income would take place. This would be particularly harmful for the disabled community, who is already labeled as less capable, disabled, and feel impaired against the rest of society. With competition and unattainable expectations as criteria for job applications, fewer opportunities will be passed onto individuals with disabilities, as the act of compassion will slowly dissipate from humanity. Society will experience far greater demand than supply, leading to the justification against human rights. At the moment, the disabled community already experience unfair treatment on a daily basis against their human rights. If it becomes acceptable that human rights will no longer be honored or enforced on the same level, typical individuals may be exposed to unfair treatment on an occasional basis, however, impaired individuals with disabilities will suffer unfair treatment on the regular. The concept of the slippery slope further adds to this idea that once it has been done in a small setting, subsequent perpetuation of the action will slowly penetrate into other areas and in greater severity. Perhaps the most fundamental and dangerous contribution that immortality could have is the promotion of the transhumanist model. Transhumanism is a term defined by Wolbring (2010) as the focus to achieve beyond species-typical performance. Achieving immortality would be a profoundly novel accomplishment for all researchers involved in the process. The idea that humans can change a universal fact of life and evolution will inflict not only a god complex on society, but as well, the desire to push the envelope of what we understand in all areas of knowledge. This defines the transhumanist model projected in a proliferated, but very realistic, manner. In this model,

12 immortality is the universal condition of life (Rose, 2004), and aging is sub-typical or impaired in comparison. The implications of this statement bears enormous significance for the long-term future of humanity. If healthy and typical individuals now become impaired based solely on this shift in perception, what will minorities and individuals with disabilities be perceived as?

Conclusion: Evolutionary theorists have persisted that aging is genetically programmed based on the notion that elimination of individuals past reproductive prime would benefit the species by preserving resources for future generations and the reproductively fit (Rando, 2006). Harris (2004) also argues that if we stray from traditional evolution and achieve immortality, that the change we desire will affect an innate and fundamental condition within our being that not only changes what we are, but who we are. As I have stated earlier, there is a fine line between health, longevity and immortality. If immortality occurs as a by-product of health interventions, such as immunity to heart disease, mitigation of frailty for the elderly, or reduction in pain and promotion in mobility, then there would be less opposition on this topic. It is not undesirable to heal the sick, but we must be wary of the consequences should we attain immortality. Ultimately, the intention of what is proposed is the key. The truth of the matter is that longevity and immortality will inspire an expectation of perfection, but we are not perfect as a species, nor are we perfect as individuals. The only way to describe the human race is with words such as diversity and variability, in both perspectives and abilities. Our ability to be unique is what allows us to also be creative and innovative.

13 By accepting a range of abilities, we will not only respect all individuals, but also provide inclusion for all populations; embodying who humanity is.

References

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