Mechanisms of ageing: growth hormone, dietary restriction, and metformin

Tackling the mechanisms underlying ageing is desirable to help to extend the duration and improve the quality of life. Life extension has been achieved in animal models by suppressing the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis and also via dietary restriction. Metformin has become the focus of increased interest as a possible anti-ageing drug. There is some overlap in the postulated mechanisms of how these three approaches could produce anti-ageing effects, with convergence on common downstream pathways. In this Review, we draw on evidence from both animal models and human studies to assess the effects of suppression of the growth hormone-IGF-1 axis, dietary restriction, and metformin on ageing.