[Evidence for and against anti-aging effects based on model animal studies]

Exciting recent findings are remarkable extension of lifespan of model animals in which single genes are mutated. Studies on model animals have provided valuable as well as limited and often misleading information in understanding human aging and anti-aging practice. It is important to realize that extension of lifespan and retardation of aging processes are two different things in principle, the latter being apparently more important for improving QOL in human. Discussed here are selected topics on the limitation of model animal studies and potential problems of popular anti-oxidants. Also discussed are caloric restriction and exercise that have anti-aging effects in rodents that might be translated into human but with limitations.