Geroprotective insights into the natural metabolite spermidine in aging and age-related diseases

Aging is associated with increased oxidative stress, which leads to pathological vulnerability. Spermidine is a ubiquitous natural polyamine found across all living organisms studied so far and present in multiple food sources. In humans, spermidine levels decline with aging, and a possible connection between reduced endogenous spermidine concentration and age-related organ degeneration has been proposed. We outline recent studies that address the potential contribution of spermidine to geroprotection, with a perspective of advancing spermidine towards clinical trials.