Holistic Age Reversal Pilot Study (HARPS)
-
Research Duration : 2024–2025
-
Funding : Reverse Aging and Homeostasis (RAHO) Club
Background
Aging is a complex biological process that leads to the decline of various organ systems, increased oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which contributes to reduced cellular energy production and accelerated tissue damage. This condition is worsened by cellular senescence and chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging), both of which are associated with degenerative diseases such as atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
One emerging therapeutic approach to mitigate the effects of aging is nanobubble-based therapy, particularly using hydrogen and oxygen gas. Nanobubbles have several advantages, including their extremely small size (<200 nm), high permeability through biological tissues, and efficient gas-carrying capacity. In the context of aging, nanobubble therapy has shown promise in enhancing tissue oxygenation, reducing oxidative stress, improving mitochondrial function, and suppressing inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and TNF-α.
Through this approach, nanobubble therapy is expected to provide restorative effects on the vascular, metabolic, neurological, and hormonal systems affected by the aging process, especially in elderly individuals with acute neurological conditions such as ischemic stroke. Therefore, a preliminary study is needed to comprehensively evaluate the benefits and safety of this therapy.
Research Highlights
-
Aging, as a complex biological process, leads to organ system dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation (inflammaging), and metabolic and hormonal imbalances that contribute to degenerative diseases in the elderly.
-
Intravenous nanobubble therapy using hydrogen and oxygen gas (HHO) offers an innovative approach to counteract aging effects by improving tissue oxygenation, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing mitochondrial function.
-
This study is a clinical pilot study in humans, specifically targeting elderly patients with a history of acute ischemic stroke to assess the therapy’s effectiveness in improving vascular, metabolic, neurological, and hormonal functions.
-
The research is expected to serve as a scientific foundation for developing nanotechnology-based anti-aging therapies that are safe, measurable, and clinically applicable to improve the quality of life in elderly patients with degenerative conditions.
GOALS
-
To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous nanobubble (HHO) therapy in reducing inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, hsCRP, fibrinogen) in elderly patients with ischemic stroke.
-
To assess changes in metabolic parameters (HbA1c, eGFR, albumin/globulin ratio) and neurological functions (cognitive evaluation and brain MRI results) before and after therapy.
-
To analyze the impact of the therapy on hormonal modulation (DHEA-S, free testosterone) and other endocrine functions.
-
To evaluate the safety of nanobubble therapy by monitoring kidney, liver, and electrolyte function.
-
To provide initial scientific evidence for the development of well-controlled and measurable nanobubble-based anti-aging therapies.
Expected Result
This study is expected to demonstrate that intravenous nanobubble therapy can offer significant clinical benefits for elderly patients, particularly in reducing inflammatory biomarkers such as IL-6, hsCRP, and fibrinogen. Furthermore, the therapy is anticipated to enhance metabolic functions, as indicated by reduced HbA1c levels, stable eGFR, and improved albumin/globulin ratios. Neuroprotective effects are also expected, as reflected by stable or improved MRI findings and cognitive performance. In terms of hormonal response, the therapy is hoped to promote positive modulation, including increased levels of DHEA-S and free testosterone. Overall, these benefits are expected to be achieved with a good safety profile and without significant side effects.