Ahmad · Current stem cell research & therapy 2026 · narrative review · n=?

Can iPSCs Turn Back Time? Prospects and Pitfalls in Age Reversal.

Cited 2 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Narrative review synthesizing preclinical mechanisms and cellular studies with no original human data.

PubMed 40735996 · doi:10.2174/011574888X400606250721112037 · record verified 2026-08-30

What was done

This review synthesized findings from studies on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based age reversal, focusing on mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and translational challenges associated with transient or cyclic expression of Yamanaka factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, MYC).

What was found

The abstract reports no numerical findings or statistical measures. Conceptually, partial reprogramming was reported to restore youthful gene expression, DNA methylation patterns, and mitochondrial function while decreasing senescence markers, balanced against safety hurdles such as tumorigenesis, genomic instability, and loss of cellular identity.

Why it matters

It summarizes the therapeutic potential and current biological constraints of partial cellular reprogramming as an anti-aging strategy.

Limits

The abstract describes a narrative review with no quantitative meta-analysis, sample size, or new primary data. All reported mechanisms derive from preclinical and laboratory models, leaving long-term safety, optimal dosing protocols, and human efficacy unestablished.

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