An overview of recent aging research from the perspectives of interconnected bodily mechanisms, cellular resilience, lifestyle, and individual differences—explaining where the field stands and how to interpret it.

This article examines a 2025 preclinical study showing that hexaraphane (6-MSITC) from Japanese wasabi may activate Nrf2 through two pathways: Keap1 inhibition and direct Gsk-3β inhibition. It also discusses differences from sulforaphane and implications for chronic disease research.

In a 12-week single-arm study, 15 middle-aged Japanese women took 500 mg/day of NMN. Growth of anagen hairs and hair diameter increased, and subjective hair-quality and fatigue scores changed. The findings are preliminary because the trial had no placebo group.

p-tau217 is a blood biomarker associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology. This article explains tau phosphorylation at residue 217, accuracy relative to PET and cerebrospinal fluid, the 2025 FDA clearance, Japanese multicenter validation, and remaining challenges.

A 2024 review organized research on hexaraphane/6-MSITC from Japanese wasabi across cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and obesity. It highlights effects on Nrf2 and other signaling pathways while emphasizing that most evidence remains preclinical and human trials are limited.

A phase 1/2 trial gave oral NMN for two weeks to 25 adults with steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent immune thrombocytopenia. Five participants, or 20%, met the platelet-response criterion, suggesting an early metabolic approach involving the CD38–NAD+ axis.

A 2026 study gave oral NMN to D-galactose-induced aging-model mice for six weeks and reported improved spatial memory, increased antioxidant enzymes, reduced neuroinflammation, more butyrate-producing bacteria, and activation of Nrf2/HO-1. The findings are preclinical.

Nrf2 is a transcription factor that coordinates antioxidant, detoxification, and anti-inflammatory gene expression in response to oxidative stress. Its activity declines with aging, while diet, exercise, and sleep may help maintain Nrf2 responsiveness.

CD38 is an enzyme that increases with aging and degrades NAD+ and NMN. This article reviews three CD38-mediated pathways, the cycle involving cellular senescence and inflammation, and preclinical studies of CD38 inhibition by apigenin and quercetin.