The Fourth Annual Anti-Aging Conference was held last December in Las Vegas. Researchers, experts, and
health and beauty businesses worldwide presented new information, products and revolutionary break-
throughs in the field of anti-aging medicine. Interested minds lined up to hear what’s new — scientifically,
holistically and spiritually. Lecture topics ranged from cancer and immunology research, to gene therapy and
fetal stem cells.

Something that caught my eye was a “cell harvesting machine” designed to preserve stem cells so they can
be cloned and infused back into the bloodstream at a future date. Stem cells are self-renewing cells found
in both fetal and adult tissue and have the ability to repair themselves well into the aging process. What
exactly does this mean? The theory is if you harvest your cells at the age of 30 and replace them at the
age of 60, the cells will function as those of a 30 year-old. So does this cell harvesting mechanism work?

This was a question for my interview with Dr Hans Kugler, is a 65 year-old German scientist with an Arnold
Schwartzeneger physique. He is an avid athlete and a former military pilot who continues to pursue his
passion for flying. Kugler, a pioneer and researcher in the field of anti-aging medicine and gene therapy has
seven books under his belt on health and aging.
He is the President of The International Academy of Alternative and Anti-Aging Medicine and Senior Science
Advisor to The Journal of Longevity. The journal recently published an article of his entitled Can Humans
Be Immortal? In my interview I asked about making cells immortal through a process known as Telomerase
Gene Therapy which he discusses in his article.”Within the nucleus of every cell there is the DNA double
helix and at the end of the double helix there exist telomeres.” Similar to the plastic ends of a shoelace,
each telomere has 60 segments known as repeat sequences.

“When the cell comes to the end of its life span and divides, signals are given and one of these segments
of the 60 repeat sequences is chopped off or shortened,” explained Dr Kugler “When they are all used up
having reached the “maximum” life span, there is nowhere to go and the species dies. The telomere length
or the number of DNA repeats determine the number of cell divisions. The key to maintaining telomere length
is the enzyme Telomerase.”

Telomerase maintains telomere length because every time the sequence is chopped off the telomerase
enzyme replaces it. Currently we know that Telomerase is found in cancer cells — making cells immortal
without uncontrolled cancer growth is the real goal of gerontologists. Researchers have now discovered the
gene codes for the enzyme Telomerase, which means they can clone it and reinsert it back into healthy human cells.

So the Telomerase gene inserted into cells maintains the telomere length and the result is immortality?
“Exactly” Kugler exclaims with his German gusto, “they stay young, like truly young cells in their function
and appearance.” Although Telomerase Gene Therapy is still in research and clinical trial phases, medical
science continues to prove that aging, by and large, may prove to be a treatable condition. The ethics of
molecular medicine are continually being challenged and it will be interesting to see what new technology
establishes itself in the 21st century.

COSMETIC SURGERY MAGAZINE

Rebecca Gray reports on new cosmetic surgery techniques and technologies introduced at American Society of Plastic Surgeons 69th Scientific Annual Meeting.

Revolutionary radiofrequency skin resurfacing, microwave liposuction, biomecanical and laser bras, endo-
scopic surgery advances, diet, nutrition, exercise and human growth hormones were just some of the areas
covered at this year’s scientific meeting.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the largest plastic surgery organization in the world,
The Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF) and the American Society of Maxiliofacial Surgeons
brought together more than six thousand people in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery to share
knowledge and new technologies at the 69th Annual Scientific Meeting. The conference, held in Los
Angeles, California last October, was their first meeting of the new millennium.

Leaders from across the globe shared knowledge on cutting-edge technologies and discussed the latest
issues affecting the field. With over 160 instructional courses and lectures, a series of scientific programs
were presented on such topics as liposuction. Facelifts, craniofacial reconstructive surgery and breast
reconstruction.

In addition, with over 50,000 square feet of exhibits, companies from around the world produced a remar-
kable show Included among the many cosmetic surgery products on display were the latest implant
developments, skin care technologies, innovative surgical tools, video microscopes, therapeutic devices,
surgical garments and medical consulting, marketing and Internet companies. One of the many presenta-
tions discussed The Latest Technologies in Plastic Surgery and introduced revolutionary computer
generated surgical planning simulators using 3D imaging scanners and virtual reality equipment. Although,
this groundbreaking technology appears to be slightly ahead of its time for use in cosmetic surgery, these
astonishing tools will definitely be a part of the future. Advances in biotechnology included Coblation, a
revolutionary radio frequency skin resurfacing mechanism. Microwave liposuction, silicone breast implant
controversies, biomecanical and laser bras were also among the many topics discussed. The Emerging
technologies Symposium included a lecture on How To Incorporate Anti-Aging Into Your Practice. Dr Brian
Kinney, a plastic surgeon in Century City, California presented basic scientific and clinical applications for
introducing anti-aging medicine into the cosmetic surgeon’s practice. Dr Kinney who lectures around the
world, feels that by incorporating total wellness into a practice the doctor is offering rejuvenation in every
sense. Treating the whole patient is a theory designed to optimize the results of cosmetic procedures and
promote an overall well being in the patient. Life expectancy has increased and more patients are having
cosmetic procedures performed than ever before.

Dr Kinney endorses a complete program for staying healthy. He encourages a multi­disciplinary approach
combining diet, exercise, and mind-body-spirit philosophies. Caloric restriction, hormone replacement, organ
care and cell rejuvenation research is discussed. Kinney considers lifestyle alterations (stop smoking, etc.),
vitamins and skin care routines play an important role in maintaining a healthy and youthful presence.

In his closing statement, Dr Kinney quotes Aristotle, Education is the best provision for old age. Although
Kinney warns of obstacles in learning a new hybrid of medicine, he encourages doctors to accumulate data
for advancement of their understanding. With anti-aging science in the forefront of medical technology
cosmetic surgeons are becoming increasingly aware of “new” patient needs. Doctors integrating anti-aging
treatments and philosophies into their practice hope that patients may experience an overall enhanced
quality of life.