"First, they looked in the genes for clues, and genetic scans showed that inflammation genes were dialled down throughout multiple organs. This was a good lead as inflammation is a risk factor for age-related diseases such as cancer, arthritis and heart disease. To double-check, they took blood samples to look for signs of inflammation; there were fewer pro-inflammatory molecules in the blood of mice with heavy hyaluronan. Finally, they did a third test, by injecting a bacterial protein that causes inflammation and checking how the mice reacted. There was less inflammation in their tissues, and fewer pro-inflammatory chemicals in their blood. This may be naked mole rats’ secret of youth: this thick hyaluronan coating may protect cells from inflammation, so they live longer and avoid disease."
