The World's Leader in Stem Cell Surgery and Science
The World's Leader in Stem Cell Surgery and Science

Episode 19: The Longevity Protocol

Anti Aging Cell Biologist

With an intense intellectual curiosity, Sandy Kaufmann MD has broken down the human body and its aging pathways to the molecular level. She’s developed 7 tenets of of aging to prolong our healthspan.

RegenaCast Episode with Dr. Sandy Kaufmann: The Science of Longevity and the Seven Tenets of Aging

In this insightful episode of RegenaCast, Sean sits down with Dr. Sandy Kaufmann, a pediatric anesthesiologist and an expert in longevity science. Dr. Kaufmann shares her journey into the field of anti-aging and explains how her background as a cell biologist, combined with her experience as a doctor, led her to explore ways to slow the aging process—not just for herself, but for others as well.

Longevity: A Personal Mission

Dr. Kaufmann candidly admits that her deep dive into longevity science was initially a selfish pursuit. As a passionate rock climber, she wanted to ensure that she could maintain her physical abilities and overall health as she aged. From there, her professional curiosity about how cells age and what can be done to prevent the aging process grew into a broader endeavor.

The Seven Tenets of Aging

Dr. Kaufmann breaks down the seven tenets of aging she discovered during her research:

  1. DNA Alterations: Shortening of telomeres, epigenetic changes, and chromatin restructuring are key drivers of cellular aging.
  2. Mitochondrial Decline: Mitochondria, the energy producers in cells, fail for a variety of reasons over time, but their efficiency can be boosted with certain supplements and interventions.
  3. Cellular Pathways: Important regulatory pathways such as the sirtuins, AMP kinase, and mTOR play crucial roles in aging and cellular health.
  4. Quality Control: Mechanisms like DNA repair and autophagy (cellular recycling) help maintain cell integrity, but they weaken with age.
  5. Immune and Inflammatory Response: Aging leads to increased inflammation and a less effective immune response, both of which accelerate the aging process.
  6. Cell-Specific Needs: Different cells age in different ways, and stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining overall tissue health.
  7. Waste Management: The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), caused by excess glucose, fructose, and other sugars, contributes to tissue damage and inflammation.

Where to Start?

Dr. Kaufmann’s book, The Kaufmann Protocol, provides a practical guide for anyone looking to manage the aging process. Using the Kaufmann Rating System, Dr. Kaufmann ranks common longevity agents based on how well they target the seven tenets of aging. This system helps readers determine which supplements or therapies will be most effective for their unique needs, whether they’re in their 30s or 70s.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Kaufmann is particularly excited about the future of stem cell and exosome therapies. She believes exosomes—small vesicles that carry signaling molecules—hold incredible potential for anti-aging treatments. While stem cell treatments remain a powerful tool, she is optimistic about engineered exosomes that can be customized to deliver precise therapeutic effects.

If you’re intrigued by regenerative medicine and want to hear more, don’t forget to attend the Cell Surgical Conference Las Vegas this June! It’s a great opportunity for professionals and those interested in cutting-edge stem cell therapies and more.