Recently, researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered a new way to delay aging.
They found that a protein that is abundant in the blood of young people could play a key role in keeping them healthy.
But when people get older, levels of this protein decline in the body.
People may experience health problems such as diabetes, weight gain, cognitive decline, and vision loss may increase.
The researchers found that supplementing older individuals with the protein obtained from younger individuals may help slow down the decline and extend the life spans.
The study is published in the journal Cell Metabolism. One author is Shin-ichiro Imai, MD, Ph.D., a professor of developmental biology.
The protein found in the study is an enzyme called eNAMPT. It plays a key role in the process cells use to make energy.
With age, the body’s cells become less and less efficient at producing this fuel. This is true in worms, fruit flies, mice, and people.
The team found that supplementing eNAMPT in older mice with that of younger mice could boost fuel production and slow down aging in older mice.
These mice show big improvements in health, including increased physical activity and better sleep.
These older mice also had improved insulin, eye and cognitive functions in several tests.
The team says they have found a totally new pathway toward healthy aging. The findings may help develop new anti-aging therapies.
They have examined the effects of giving oral doses of a molecule called NMN, the chemical eNAMPT produces.
Currently, NMN is being tested in human clinical studies.
Copyright © 2019 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
