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22.02.2021 13:24
Anti-aging: Spermidine reduces hair loss and protects the heart
MHH research group proves cardio-protective effect and reduced telomere breakdown
At the beginning of our life we get a little older every day. This biological process is irreversible and with increasing lifespan it is accompanied by a multitude of pathological changes that can lead to heart failure (heart failure), the loss of nerve cells (neurodegeneration) or reduced metabolic activity. One factor behind the age-related changes is that certain cellular cleaning processes no longer work well. So-called autophagy is a type of recycling system that breaks down and re-uses unnecessary or damaged components of the cell. This molecular clean-up mechanism keeps the cells fit and protects against many diseases. Autophagy falters with age. However, it can be stimulated again with the body’s own substance spermidine. A research group led by Professor Dr. Evgeni Ponimaskin from the Institute for Neurophysiology at the Medical University of Hanover (MHH) has now uncovered the systemic effects and effects that the anti-aging effect of spermidine can lead to. The study in cooperation with the University of Graz is published in the specialist journal GeroScience. First authors are Alexander Wirth and Bettina Wolf.
Less organ damage and hair loss in mice
Spermidine is a natural (endogenous) substance that occurs in every cell. Its concentration in the cells decreases with age. “In our study we examined how prolonged administration of spermidine affects organs that are often affected by age, and how this happens,” explains Professor Ponimaskin. The research group, made up of neurophysiologists, nuclear medicine specialists and molecular biologists, examined the effects on aged mice and administered spermidine to the animals in their drinking water for six months. Compared to untreated animals of the same age, the mice showed clear anti-aging effects. “The spermidine supply ensured that the animals developed less kidney and liver damage and a better performance-enhancing glucose supply in the brain,” explains the head of the study. Age-related hair loss was also significantly lower than in the control group. Bald spots on the back, as is typical for older mice, were hardly visible thanks to the spermidine supply.
Spermidine protects against breakdown of the chromosome ends
However, the heart-protecting effect of spermidine is of particular interest to the scientists. In their investigations, they found that the cardio-protective effect is related to a reduced telomere shortening in the heart tissue. Telomeres protect the ends of the chromosomes in our body cells from degradation. Chromosomes are the carriers of our genetic information. Each time a cell divides, its ends shorten a little. In cells that are no longer dividing – such as the heart muscle cells here – the telomeres are shortened further. So-called programmed cell death sets in below a critical length of the telomeres. “The telomeres in the spermidine-supplemented mice were similar in length to those in young animals,” says Professor Ponimaskin. Since the aging processes in the cells of mice are similar to those in our body cells, spermidine intake as a dietary supplement could also protect humans from many age-related diseases.
Keyword spermidine:
Spermidine is an endogenous, natural substance. It was first discovered in the male seminal fluid, which gave the substance its name. It is now known that spermidine exists in all body cells and that certain intestinal bacteria are able to produce this substance. The majority, however, must be taken in through food. Spermidine is found in large quantities in wheat germ, cheese, soy products and legumes. The substance activates autophagy in our cells. This breaks down any pathogens that have entered, defective proteins or cell components that are no longer functional.
SERVICE:
Further information is available from Professor Evgeni Ponimaskin, [email protected], phone (0511) 532-4858, http://www.mhh.de/cnp
Die Originalarbeit „Novel aspects of age-protection by spermidine supplementation are associated with preserved telomere length” finden Sie unter: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-020-00310-0
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medicine
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