Stimulates brain nerve cells to induce production of signaling proteins
Adipose tissue releases fatty acids that fuel cells
It also sends signals to fuel the nerve cells.
Mouse lifespan extended by 7% and exercise ability recovered
It has been confirmed that stimulating specific nerve cells in the brain to restore the neural network connected to fatty tissue delays aging and increases healthy lifespan./Pixabay
Research results have shown that by awakening brain cells, aging can be slowed and healthy lifespan can be extended by up to 5 years. As aging progresses, the body lacks energy and exercise ability decreases. At this time, aging can be suppressed by stimulating brain cells to restart energy production plants.
In the latest issue of the international academic journal ‘Cell Metabolism’, Professor Shin-ichiro Imai’s research team at the University of Washington School of Medicine, USA, stated, “By restoring the path through which brain cells communicate with fat tissue, we can supply fuel to cells and delay aging.” “I confirmed that it exists,” he said.
◇Restoration of pathways that supply fuel to cells
If the communication network is cut off, social infrastructure collapses. The same goes for our bodies. Scientists have recently discovered that communication between body organs is a key factor in regulating aging. As the body’s communication weakens as we age, our organs do not receive the signals they need to function properly.
Through mouse experiments, researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine discovered that the communication circuit connecting the brain’s hypothalamus and fat tissue is essential for producing energy needed by the body. The hypothalamus is an area of the brain located just above the palate that regulates metabolic processes and the autonomic nervous system. Body temperature and biological rhythm are also controlled by the hypothalamus.
Neurons in the dorsal medial hypothalamus produce a protein called Ppp1r17. Then, the nerve cells are activated and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system creates the force that allows the body to adapt quickly and strongly in excited, emergency, or critical situations. For example, the sympathetic nervous system is involved when preparing to fight or run away when encountering an enemy.
When the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated, white adipose tissue stored in the skin or stomach releases fatty acids into the blood that serve as fuel for physical activity. At the same time, fatty tissue also releases an enzyme called eNAMPT, which induces the brain’s hypothalamus to produce the necessary fuel. Simply put, cells receive a steady supply of fuel thanks to communication between the brain’s hypothalamus and fat tissue.
Graphics = Son Min-kyun
◇In humans, it extends lifespan by 5 years
Researchers discovered that as people age, the Ppp1r17 protein in the hypothalamus falls away from the nuclei of nerve cells. As a result, signals coming from nerve cells became weaker. Nerve networks connected to natural white adipose tissue are reduced. Adipose tissue does not receive the same signals to release fatty acids and eNAMPT enzymes as before. Fuel that goes to the brain and other tissues accumulates as fat on the skin and stomach, leading to weight gain.
The researchers modified the genes of mice or administered drugs to ensure that the Ppp1r17 protein remained in the nuclei of hypothalamic neurons even as they aged. Then, the old mouse ran on the wheel more than its peers of the same age, and its fur regained its luster.
Life expectancy also increased. Mice have a lifespan of 900 to 1,000 days, or about two and a half years. However, mice that maintained communication between their brains and fat tissue lived 60 to 70 days longer than their peers. This means that lifespan has increased by 7%. If you are a Korean with an average life expectancy of 83 years, you will live a healthier life for nearly 6 years. Professor Imai said, “We have proven a method to delay aging and extend healthy lifespan in mice by stimulating the brain,” and added, “We have confirmed that a method that was previously proven in nematodes and fruit flies is also effective in mammals.”
Neural network connecting the brain hypothalamus and white adipose tissue (left). As we age, this neural network shrinks as the Ppp1r17 protein decreases in the nucleus of nerve cells (right). / University of Washington, USA
These results could be developed into a treatment that delays aging. In fact, the researchers confirmed that administering the eNAMPT enzyme released by adipose tissue to extracellular endoplasmic reticulum increased the cellular energy level in the hypothalamus and extended the lifespan of mice. Extracellular endoplasmic reticulum is a means by which cells send signals by containing proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Professor Imai said, “We will continue to research ways to extend health and lifespan by maintaining the signaling circuit between the brain and fat tissue.”
reference material
Cell Metabolism(2024), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.011
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Youngwan Lee, Science Editor [email protected]
2024-01-10 03:03:00
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