Scientists from the Amsterdam University Medical Center have identified a unique mechanism related to lipids that can reverse micro-aging.
According to a study recently published in the journal Aging, Dutch researchers discovered a type of lipid that accumulates in tissues closely linked to tissue aging, which we can effectively eliminate every day.
This research aims to fill the knowledge gap about aging by investigating the role of lipids, an important dietary component essential for cellular function.
Exercise can help offset the natural aging process – (AI graphic).
“The idea of reversing aging has long been considered science fiction, but these findings allow us to gain much more insight,” said Professor Riekelt Houtkoope from the Metabolic Genetic Pathology Laboratory at Amsterdam UMC.
The research team analyzed 10 different tissues from muscles, kidneys, liver, and heart in mice of various ages.
They observed that the levels of a lipid known as bis (monoacylglycero) phosphates (BMP) were elevated across all tissues in older mice, indicating age-related accumulation.
To investigate whether this phenomenon occurs in humans, they examined muscle biopsies from elderly individuals and confirmed a similar mechanism.
Subsequently, they continued to collect muscle biopsy samples from participants before and after a health intervention involving 1 hour of exercise each day.
Notably, BMP levels decreased in active participants. This temporary reversal helped offset some of the age-related accumulation, thereby slowing the aging process.
The researchers acknowledged the need for further studies to thoroughly understand the contributions of BMP to the aging process and whether exercise is the only method that can affect BMP levels.
Nevertheless, this finding is a straightforward suggestion for many people to achieve healthy aging, which is crucial in an era of an aging population.
By understanding the mechanisms behind tissue aging, scientists can develop new strategies to intervene in this process and propose potential measures to improve human health and longevity.
Above all, exercise is undoubtedly a healthy method to combat various diseases, as proven by science.
