Rejuvenation Molecule
According to data obtained by researchers working under the guidance of Dr. Ming-Hui Zou from Georgia State University, the beta-hydroxybutyrate compound released during fasting or following a low-calorie diet slows down the aging of the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk and severity of a whole range of age-related diseases.
According to Dr. Zou, as people age, they become more susceptible to developing diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's disease. Old age is the most important risk factor for so-called age-related diseases, therefore slowing down the aging process is the preferred approach to reducing the frequency of their development and severity.
The most important aspect of aging is considered to be the aging of blood vessels. With age, the vessels supplying blood to various organs become more vulnerable and susceptible to damage, therefore, the study of the aging process of blood vessels and the development of methods to slow it down is an extremely important task.
In their study, the authors studied the relationship between a low-calorie diet and delaying the aging process. As a result, they identified an important small molecule produced by the body in conditions of a limited intake of calories. This compound, known as beta-hydroxybutyrate, is one of the varieties of ketone bodies. It is a water-soluble molecule containing a ketone group and synthesized by the liver from fatty acids with calorie restriction of the diet, rejection of carbohydrates, fasting and prolonged intense physical exertion.
Experiments have shown that beta-hydroxybutyrate postpones the aging of blood and lymphatic vessels by affecting the endothelial cells lining their inner surface. It stimulates cell division and prevents their physiological aging – a condition in which cells lose the ability to divide and renew tissue. Since this compound is produced by the body against the background of starvation, it is logical to assume that with overeating and the development of obesity, its synthesis is suppressed, contributing to the progression of the aging process.
In addition, the researchers found that the binding of beta-hydroxybutyrate to a certain RNA-binding protein increases the activity of a stem cell factor known as Oct4 transcription factor in smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells of mice. Oct4 increases the activity of the mechanism that protects cells from physiological aging induced by DNA damage, which can contribute to the preservation of vascular youth.
Currently, researchers are searching for a compound that can have effects similar to those of beta-hydroxybutyrate at the systemic level. Its application can form the basis of a global approach to reducing the number of cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Zou notes that it is very difficult to convince a person to give up food for 24 hours to increase the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate in his cells, and such a refusal is not acceptable in all cases. However, a drug that has a similar effect without refusing to eat can become an effective tool in the fight against age-related diseases.
Article by Young-min Han et al. ß-Hydroxybutyrate Prevents Vascular Senescence through hnRNP A1-Mediated Upregulation of Oct4 published in the journal Molecular Cell/
Evgenia Ryabtseva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru Based on materials from Georgia State University: Researchers Identify Molecule With Anti-Aging Effects On Vascular System.