One cause of aging and a way to "reverse the process" was named
Decreased levels of one of the proteins in the hippocampus accelerate the aging process, and a dietary supplement with the neurotransmitter reverses the process in mice. The study was published in the journal PLOS Biology.Chinese scientists have identified the effect of menin levels in the hypothalamus on the rate of aging. It is a protein produced in the brain that is involved in the regulation of neuroinflammation. Decreased levels of menin in the hypothalamus led to cognitive deficits, age-related changes in bone mass and skin thickness, and shortened the lifespan of the experimental mice.
The researchers found that menin levels in the hypothalamus, but not in astrocytes or microglia, decreased with age. To study the effect of this protein on aging, the researchers designed mice in which the activity of the gene associated with menin could be blocked.
They found that lower levels of the protein in young mice were associated with increased hypothalamic neuroinflammation and signs of aging, such as decreased bone density and skin thickness, cognitive decline and a moderate reduction in life expectancy. In addition, the researchers found a drop in levels of the neurotransmitter D-serine.
To see if the process could be reversed and impaired function returned, the researchers delivered the gene for menin production into the hypothalamus of older (20-month-old) mice. Thirty days later, they found decreased skin thickness and changes in bone mass structure, as well as improved learning, cognition and balance. The changes correlated with increased levels of D-serine in the hippocampus.
The researchers note that similar changes in cognitive performance were also observed after three weeks of D-serine supplementation in the experimental mice.
"We hypothesize that decreased menin expression in the hypothalamus with age may be one of the drivers of aging, and menin may be a key protein linking genetic, inflammatory and metabolic factors in aging. D-serine is a potentially promising cure for cognitive decline," Lige Leng, co-author of the study from Xiamen University.
Source: Hypothalamic Menin regulates systemic aging and cognitive decline | PLOS Biology