Aging impairs mitochondrial function, disrupting the heart's energy supply. Over time, this energy shortfall undermines cardiac cell function, driving the heart's gradual decline. A recent study found that supplemental urolithin A—a bioactive compound derived from pomegranates and walnuts—boosts mitochondrial health and reduces pro-inflammatory lipids called ceramides, ultimately enhancing cardiac function. Researchers investigated the effects of supplemental urolithin A in models of natural aging in mice and heart failure in rats and assessed its effects on plasma ceramide levels in healthy ... diet aging heart disease mitochondria supplements urolithin a
Read moreCognitive function typically declines with aging, but evidence suggests physical activity can help mitigate some of these declines. A recent study in mice found that exercise improves memory and spatial learning by inhibiting neuroinflammation, primarily via the actions of irisin, a myokine, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth factor and signaling protein. Researchers conducted a two-part study to investigate the effects of regular, low-intensity exercise on cognitive function in mouse models of inflammation-driven memory impairment and microglia (brain immune cell) degener... exercise brain inflammation memory dementia nrf2
Read moreIn the setting of obesity, adipocytes (fat cells) enlarge to accommodate immense quantities of fat. These specialized cells eventually become dysfunctional, releasing inflammatory proteins and activating immune cells called macrophages. In turn, macrophage activation promotes a vicious cycle of inflammation and further dysfunction, increasing the risk of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. A recent review and meta-analysis found that time-restricted eating reduces inflammatory markers and leptin. Researchers reviewed the findings of randomized-controlled trials ... diet hormones inflammation time-restricted eating
Read moreUrinary excretion of isothiocyanates – bioactive compounds derived from cruciferous vegetables – is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, a 2003 study found. Women with the highest levels of isothiocyanates in their urine were half as likely to have breast cancer, compared to women with the lowest levels. Researchers measured isothiocyanates in the urine of 674 women, half of whom had breast cancer. They also collected information about the women's demographics, lifestyles, reproductive histories, and dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables. They found high urinary isothiocyanate le... diet breast cancer isothiocyanates
Read moreColon cancer survivors who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise for six months had fewer circulating tumor cells than non-exercising survivors, according to a 2018 study. The researchers attributed these anticancer effects to mechanical stressors that cancer cells experience in the bloodstream during exercise that drive cells to self-destruct. Researchers assigned 23 stage I-III colon cancer survivors to engage in either 150 or 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (brisk walking) per week for six months or to continue their normal activities. The researchers measured the participants' ... exercise cancer
Read moreKetones produced during fasting or a ketogenic diet promote muscle stem cell survival. Fasting – the voluntary abstention from food and drink – is widely appreciated for its beneficial effects on human metabolism and healthspan. Evidence suggests that fasting flips a metabolic “switch,” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5783752/) liberating fat stores via fatty acid oxidation and ketone production. Findings from a recent study suggest that ketones induce a deep resting state in muscle stem cells, protecting them from future stressors. Ketones are molecules produced by the liver du... stem cells stress ketogenic diet
Read moreSome NSAIDs dampen inflammation by switching on the activity of Nrf2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are among the most widely used drugs worldwide, available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. NSAIDs generally work by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12023546/), a type of enzyme that drives inflammatory processes. But because the drugs often elicit off-target effects, questions remain regarding other mechanisms that might be involved in their activities. A recent study demonstrates that some NSAIDs switch on the activi... nsaid nrf2
Read moreSemi-supercentenarians and supercentenarians – people who live to the age of 105 years and beyond – personify healthy aging, having avoided the diseases and concomitant disabilities that many adults experience, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive decline. Genetics play key roles in longevity and healthy aging. Findings from a recent study indicate that semi-supercentenarians and supercentenarians have unique genetic profiles characterized by highly efficient DNA repair mechanisms. DNA repair is a cellular defense mechanism that helps maintain genomic integrity. Res... aging dna damage
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