Tag: aging

MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis

This 2021 study published in Nature Communications investigated the role of MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide, in regulating age-related physical decline and muscle homeostasis. The researchers found that MOTS-c levels significantly increased in human skeletal muscle and plasma following exercise. In mouse models, both young and aged mice treated with MOTS-c

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MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism

This 2016 study introduces MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA gene, highlighting its role in regulating metabolic homeostasis. MOTS-c enhances insulin sensitivity, promotes glucose utilization, and prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice. It primarily targets skeletal muscle but also influences adipose tissue, acting through

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Of Mice and Men: The Benefits of Caloric Restriction, Exercise, and Mimetics

This review explores the physiological and molecular effects of caloric restriction (CR), exercise, and pharmacological mimetics on aging and metabolic health. CR has been shown to extend both mean and maximum lifespan in animal models by activating stress response pathways and enhancing mitochondrial function. Exercise primarily improves healthspan, delaying the

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The role of BCAA metabolism in metabolic health and disease

This 2024 review article explores the complex role of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—in metabolic health and disease. BCAAs are essential amino acids involved in protein synthesis and energy production. The review highlights that while BCAAs are vital for muscle growth and are commonly used as dietary supplements,

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Melatonin and brain inflammaging

This 2015 review explores melatonin’s multifaceted role in mitigating brain inflammaging—a chronic, low-grade inflammation contributing to aging and neurodegeneration. Melatonin functions as a direct and indirect antioxidant, modulates mitochondrial function, and suppresses proinflammatory pathways by inhibiting NADPH oxidase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and proinflammatory cytokines. It also enhances circadian rhythm

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Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, mild cognitive impairment and the menopause: a ‘window of opportunity’?

This 2013 review by Dennis A. Davey explores the intersection of menopause and cognitive decline, emphasizing that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is not an inevitable consequence of aging. The article highlights that pathological changes associated with AD begin in midlife, suggesting a prolonged preclinical phase detectable through biomarkers and imaging. Notably,

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Immunologic Changes in Frail Older Adults

This review article explores the immunological alterations associated with frailty in older adults. Frailty is characterized by a heightened inflammatory state, evidenced by elevated serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and an increased number of circulating monocytes. These changes reflect a chronic, low-grade inflammation known as “inflammaging.”

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