While the search continues for the Fountain of Youth, researchers may have found the body’s “fountain of aging”: the brain region known as the hypothalamus.
For the first time, scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University report that the hypothalamus of mice controls aging throughout the body. Their discovery of a specific age-related signaling pathway opens up new strategies for combating diseases of old age and extending lifespan. The paper was published today in the online edition of Nature.
“Scientists have long wondered whether aging occurs independently in the body’s various tissues or if it could be actively regulated by an organ in the body,” said senior author Dongsheng Cai, M.D., Ph.D., professor of molecular pharmacology at Einstein. “It’s clear from our study that many aspects of aging are controlled by the hypothalamus. What’s exciting is that it’s possible — at least in mice — to alter signaling within the hypothalamus to slow down the aging process and increase longevity.”
The hypothalamus, an almond-sized structure located deep within the brain, is known to have fundamental roles in growth, development, reproduction, and metabolism. Dr. Cai suspected that the hypothalamus might also play a key role in aging through the influence it exerts throughout the body.
“As people age,” he said, “you can detect inflammatory changes in various tissues. Inflammation is also involved in various age-related diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, neurological disease and many types of cancer.” Over the past several years, Dr. Cai and his research colleagues showed that inflammatory changes in the hypothalamus can give rise to various components of metabolic syndrome (a combination of health problems that can lead to heart disease and diabetes).
To find out how the hypothalamus might affect aging, Dr. Cai decided to study hypothalamic inflammation by focusing on a protein complex called NF-?B (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells). “Inflammation involves hundreds of molecules, and NF-?B sits right at the center of that regulatory map,” he said.
In the current study, Dr. Cai and his team demonstrated that activating the NF-?B pathway in the hypothalamus of mice significantly accelerated the development of aging, as shown by various physiological, cognitive, and behavioral tests. “The mice showed a decrease in muscle strength and size, in skin thickness, and in their ability to learn — all indicators of aging. Activating this pathway promoted systemic aging that shortened the lifespan,” he said.
Conversely, Dr. Cai and his group found that blocking the NF-?B pathway in the hypothalamus of mouse brains slowed aging and increased median longevity by about 20 percent, compared to controls.
The Latest Bing News on:
Key to Aging
- Is This Ancient “Miracle Tree” Supplement The Key To Better Health?on May 9, 2024 at 12:30 pm
Moringa supplements usually contain dried and powdered moringa leaves as well as extracts obtained from the seeds of the plant. In any form, the benefits of moringa remain include anti-inflammatory, ...
- Gen X: Here Are 4 Key Signs You’re Doing Better Financially Than Boomers Were at Your Ageon May 9, 2024 at 9:00 am
Generation X has faced very different economic times than their parents. They've grappled with multiple recessions, the tech evolution and shifting societal norms. But despite these challenges, ...
- Study finds dorsal hand images as effective as face biometrics for age estimationon May 8, 2024 at 10:26 am
A key word, however, is “seem.” Given Haut.AI’s focus on the skincare market, they are bullish on AI’s ability to help understand the aging process.
- How measuring biological age could be key to living a longer lifeon May 7, 2024 at 8:52 am
The wellness industry is booming with products that purport to measure one's biological age. But scientists can't even agree on what it is.
- Navigating soft skills in the age of AI: The key to successful hiring, engagement, and retentionon May 7, 2024 at 7:44 am
The integration of AI in talent acquisition, paired with a steadfast focus on soft skills, presents a balanced approach to hiring and developing talent.
- Why We Can’t Age in Reverse (And Why We Might Not Want to Anyway)on May 7, 2024 at 5:00 am
GQ spoke with the Nobel Prize-winning author of 'Why We Die' about longevity, death, and the crucial importance of getting a good night's sleep.
- Why do some researchers believe metformin may hold the key to longevity?on May 7, 2024 at 3:30 am
Some researchers are investigating how metformin, a common drug used to treat diabetes, may help prolong healthspan and lifespan. What evidence is there to support this notion?
- Aging In Place Statistics And Facts In 2024on May 2, 2024 at 2:55 am
“Staying active and connected to community and family is key to successful aging.” Aging in place and living independently is possible for many people, but doing so takes planning, financial ...
- Wellbeing and flexibility are the keys to workplace successon April 29, 2024 at 4:01 pm
A new poll from BSI claims that employee health and employer flexibility are key elements to harness a future age-diverse workforce. Evolving Together: Flourishing in the age-diverse workforce ...
- Meg Ryan Revealed How She Unlocked the Key To Happiness in Her 60son April 29, 2024 at 10:40 am
Meg Ryan’s comeback in Hollywood might be one of the most refreshing returns — her happiness radiates from every angle now. That wasn’t a common sight in the final years before she disappeared from ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Key to Aging
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Key to Aging” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
The Latest Bing News on:
Fountain of aging
- Farmington data center has residents concernedon May 7, 2024 at 8:26 pm
The aging owners of the Fountain Valley Golf Course are looking to sell their 160-acre property and retire. But, the potential buyer has applied to rezone the residential land as mixed use commercial ...
- Proposed Farmington data center has current residents on edgeon May 7, 2024 at 7:50 pm
The aging owners of the Fountain Valley Golf Course are looking to sell their 160-acre property and retire. But, the potential buyer has applied to rezone the residential land as mixed use commercial ...
- Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Parkon May 7, 2024 at 5:00 pm
The Fountain of Youth, a mythical spring believed to have anti-aging properties, can be found in the park, as well as a planetarium, a blacksmith shop and a replica Timucua village. On the park's ...
- Fountain Life Introduces Entry-Level Longevity and Proactive Health Optimization Offeringon May 7, 2024 at 5:59 am
Fountain Life, an advanced diagnostics, longevity and preventative health company, today announced Fountain Life CORE, its new membership package that provides an entry point to longevity and ...
- Don’t worry about getting older, it’ll happen anywayon May 6, 2024 at 4:57 pm
Once people reach age 50 it’s been discovered that the stress of aging begins to fade, and people begin to wish they had enjoyed their youth instead of stressing about the future. It is easy to tell ...
- Turn Back Time — The 20 Best Anti-Aging Treatments for All Price Pointson April 17, 2024 at 11:44 am
If you ever catch yourself looking up ways to look younger without Botox, you're not alone — just check Google Trends. Everyone seems to be searching for the fountain of youth that isn't hundreds (or ...
- Turn Back Time — The 20 Best Anti-Aging Treatments for All Price Pointson April 16, 2024 at 5:01 pm
Everyone seems to be searching for the fountain of youth that isn’t hundreds ... through the skincare aisle makes it obvious that anti-aging products make some wild claims; it can be difficult ...
- Healthier Together: Anti-aging medicines could curb canceron April 5, 2024 at 12:42 pm
The fountain of youth, curbing aging, extending life — it all sounds like science fiction or something much further into the future, but that may not be the case for much longer. Seattle’s ...
- Forge Your Own Fountain of Youth: Inside Bryan Johnson’s $10,000 Anti-Aging Home Gymon February 8, 2024 at 3:05 am
But, can you forge your own fountain youth? Well ... Researchers increasingly suggest that aging is not simply a predetermined fate, but that lifestyle choices can influence its course.
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Fountain of aging
[google_news title=”” keyword=”fountain of aging” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]