Key Points: Metformin prevents the age-related progression of ovarian fibrosis in old mice. Fibrosis already present in older mice is not reversed by metformin treatment. The effects of metformin appear to be due to immune system rejuvenation. As we age, it becomes more difficult for our organs to regenerate new cells. Instead, our cells are… Continue reading Anti-Diabetes Drug Metformin Protects Against Reproductive Aging in Latest Study
Category: Immunity
New Study Shows Metformin Reverses Age-Related Thymus Degeneration by Boosting Mitochondrial Function
Key Points: The diabetes drug metformin preserves thymus structure and boosts the function of thymus mitochondria (cell powerhouses). Treated mice exhibit fewer senescent cells — growth-arrested cells associated with promoting aging — than untreated aging mice. Treatment with metformin increases the activity of multiple essential proteins responsible for proper functioning of the thymus. As we… Continue reading New Study Shows Metformin Reverses Age-Related Thymus Degeneration by Boosting Mitochondrial Function
New Study Shows NAD⁺ Nanoparticles Increase Survival from Sepsis by Over Fourfold in Mice
Key Points: Treating septic mice with lipid nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) increases their survival rate from 21% to 93%. Treatment with loaded NPs stops immune cells from dying, blocking the immunosuppressive response caused by sepsis. The primary cell energy currency (ATP) is restored in multiple organs of septic mice following treatment… Continue reading New Study Shows NAD⁺ Nanoparticles Increase Survival from Sepsis by Over Fourfold in Mice
Researchers Find Blocking Gut Metabolite Prevents Cognitive Decline
Key Points: A molecule secreted by gut bacteria in aged mice called IAA (isoamylamine) hinders cognition in young mice. Inhibiting IAA prevents cognitive deficits in aged mice. IAA promotes inflammation and cell death by stimulating microglia cells — the brains resident immune cells. Molecules secreted by the bacteria living in our gut play a crucial… Continue reading Researchers Find Blocking Gut Metabolite Prevents Cognitive Decline
Study from Sweden Suggests Nerve Stimulation Device Could Slow Aging
Key Points: Our nervous system mediates all of our actions, including how we move, think, and feel. It also mediates unconscious (autonomic) processes like our heart rate, digestion, and immune system. The vagus nerve is the primary nerve associated with the unconscious “rest and digest” processes of the nervous system (parasympathetic nervous system). Recent discoveries… Continue reading Study from Sweden Suggests Nerve Stimulation Device Could Slow Aging
Study Shows Gut Bacteria from Young Mice Reverses Age-Related Inflammation
Key Points: Gut microbiota (bacteria) from young mice reduces neuroinflammation in the retinas and brains of aged mice but does not improve cognition. Young gut microbiota improves intestinal inflammation and leaky gut in aged mice. Fecal matter transplants from young mice improve bacterial composition, and lipid and vitamin synthesis in aged mice. The bacteria living… Continue reading Study Shows Gut Bacteria from Young Mice Reverses Age-Related Inflammation
Dopamine Enhances Immune Cell Response Against Senescent Cells
Key Points: A type of immune cell called a natural killer cell reduces the occurrence of senescence — cell growth arrest — in human blood and fat tissue. Elevating dopamine levels enhances the effect of natural killer cells in multiple mouse organs. Natural killer cell treatment raises NAD+ levels in mouse fat and liver tissue… Continue reading Dopamine Enhances Immune Cell Response Against Senescent Cells
Mayo Clinic Finds Potent NAD⁺ Booster Promotes Inflammatory Response
Key Points: The NAD+ precursor NRH increases NAD+ levels in immune cells when other NAD+ precursors (NAM, NMN, and NR) do not. More than NMN, NRH promotes the activation of genes associated with inflammation in mouse immune cells. NRH and to a lesser degree NMN also promote inflammation in human-derived immune cells. When can too… Continue reading Mayo Clinic Finds Potent NAD⁺ Booster Promotes Inflammatory Response
Study Shows that Deleting the Protein-Building Block Transporter xCT Increases Lifespan and Improves Memory in Mice
Key Points: Genetic deletion of the xCT – a transporter that moves the amino acids glutamate out of the cell and cystine into the cell – increases the lifespan of mice. Deleting xCT reduces the age-related body-wide overactive immune response and improves the inflammatory status of the hippocampus – a brain region associated with memory.… Continue reading Study Shows that Deleting the Protein-Building Block Transporter xCT Increases Lifespan and Improves Memory in Mice
What Drives Aging?
Key Points: NAD+ declines with age largely due to the activation of CD38, an enzyme activated by the inflammation produced by senescent cells – cells that no longer grow or replicate. In a feed-forward cycle, the decline of NAD+ by CD38 induces the spread of more senescent cells and inflammation. Halting this cycle could prevent… Continue reading What Drives Aging?