Anti-Inflammatory Molecules That Decline In the Aging Brain

In aging, a lot of things happen including inflammation, stress, and changes in metabolism. A group of scientists has now found that a type of lipid called SGDGs (3-sulfogalactosyl diacylglycerols) declines in the brain as we age. These molecules may lead to the discovery of new ways to treat neurological diseases due to aging. The study helps understand the molecular basis of aging of the brain and offers new avenues of therapeutic intervention.

The study found the molecular basis of declining anti-inflammatory molecules in the aging brain may be due to processes that regulate aging. Lipids play a crucial role in this process.

The research team discovered three things involving anti-inflammatory molecules. The family members of SGDGs and associated lipids are changed substantially with the aging process. They may be guided by processes that regulate the aging process, and lipid levels are very different in older mice than younger mice. This may play an important role in the decline of anti-inflammatory molecules. This is an important discovery that should be studied further.

The researchers used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to study the brains of mice at five different ages. They then used advanced data analytics to find patterns in the lipid profiles that were age-related. Next, they built SGDG molecules that were then tested for biological activity. This research provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to inflammation in the aging brain.

SGDGs are molecules that have anti-inflammatory properties. This could be indicative for neurodegenerative conditions and disorders that can involve an increase of brain inflammation.

They also discovered that SGDGs are present in primate and human brains, which suggests that SGDGs can play a crucial role in other animals besides mice. Ongoing research is needed to show if SGDGs influence human neuroinflammation.

The research team will further study how SGDGs regulate the process of aging, and the proteins that break them down and make them. This could help to uncover novel genetic activity linked with aging. The study of these significant lipids is completely open for discovery, with the understanding of the structure of them and the team’s skill to construct them in a lab.

To view the original scientific study click below:
A class of anti-inflammatory lipids decrease with aging in the central nervous system

Muscle Stem Cells Regenerated By Consistent Aerobic Exercise

It’s no secret that getting older can take a toll on the body, with increased risks of heart disease, dementia and reduced immune function. But new research has uncovered evidence that aerobic exercise may combat those effects by actually reversing aging’s impact on essential muscle stem cells involved in tissue regeneration. You don’t have to settle for slowing down as years accumulate. It could be possible to bounce back from workouts or illnesses more easily than before.

Exercise has long been known to promote health and extend life, but this new research takes it one step further. It indicates that aerobic activities like jogging, swimming or cycling can help older individuals recover faster than they would naturally. In the future these results might form a basis for creating de-ageing drugs meant specifically for muscle stem cells. Exercise isn’t just about adding years to your lifespan anymore. It now could potentially reverse age related diseases as well.

This research uncovered a promising result. Aerobic exercise can demonstrate anti-aging benefits on cells, encouraging them to behave with renewed youth. To confirm this outcome, two groups of mice were observed. One group was given the ability to run up to 10km each night for three weeks while the other group had no opportunity for physical activity. Sure enough, after only seven days both older and younger mice had established an active nightly routine.

Regular aerobic exercise like swimming, running or cycling may be the human equivalent to mice voluntarily turning a wheel for three weeks. In this study, it was found that muscle stem cells from older exercising mice were just as effective at regenerating fibers in injured tissue compared with younger counterparts. Thus, indicating physical activity’s positive effect on aging muscles.

The research indicates that sustained aerobic exercise can have an overall rejuvenating effect and improve muscle stem cell function in older animals. This was observed even when there wasn’t an increase in the number of cells present. Rather, it facilitated tissue repair so effectively that it seemed as though those aging cells were turned back into young ones. However, the benefit is fleeting if activity levels taper off after one week post-exercise causing the effects to dissipate.

Many of the researchers were surprised when they found that running a wheel did not improve muscle repair in young mice. Young mice saw no improvement to muscle repair despite running on the wheel – as if they had already reached peak efficiency.

Through the study, scientists have unlocked the potential of aerobic exercise to restore and accelerate regeneration in muscle stem cells. Exercise has the potential to reverse age-related decline in stem cells, thanks to a tiny protein called cyclin D1. This exciting discovery means scientists can now target this critical component of tissue repair with drug therapies or prescribed exercise regimens. However, before any anti-aging advances can come into full effect further research is necessary within human studies.

The findings suggest voluntary physical activity on a consistent basis will help us live our best lives by combating age related illnesses while also allowing us to stay functionally younger longer.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Exercise rejuvenates quiescent skeletal muscle stem cells in old mice through restoration of Cyclin D1

Research Shows You Can Reactivate Aging Brain Stem Cells

Our brain is capable of generating new neurons even late in life, an ability which plays a vital role in memory processes. Unfortunately, age and Alzheimer’s can severely impede this regenerative capacity, weakening the hippocampus’ efficiency to remember.

A team of researchers from the University of Zurich recently discovered that a decrease in the number of newly generated neurons is linked with aging. This occurs due to faulty distribution of proteins between daughter cells, caused by an imbalance of nucleic protein structures within neural stem cells.

With aging comes a decline in the production of lamin B1, an essential nuclear protein. Rresearchers conducting experiments on mice were able to reverse this process and revitalize stem cells by increasing levels of lamin B1. Utilizing genetic engineering and advanced microscope techniques allowed doctoral candidate Khadeesh bin Imtiaz to identify a direct connection between these processes. This could lead us closer towards unlocking our body’s full potential throughout every part of life.

The research team is working diligently to combat the effects of aging on stem cells through a variety of projects. As we age, many important regenerative processes become impaired throughout our bodies, including in brain stem cells. While this study was specific to their role, similar mechanisms likely play an influential part when it comes to other types of stem cell deterioration with age as well.

From this research, a vital leap forward has been taken in comprehending how age influences the behavior of stem cells. We’ve discovered that we can rekindle aging brain stem cells, bringing us closer to potentially boosting levels of neurogenesis. This is especially important for elderly individuals or those grappling with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

With this new knowledge, it may be possible for scientists to create solutions and therapies aimed at preserving or even re-establishing healthy neuron formation as we age.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Declining lamin B1 expression mediates age-dependent decreases of hippocampal stem cell activity

Breakthrough Discovery of a New Sign of Aging

As we age, our bodies go through a variety of changes that can significantly affect and contribute to a decline in function. Common molecular-level transformations associated with aging include genomic instability, telomere shortening, epigenetic adaptations and mitochondrial dysfunction. Understanding these key hallmarks is an essential part of the field of aging research for those seeking successful healthy advancement into old age.

Scientists have made a major breakthrough in the understanding of aging. They’ve discovered that as we age, sphingolipids, primarily ceramides, begin to accumulate and slowly erode muscle function. But the research has revealed an unwelcome effect of these fat molecules. Commonly found in skin care products, they are usually thought to benefit aging skin. However, a joint study by Helsinki and Lausanne Universities discovered that these same molecules can cause muscle deterioration with age. This is the first time such harm caused by ceramides has been brought to light.

As we get older, our muscles tend to deteriorate and become weaker. It was discovered that an increase in ceramides (and other sphingolipid molecules) are found within muscles as people grow older. Acting like internal messengers for cells, these lipids are increasingly being linked to various aspects of age-related diseases due to their role in regulating cellular processes from cell division through insulin signaling.

Slowing down the natural aging process could become a reality with new research linking muscle strength and stem cell function to reduced ceramides. By administering myriocin, an inhibitor of ceramide production, researchers were able to preserve balance, running capacity and overall muscular health in aging mice. Amazingly this even resulted in more white muscle fibers being produced; essential for maintaining strength and speed.

Researchers also set out to explore whether inhibiting ceramide synthesis can help forestall muscle deterioration in humans. To answer this, they examined thousands of samples from elderly people as part of the wide-ranging Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. Incredibly, results revealed that a quarter had a specific gene variant with similar effects as myriocin, thus, lowering ceramide levels within their muscles.

The advancements made here may lead us one step closer towards successful treatments against muscle atrophy associated with old age. These findings provide exciting prospects for developing potential therapies aimed at reversing the effects of getting older, opening new doors towards fighting off biological time. This research indicates a pharmaceutical that could reduce levels of sphingolipids may be beneficial for enhancing strength, endurance, and agility in humans later in life.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Sphingolipids accumulate in aged muscle, and their reduction counteracts sarcopenia

Burn More Fat by Exercising at the Right Time of Day

Exercise can provide many health benefits, but a new study correlates how well our bodies respond to exercise depending on the time of day when we work out. To uncover these effects, researchers ventured to understand the relationship between biosynthesis and fat burning in relation to different times of day.

The researchers studied mice after a high intensity physical activity session at two points across their daily cycle- early active phase and a rest period (mimicking late morning/evening for humans). Through examining markers for fat metabolism as well as analyzing gene expression within adipose tissue after exercise, the research promised insight into how the time of day affects our body’s ability to metabolize energy.

The study suggests that exercising in the late morning could be far more beneficial for people looking to burn fat than evening exercises. It was found that physical activity at an early active phase increases key genes associated with adipose breakdown, heat production and mitochondria cell performance. These are all signs of higher metabolism levels. These effects were only seen in mice who exercised during this period; indicating it may not just stimulate weight loss but also improve overall health.

Humans and mice might be more similar than we think. They share many underlying physiological processes, making them a dependable model for human biology. Still, it’s worth noting that there are some distinct differences – most notably the fact that mice naturally prefer nighttime activity over daytime.

It appears that when we exercise may be just as important to our well-being as the how. Studies suggest timing is key in enabling us to gain maximum health benefits from physical activity. However, further research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about its implications for humans.

These findings could be extremely beneficial for athletes or everyday people looking to make effective changes through physical fitness.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Time of day determines postexercise metabolism in mouse adipose tissue

Stress Can Deplete Your Body of Nutrients

Stress can prove to be more than just an emotional burden. It may also impede our bodies from properly absorbing essential nutrients. When we’re stressed, the body releases hormones that interfere with nutrient absorption in digestion. Unfortunately, this could cause many problems including fatigue and weakened immunity.

Although we often think of physical stressors like lack of sleep or demanding work, psychological stresses can also have a detrimental impact on our body. A 2020 study by clinical psychologist and researcher Dr Adrian Lopresti indicated that prolonged emotional duress may deplete important micronutrients such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron and niacin from the body. This could eventually weaken your immune response to external threats.

During a stressful period our ability to absorb and process micronutrients can be drastically reduced. These vital vitamins and minerals are fundamental for several biochemical reactions that occur throughout the body. This can lead to micronutrient depletion and further hinder physical abilities like concentration and attention. Unfortunately, due to increased levels of hormones like cortisol or catecholamines excreted during high-stress levels, we may actually require more nutrients than usual.

A 2019 study published in the journal Advances in Integrative Medicine explored how disasters affect our body’s fight or flight response. In a stressful situation, vital nutritional resources are reallocated to cope with immediate threats, while cognitive and emotional processes become suppressed as a result of this short-term prioritization strategy. If stress levels remain high for an extended period, however, it can cause lasting damage due to depleted nutrient stores that occur from such intense survival demands.

When feeling stressed, we often crave unhealthy comfort foods instead of nutritious meals. Comfort food has the power to stimulate our reward area of the brain, releasing dopamine and providing us with a sense of pleasure. Though sugar is usually at the forefront in many comfort foods, it’s not alone – fat and salt can act as tempting agents too when they are present together. Even stronger effects come from liquid sugary drinks like soda which trigger faster release of dopamine leading to addiction among stressed populations. Additionally, alcohol consumption or medication use may rise during these moments for temporary relief.

Stress eating can become a destructive habit with dire consequences for your health. Long-term comfort food binging has been linked to abdominal fat gain and insulin resistance, which are precursors of diabetes as well as chronic medical conditions like heart disease and cancer. Research studies have found that even excess belly fat increases the risk of dementia later in life.

During times of stress, it’s beneficial to supplement your diet with essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are effective in supporting neurotransmitter production related to mood, mental health, and sleep, making sure you get the most out of each day. Nutritional supplements such as multivitamins, B-complexes & magnesium/zinc can ensure that your body is equipped with all its necessary building blocks for a balanced state of well-being.

A nutrient-rich diet is crucial for keeping bodies primed with the necessary elements they need during difficult times. Also, make sure you take time out of your day to relax and de-stress for a healthier lifestyle.

To view the original scientific study click below:

The Effects of Psychological and Environmental Stress on Micronutrient Concentrations in the Body: A Review of the Evidence

Will Revitalizing Old Blood With A Pill Slow Aging?

Recent studies show that transfusions of young blood hold many rejuvenating benefits for older people, such as increased heart strength and mental clarity. Many researchers are working to identify the elements in youth-filled blood so they can be replicated into a pill form. However, an even more effective approach may be found by refreshing the system within our bodies responsible for creating fresh red cells, the oxygen carriers throughout our systems. This could mean that a 70-year old with a 40 year-old’s level of new red cell production could experience extended more youthful health span, if not overall lifespan longevity.

A recent breakthrough from Dr. Passegué’s lab could potentially make the clock go backwards for older individuals – a long-held ideal in our pursuit of health and longevity. In Nature Cell Biology, it was demonstrated that an already approved anti-inflammatory drug is able to rejuvenate mouse blood cells by reversing the effects of aging on their hematopoietic system.

Stem cells within bone marrow are responsible for producing all of the blood cells in our bodies. As we age, however, these hematopoietic stem cells begin to deteriorate and become unable to create immune or red blood cells efficiently. Recent studies have attempted to reverse this aging process through exercise regimens, diets limiting calories intake as well as introducing young stem cell transplants into old bones. But none were successful enough in reversing the effects on hematopoiesis caused by aging.

As we age, remarkable changes occur deep within our bone marrow. The researchers dug deeper to uncover why and discovered the environment surrounding blood stem cells is deteriorating with an influx of inflammation that compromises their function. Through sophisticated analysis developed in the Passegué lab, these researchers shed light on how this specialized local environment plays a major role in aging-related issues.

Through the use of an anti-inflammatory drug, researchers have discovered a new way to reverse aging in both bone marrow niches and blood stem cells. By blocking IL-1B signaling released from damaged sites within the body throughout life, remarkable youthful health effects can be seen – giving us hope for slowing down many age related symptoms.

With the aim of understanding how stem cell rejuvenation works in humans, researchers are exploring if targeting middle age would be a more effective approach. Additionally, they believe that by treating elderly patients with anti-inflammatory drugs able to inhibit IL-1B function, better blood production could result – leading them closer towards clinical trials.

This exciting finding suggests potential strategies may exist to help maintain healthier bloodstreams among elderly populations.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Stromal niche inflammation mediated by IL-1 signalling is a targetable driver of haematopoietic ageing

Traffic Pollution Affects Cognitive Ability

A groundbreaking study has discovered a worrying new link between air pollution and human brain function. Utilizing Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), researchers observed that even just two hours of exposure to diesel exhaust can impair the communication abilities within different areas of the brain. This may lead to decreased functional connectivity – an indicator of how well cells interact with each other in-turn affecting overall mental performance.

Although scientists believed for years that the brain was impervious to air pollution, this new research has uncovered powerful proof of its hazardous effects on cognition.

To investigate the effects of diesel exhaust, researchers recruited 25 healthy adults in which their brain activity was measured through functional magnetic resonance imaging. The measurements were made both before and after exposure to either filtered air or exposure to fumes. Results revealed that exposures had an influence on participants’ brains in that widespread regions of the default mode network. It showed decreased connectivity following contact with diesel exhaust compared to clean air. This hints at the potential impact long-term inhalation may have on our thoughts and memories.

Altered functional connectivity in the default mode network appears to have a direct influence on cognitive performance and symptoms of depression, making it worrying that traffic pollution may be interrupting these same networks. If true, this could mean significantly impaired thinking or an inability to work for many individuals.

While the brain changes experienced in this study were only temporary, it is believed that continually breathing in polluted air could have long-lasting effects on our health and well being. To minimize exposure to hazardous pollutants such as car exhaust fumes it is important to be mindful of your breathing and taking preventive steps to limit exposure. This could be by making sure car filters work properly or avoiding heavily trafficked streets if you’re biking or walking.

Air pollution is quickly becoming recognized as the number one threat to human health, with a range of wide-reaching implications for major organ systems. From research it has now been shown that certain pollutants commonly found in traffic fumes can also cause cognitive decline. Similar findings may be expected from smoke and other air toxins released by burning forests or other combustibles. This suggests yet another environmental factor playing into rising rates of neurocognitive conditions around the world. It’s vitally important for public officials and policymakers alike to take this into account when making decisions about individuals’ well being in today’s environment.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Brief diesel exhaust exposure acutely impairs functional brain connectivity in humans: a randomized controlled crossover study

Sugar, Not Salt Is The Culprit In High Blood Pressure

For more than a century, medical researchers have warned of the dangers salt poses on high blood pressure and cardiovascular deaths. But recent evidence is turning that belief upside down and suggesting it’s not salt but sugars in our diets that are driving up numbers related to heart health. A recent study published in BMJ Open Heart suggests that fructose is actually the more dangerous culprit when it comes to hypertension and heart disease.

Cutting back on salt may not be as beneficial for your health as previously believed. A 2011 meta-analysis from the Cochrane Collaboration even found that reducing your intake of sodium could actually increase chances of fatal heart disease, particularly when it comes to sources like sea and table salt. Processed foods are a major culprit, since they’re often high in both added sugar and dietary salts, making them doubly dangerous.

Evidence from across scientific disciplines has highlighted the damaging effects of sugar on blood pressure. In particular, fructose was found to be a major contributing factor in hypertension. Sadly, due to an increase in processed foods and high-fructose corn syrup consumption, Americans are now consuming more than 77-152 pounds per year, equal to approximately 24-47 teaspoons daily. This is far higher than 300 years ago when people only ate a few pounds annually. Alarmingly, 13% of US citizens consume 25% or more calories as added sugars which triples their risk for dying from cardiovascular causes.

Despite general health guidelines suggesting 25% of daily diet should consist of added sugar, when it’s fructose this can have a marked and dangerous effect on blood pressure. Consuming over 74g per day is associated with an alarming 77% greater risk for elevated readings above the recommended 160/100 mm Hg level. It appears that processed food sources are at fault here and fresh fruits and vegetables containing natural sugars do not produce any harmful effects.

While processed foods may appear to be delicious, they can increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Instead of reaching for artificial sweeteners, try incorporating more natural ones like honey or maple syrup into your diet in moderation. Ditch regular table salt and replace it with either Celtic sea salt or Himalayan pink sea salt for both flavor and health benefits.

To view the original scientific study click below:
The wrong white crystals: not salt but sugar as aetiological in hypertension and cardiometabolic disease

Breathe Through Your Nose Not Your Mouth For Optimal Health

Our breath is the life source that keeps us going, and dodging any health issues related to it should be a top priority. As such, nasal breathing has increasingly gained attention as an essential element for respiratory well-being. By efficiently channeling air through your nose rather than your mouth, you are reaping numerous benefits for both short- and long-term health, whereas chronic mouth breathers may unknowingly be harmful in various ways.

By breathing through the nose, our bodies take up more oxygen due to an increase in airway resistance. This allows for improved elasticity and volume of the lungs, as well as increased oxygenation inside the nasal passageway thanks to a network of arteries, veins, capillaries and lymphatic vessels. A 2015 clinical review published by Nursing in General Practice found that these benefits can have a net result 10-20 percent higher uptake rate than when exhaling solely with your mouth.

Through the simple action of nasal breathing, you can promote a calming effect on both mind and body. This is because slow deep breaths stimulate your vagus nerve, which in turn activates your parasympathetic nervous system’s relaxation response. An additional bonus comes from nitric oxide production. This compound produced by nearly every cell helps relax blood vessels and boosts oxygen absorption capacity, while providing anti-fungal, antibacterial benefits.

Nasal breathing offers numerous benefits for your health and well being. Evidence indicates it can help keep the air moist, trap airborne debris before entering the body, reduce symptoms of common illnesses, encourage diaphragm action and even influence dental development such as creating arches in teeth.

Breathing through the mouth, which is done by a large portion of people, may have serious health implications such as gum disease or even sleep apnea. Additionally, it can also lead to dental decay and bad breath while influencing speech patterns and swallowing abilities.

Nasal breathing has been widely endorsed by many experts and cultures from around the world as a beneficial habit. While not everyone can easily breathe through their nose due to various issues such as a deviated septum or facial trauma, those who are able should cultivate this practice for its ample health perks.

Looking to become an expert breather? Try incorporating the following approaches into your daily life. Set reminders throughout the day, take a few minutes for breathing exercises like alternate nostril or diaphragmatic breath work, and consider taping your mouth at night. However, it’s important that this should not be attempted if any medical conditions apply like difficulty in nasal respiration or allergies/colds etc. One of the best mouth tapes is SomniFx, which can be purchased from Amazon and is easily applied and removed. Incorporating even just one of these strategies can help establish healthier habits as we move through our day-to-day lives.

To view the original scientific study click below:
The health benefits of nose breathing