Scientists have found a way to regain youthfulness

Experts have found out how to reverse the process of cell aging. So far, the experiments have been conducted on laboratory mice, but scientists believe that this discovery can significantly help in the treatment of serious diseases, such as malignant tumors, diabetes and degenerative diseases of the nervous system, as well as in the study of other diseases associated with age-related changes. As a result, the studies showed that when the number of NAD+ molecules decreases, the connection between mitochondrial and nuclear gene cells is disrupted, which contributes to accelerated aging. After introducing NAD+ to elderly experimental animals, scientists noted the restoration of normal mitochondria function in the body, while experts found that, according to biological characteristics, the age of the animals approached that of a younger age.

Each cell in the body is fed with energy obtained through a biochemical reaction that occurs during the oxidation of nutrients supplied with food. During this, energy is released, which is deposited in the form of ATP molecules. This process is called cellular respiration and it occurs in mitochondria, which have their own DNA. Together with nuclear cells, mitochondria encode some components that participate in the process of cellular respiration. The active work of mitochondria decreases with age, often associated with diabetes or Alzheimer's disease.

A group of researchers led by David Sinclair conducted studies on animals, where they conducted processes of suppression of the sirtuin protein SIRT1, an increased amount of which slows down the aging processes of cells. As the experts assumed, the aging process associated with the disruption of the functions of nuclear and mitochondrial cells should be activated in mice. However, the results of the experiments turned out to be slightly different: most of the proteins encoded by nuclear genes were normal. A decrease was observed only in those proteins for which mitochondria were responsible for encoding.

As the project leader noted, a high level of SIRT1 allows both gene cells to work in a coordinated manner, which prevents cell aging. With age, the amount of NAD+ in the body decreases, as a result of which SIRT1 loses its ability to influence aging processes. After such results, the researchers decided to establish whether there is a possibility of preventing the aging process if the level of SIRT1 is increased by increasing the level of NAD+.

The experiment lasted one week, during which the scientists administered nicotinamide mononucleotide molecules (predecessors of NAD+) to mice, which were about two years old, twice a day. The specialists determined that the age of the mice's tissues approached six months in biological parameters, and muscle atrophy and inflammation decreased. If translated into human age, this means that the body of a 64-year-old person would correspond to that of an 18-year-old.

The experts note that they are only at the initial stage of their work, and much research needs to be done in the future. But if all the results are confirmed, some aging processes could be reversed, provided they are caught early enough.

Scientists are currently studying the effects of NAD+ compounds (in particular nicotinamide mononucleotide) and how they affect health and lifespan in experimental animals. In the near future, they intend to study the safety of using such therapy in cancer and diabetes types I and II.

Let us recall the recent statement by scientists that disruption of biological rhythms leads to premature aging of the skin.

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