CNIO researchers have discovered that cells signaled to have excess nutrients can lead to organ malfunction and inflammation, potentially accelerating aging. Using animal models and comparisons with human blood samples, they have shown that targeting inflammation could mitigate aging symptoms and extend life, with implications for understanding diseases related to aging and obesity. Researchers find that excess nutrients in cells trigger inflammation and organ dysfunction, accelerating aging.
Their study suggests that interventions in inflammation might improve lifespan. The accelerated aging of our population underscores the urgency to understand the molecular changes occurring in the body over time. The mTOR protein complex plays a critical role in many body functions, particularly in metabolism.
A new study by CNIO researchers shows that even slight increases in mTOR activity can induce premature aging in animal models, reducing their lifespan by up to 20%. This study, published in Nature Aging , provides insights into why diseases associated with aging worsen in individuals with a high body mass index, an indicator of obesity and inflammation. It also explains why calorie restriction, known for extending lifespan in animals, promotes healthy aging by activating specific genes that interact with mTOR.
Additionally, the study introduces a new research tool designed “to study the relationship between nutrient increase and the ageing of different organs,” according to lea.
