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New research shows that communication between the body's organs plays a big role in aging.
As we get older, these lines of communication deteriorate, and organs don't receive the messages they need.
But what if there was a way to make you live longer?
A recent study discovered a pathway that connects the brain and fat tissue, affecting how our body produces energy.
When this pathway weakens with age, it adds to health problems related to getting older.
Specialists identified specific brain cells that send signals to fat tissue, telling it to release energy.
In experiments with mice, they found that when this pathway remained active, the mice aged more slowly and lived longer compared to mice with the normal aging process.
These brain cells produce a protein called Ppp1r17, which activates the sympathetic nervous system responsible for the "fight or flight" response.
When the fat tissue is activated, it releases fatty acids and an enzyme called eNAMPT, providing energy for physical activity and the brain.
As the protein leaves the brain cells, the signals become weaker, resulting in reduced communication with the fat tissue.
This leads to the accumulation of fat, weight gain, and less energy available for the brain and other parts of the body.
By keeping the presence of the protein in the brain cells or directly activating these cells in older mice, the specialists observed increased physical activity and longer lifespans.
The mice receiving these interventions lived an additional 60 to 70 days, representing a 7% increase in their lifespan, compared to the control mice.
The specialists are studying ways to keep the ties between the brain and fat tissue strong.
One method they're looking at is giving mice eNAMPT as a supplement.
When mice are given eNAMPT, it boosts their energy levels and helps them live longer.
If they succeed, it could potentially help humans live healthier and longer lives.
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