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Reducing dietary calories slows down aging
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Reducing caloric content in the diet can slow aging and stop the development of age-related diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes. The earlier the caloric content of the food ration is reduced, the more pronounced the result will be.
Scientists from the University of Gothenburg were able to identify the enzyme, which is the key to aging.
Previously, scientists have shown that with a gradual decrease in the intake of carbohydrate and protein foods, without reducing the amount of vitamins and minerals, the lifespan of monkeys has increased by several years. This method was applied at all - from fish and rats to flies and yeasts - with positive results. In addition, calorie reduction has a beneficial effect on health and slows the progression of age-related diseases. But, contrary to this information, biologists could not definitely say what underlies all such effects.
Using a model of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells, the researchers were able to identify one of their enzymes. They were able to show that the positive effect of calorie reduction requires active peroxiredoxin Tsa1 - an enzyme that destroys toxic hydrogen peroxide in cells.
Project manager Mikael Molin said that he and his team had managed to show that limiting caloric intake could slow the aging process by preventing inactivation of the peroxiredoxin enzyme. In addition, this enzyme is very important in preventing the breakdown of the genetic material of cells.
The results of the research showed that in the process of human aging Tsa1 gradually loses its activity, and the restriction of the caloric content of the diet prevents this process as a result of an increase in the concentration of another enzyme Srx1, which restores Tsa1. It is important to note that aging can be slowed down and without limiting caloric content, while increasing the level of the enzyme Srx1.
Violation of the activity and functionality of Tsa1 leads to different genetic breakdowns and development of cancerous tumors, in addition, peroxiredoxin Tsa1 prevents the damage of protein molecules - the process underlying such diseases, kA Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Now scientists are trying to investigate the effect of enhanced recovery of Tsa1 on the aging and development of cancer.
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