Key points from article :
Autophagy keeps the cells fit and protects them from many diseases.
Unfortunately, it falters over the years with increasing age.
A research group has now found a way to revive autophagy.
The body’s own substance spermidine can have a genuine anti-aging effect.
Spermidine is found in every cell in the body, but its concentration decreases with age.
Administered spermidine to aged mice for six months.
“....less kidney and liver damage and a better performance-enhancing glucose supply in the brain,” - Evgeni Ponimaskin, lead author.
Age-related hair loss was also significantly lower than the control group.
Cardio-protective effect of spermidine was related to reduced shortening of telomeres in heart tissue.
“The telomeres in spermidine-supplemented mice were similar in length to those in young animals,” - Ponimaskin.
Long-term implications for protection against age-related diseases in humans.
Study published in cooperation with the University of Graz in the Journal GeroScience.
