Rutgers Health researchers have uncovered a significant role of brown fat in extending lifespan and improving exercise performance, potentially paving the way for a new drug that supports healthy aging.
A team from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School discovered that genetically modified mice lacking a specific protein, RGS14, developed highly active brown fat.
This led to a remarkable 30% improvement in their exercise capacity and a 20% longer lifespan compared to normal mice. The researchers are now working on a pharmaceutical solution to replicate these effects in humans.
Brown fat differs from white fat in that it burns calories and regulates body temperature. This study also revealed that brown fat enhances blood flow to muscles during physical activity, further boosting exercise performance.
The genetically altered mice not only showed increased endurance but also maintained a youthful appearance, resisting age-related symptoms such as hair graying and obesity.
To confirm that brown fat was responsible for these benefits, researchers transplanted it into normal mice, which then experienced similar health improvements within days—far faster than with regular brown fat transplants from unmodified mice.
The findings highlight brown fat’s potential to combat age-related diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.
Lead researcher Stephen Vatner, director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute at Rutgers, emphasized the need for targeted therapies that promote healthy aging rather than just increased lifespan.
While deliberate cold exposure can naturally boost brown fat, Vatner acknowledges that most people would prefer a pill-based solution. The research team is currently collaborating with experts to develop a drug that could enhance metabolism and exercise capacity, with clinical testing anticipated within the next year.
If successful, this discovery could mark a turning point in medical science by offering a breakthrough treatment for maintaining physical fitness and longevity as people age.
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