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The science ofwhy we ageis a hot topic , with studies pointing tochanges in our chromosomes , cellular stressandepigeneticsas culprit . These changes are unmanageable to reverse with discussion — but what if there were a molecular causa of senescence that we could change more well ?

In a subject field published Friday ( April 12 ) in the journalNature ageing , researchers may have identified a particular kind of fatty molecule , or lipid , that play a major part in the age unconscious process . This lipide , called bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate ( BMP ) , was found at systematically in high spirits levels in the muscles of older citizenry than in those of younger people . And notably , those high storey fell with little period of example . The researchers also studied this effect in more detail in mice .

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A new study provides hints as to why exercise seems to extend people’s life spans.

senesce research miss detailed report of fat molecules , " so it was great to see this work doing such a comprehensive analysis of the changes in many dissimilar tissues in mice and humans,“Dr . Alexandra Stolzing , a professor of biogerontological engineering at Loughborough University who was not affect in the cogitation , differentiate Live Science in an email .

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Creating a map of fat

Scientists generally realise how unproblematic fats , such ascholesterol , contribute to aging and diseases likecoronary arterial blood vessel disease . However , " little is known on how ' complex ' lipide contribute , " saidDr . George Janssens , an adjunct professor of genetic metabolic disease at Amsterdam UMC and first generator of the work .

The researchers start exploring this relationship by analyzing the fat of young and old mice . Using " lipidomics " — a engineering that quantify the many different fat in the same tissue simultaneously — they looked at 10 different tissues and identify more than 1,200 unique types of lipids .

What jumped out at them was the ordered increase of BMP in old mice , which they ensure across most of the tissue analyzed .

a close-up of fat cells under a microscope

The researchers then analyzed brawniness tissue paper biopsied from human volunteers of dissimilar ages ; immature participants were 20 to 30 year old while old participant were age 65 to 80 . Again , they found that BMP accumulate in the aging tissue .

" The nearly tissue - wide accumulation of one lipoid in mice , and the same change conserved in human brawn … was astonishing , " Janssens told Live Science in an email . The result suggest that BMP lipids may be a driving force in the aging outgrowth — however , more enquiry is needed to determine whether they really force aging or rather increase as a result of it .

An hour a day keeps the lipids away

Evidence suggests thateven short bouts of daily exercisereduce the great unwashed ’s risk of early end . And in general , exercise has been closelylinked with betterment in longevity , with one explanation being that it tends to change how the body breaks down lipoid .

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In a second form of their subject field , the researchers analyzed the lipid content in people ’s muscles once before and once after they exercise one hour a twenty-four hours for four days . They compared these numbers with those of people who remained seated for most of that prison term period .

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Surprisingly , even within such a unforesightful time frame , BMP stratum were importantly lose weight in those who exert versus those who were sedentary . This paint a picture this lipide could be a central player in the benefits of exercise on longevity .

" This study is fascinate " because the researchers discovered that this fat increment with historic period in both black eye and humans , saidAdiv Johnson , director of research and innovation at the longevity caller Tally Health , who was not need in the subject field . But the findings also show that exercise — " a sinewy pro - longevity intercession " — can deplete this years - related fat in humans , he tell Live Science in an electronic mail .

" The theme that we could reverse aging is something that was long consider scientific discipline fiction , " aged study authorRiekelt Houtkooper , a prof of genetic metabolic diseases at Amsterdam UMC , said in astatement . " But these determination do earmark us to understand a plenty more about the aging cognitive process . "

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The scientist design to lead further studies to learn why BMP accumulates in the first place and whether methods other than exercising could deplete BMP .

Until then , the study supply one intimation as to why going for a walk or run around the neighborhood might help oneself us live just a small longer . For those who are physically unable to exercise , there could be other solution on the apparent horizon , as some scientists are working on drugs tomimic the helpful effects of physical bodily function .

This article is for informational purposes only and is not think of to offer medical advice .

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Ever wonder whysome people build muscle more well than othersorwhy freckle come out in the sun ? get off us your questions about how the human body work tocommunity@livescience.comwith the capable line " Health Desk Q , " and you may see your head answer on the website !

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