Scientists Find a Way to Get Anti-Aging Benefits Without Dieting

Topic: Health

Researchers at Yale found that reducing calorie intake by 11-14% can lower an immune protein called C3. This protein is linked to inflammation, which is a major feature of aging and many age-related diseases. The study suggests that targeting this protein could be a way to get the benefits of calorie restriction without its negative effects.

Reducing calorie intake has been shown to extend lifespan in animals like mice, monkeys, and fruit flies. However, severe calorie restriction can have serious costs, such as making animals more vulnerable to infections and affecting their growth and reproduction.

A new study published in Nature Aging points to a possible answer to this problem. Researchers at Yale University examined plasma samples from 42 people who participated in a two-year study called the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE). The participants reduced their calorie intake by 11-14% without feeling deprived.

The researchers measured over 7,000 proteins across plasma samples collected over time. They found that one protein, complement component 3 (C3), was significantly lower in people who followed a moderate calorie restriction diet. C3 is an immune protein that helps defend the body against pathogens, but its activation can also contribute to chronic inflammation.

The researchers then tested this pattern in animals and found that white adipose tissue, or fat tissue, was the primary source of C3. They used single-cell RNA sequencing to narrow down the source further and found that age-associated macrophages, a type of immune cell located within fat tissue, were responsible for producing C3.

This study suggests that targeting C3 could be a way to get the benefits of calorie restriction without its negative effects. The researchers are now exploring ways to reduce C3 levels in the body.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important because it could lead to new ways to prevent age-related diseases and promote healthy aging. As India's population ages, finding ways to maintain health and well-being into old age will become increasingly important.

Key Facts

• Reducing calorie intake by 11-14% can lower an immune protein called C3, which is linked to inflammation.
• The study was conducted on 42 people who participated in the CALERIE study at Yale University.
• C3 is produced by age-associated macrophages located within fat tissue.
• Targeting C3 could be a way to get the benefits of calorie restriction without its negative effects.
• The study was published in Nature Aging and was led by researchers at Yale University.

Key Terms

Complement component 3

An immune protein that helps defend the body against pathogens, but can also contribute to chronic inflammation.

Calorie restriction

Reducing calorie intake to promote healthy aging and prevent age-related diseases.

Implications

This discovery is important because it could lead to new ways to prevent age-related diseases and promote healthy aging. As India's population ages, finding ways to maintain health and well-being into old age will become increasingly important.