A team from Rutgers University observed that mice lacking a specific gene developed a powerful form of brown fat. This characteristic increased their lifespan by 20% and improved their exercise capacity by 30%. Researchers are now considering developing a drug to replicate these effects in humans.
Brown fat, unlike white fat, burns calories and regulates body temperature. The study published in
Aging Cell shows that it also improves blood circulation to muscles during exercise. The modified mice demonstrated superior physical performance, both in speed and endurance.
Mice without the RGS14 protein showed signs of delayed aging, such as less hair loss and less graying fur. Their brown fat also protected them from obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Transplants of this fat into normal mice quickly reproduced these benefits.
Stephen Vatner, the study's lead researcher, emphasizes the importance of finding drugs based on models of healthy aging. His team is working on an agent that can specifically improve exercise capacity and metabolism, rather than targeting aging in a general way.
In the meantime, methods like cold exposure can naturally increase brown fat. However, the long-term effects on healthy aging remain to be demonstrated. Stephen Vatner is optimistic about the possibility of developing an effective drug, which would certainly be preferred by most people over ice baths.
The study, titled 'Brown adipose tissue enhances exercise performance and healthful longevity,' was published in
Aging Cell. It offers new insights into the role of brown fat in longevity and health.
What is brown fat and how does it work?
Brown fat is a type of adipose tissue that burns calories to produce heat, unlike white fat, which stores energy. It is particularly active in newborns and during cold exposure.
This tissue contains a large number of mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses, which give it its characteristic brown color. Mitochondria use fatty acids and glucose to generate heat.
Brown fat plays a key role in regulating body temperature and metabolism. Recent studies suggest it may also influence insulin sensitivity and protect against obesity.
Stimulating brown fat activity is a promising approach for treating metabolic diseases and improving overall health.