Impaired Metabolism: A crucial factor in the onset of age-related diseases is the disruption of homeostasis or cellular and metabolic balance.
Aging is an unavoidable biological process. Ideally, aging should be a time for rest and enjoyment of life’s fruits, but there are also darker aspects of this process, one of which is the connection between aging and disease.
Impaired Metabolism, Cells undergo billions of biochemical reactions every second, forming an interconnected metabolic network that supports essential life functions. Through this metabolic network, cells can grow, replicate, or repair themselves.
Impaired Metabolism, But does aging lead to a decrease in metabolism, or is it metabolic disruption that accelerates the aging process? Or are both factors significant? To answer this question, we first need to understand how metabolic processes break down during aging and disease. Conversation has explored this issue in a recent report.
Impaired Metabolism: The Connection Between Metabolism And Aging
Impaired Metabolism, Increasing age is a major risk factor for common diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. A key factor in the onset of age-related diseases is disruption of homeostasis or cellular and metabolic balance. Disruption of homeostasis creates an unstable and imbalanced internal environment in the body, ultimately leading to a range of health problems such as metabolic disorders, chronic diseases, and impaired cellular function, which in turn leads to aging and serious diseases.
Impaired metabolism is associated with cellular aging signs such as telomere shortening, damage to the protective ends of chromosomes, genomic instability, and a tendency toward genetic mutations.
Impaired Metabolism, Inefficient metabolism is also linked to poor mitochondrial function, cellular aging—or non-division of cells—imbalance in gut microbiota, and reduced ability of cells to detect and respond to various nutrients. Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease are clear examples of conditions that confirm the connection between aging, disrupted metabolism, and impaired function.
Researchers have previously found that increased protein activity, which modulates inflammation, causes a reduction in the ability of bone marrow cells to produce, store, and use energy in aging mice. This energy deficiency increases inflammation, and the reliance of aging cells on glucose as the primary energy source exacerbates inflammation.
Impaired Metabolism, Researchers discovered a link between impaired glucose metabolism and neurological diseases, and based on this finding, developed a drug initially used for cancer treatment that could also be applied to Alzheimer’s disease. This study focused on an enzyme called IDO1 (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1), which plays a crucial role in the breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan and the production of a key compound called kynurenine, which creates energy pathways and inflammatory responses.
Impaired Metabolism, High levels of IDO1, with excessive production of kynurenine, reduce glucose metabolism and may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. IDO1 inhibitors, designed and developed for treating cancers such as melanoma, leukemia, and breast cancer, could be used to reduce kynurenine and improve brain function.
Researchers found that IDO1 inhibitors can restore glucose metabolism in brain cells, particularly in mice with amyloid and tau accumulation. This suggests that using these inhibitors for treating neurodegenerative disorders is also beneficial.
Impaired Metabolism, Neurological disorders and reduced metabolism have a significant impact on individuals, families, and the economy. Early treatment by slowing down the progression of neurodegeneration and reversing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia can improve cognitive aging. Similarly, understanding the connection between stress, metabolism, and aging will lead to healthier aging.
Also Read:
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Researchers’ Warning: Beware Of Hidden Sugars And Saturated Fats In “Healthy” Foods
Aging Is Not Gradual: The Body Suddenly Ages In The Mid-40s And Early 60s
