Brown fat anti-aging: scientists’ discovery

In the human body there are two types of fat: white and brown. The former serves as an energy store, while the latter burns calories by supporting heat exchange. The new discovery showed that brown fat plays another important role – it improves blood circulation in the muscles during physical activity.

Specialists conducted an experiment with genetically modified mice that lacked the RGS14 protein. As a result, these animals developed unusually active brown fat. Such mice ran faster, did not get tired longer and lived much longer than their normal counterparts. Interestingly, the females showed greater longevity, reminiscent of the natural differences between males and females.

To test whether brown fat was indeed the cause of the changes, the researchers transplanted it into normal mice. After just a few days, the test subjects experienced the same benefits: increased endurance and improved overall body condition. In comparison, the transplantation of brown fat from ordinary animals gave only a weak effect and only after eight weeks.

In addition to increased longevity and improved fitness, the extra brown fat protected the mice from obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

According to the authors of the discovery, longevity does not always mean an active and healthy life. Modern medicine has increased the average age of people, but has not rid them of the diseases that accompany aging. That is why a team of scientists is working on the creation of a drug that will allow a person not only to live longer, but also to stay in good physical shape.

In the near future, experts plan to test a drug that will stimulate the activity of brown fat without resorting to genetic changes. For now, it is possible to increase the amount of this fat with the help of hardening, for example, bathing in cold water. However, the scientists recognize that most people would prefer a pill to an ice bath.

If the work is successful, in the future it will be possible to simply take a drug that will help keep you alert, energized and healthy even in old age.