Old Mice With More SIRT3 in Blood Stem Cells Ran Longer
Graded Preliminary — controlled experiments in genetically altered mice, assigned at random and assessed blind; whether the results apply to people has not been tested.
Animal study. Findings may not carry over to people, which is why the grade is capped at Preliminary.
- Design
- Animal study
- Participants
- 2
- Duration
- —
- Funding
- US National Institutes of Health (NIA, NIDDK), National Institute of Food and…
Old mice with extra SIRT3 in their blood stem cells had less blood inflammation and lasted longer on a treadmill.
As mammals age, inflammation in the blood tends to rise, and it drives many diseases of old age. Where this inflammation starts is largely unknown. A study in mice points to the stem cells that make our blood. These cells carry an enzyme called SIRT3, which works in the cell's power plants. Young blood stem cells have plenty of it, old ones much less.
The researchers bred mice whose blood cells made extra SIRT3. At two years old, these mice had fewer inflammatory signals in their blood. On a treadmill they kept going longer than control mice of the same age. Old mice that received such stem cells by transplant also ran longer and farther. In a maze test they searched more often in the right area. The benefit seemed to come through certain immune cells made by the stem cells. When these cells go wrong, they keep a kind of overeager memory for inflammation.
The findings suggest that aging blood stem cells help fuel age-related inflammation. These were genetically altered mice, though, not a treatment. The authors say the exact way SIRT3 acts inside the stem cells is still unclear.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.