Physical activity stimulates the generation of new heart muscle cells in aged mice (2.3% per year)

Medical Xpress / Heidelberg University / Circulation ^ | August 9, 2022 | Julia Bird / Carolin Lerchenmüller et al

[ConservativeMind]

Researchers demonstrated positive effects on the formation of new heart muscle cells (cardiomyogenesis) in aged mice and investigated the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.

The heart of adult mammals has a very limited ability to generate new cardiomyocytes. With aging, this capacity continues to decrease, while at the same time the risk of cardiovascular disease increases. Dr. Carolin Lerchenmüller and her team have found evidence that physical activity stimulates the new formation of heart muscle cells in aging mice.

"In previous work, we have already demonstrated that regular exercise effectively stimulates cardiomyogenesis in younger mice. Now we have investigated the impact of physical activity on cardiomyogenesis as well as cellular and molecular mechanisms of in aged mice," says Dr. Lerchenmüller. 20-months old mice underwent an eight-week voluntary wheel running exercise program. The team then studied new heart muscle cell generation using a combination of imaging, histological and molecular techniques. They compared the results with those of a control group of age-matched "sedentary" mice, i.e., mice not provided with a wheel. In addition, they compared the results with those of younger animals.

The researchers found that the calculated annual rate of newly generated heart muscle cells in the "exercising" group of older mice was 2.3 percent. In contrast, there were no new heart muscle cells in the "sedentary" control group. A previous study with young animals had already shown that mice had a calculated annual rate of 7.5 percent new heart muscle cells through exercise, compared to 1.63 percent in the corresponding "sedentary" control group.

To better understand the mechanisms behind cardiomyogenesis, the team studied the hearts using molecular analysis techniques. They found similarities, but also differences, between young and aged hearts. The RCAN1.4 gene in particular captured their attention. It was activated exclusively in older hearts by the exercise program.

[ConservativeMind]

It’s been commonly thought you cannot create new heart muscle cells after childhood. Apparently, this is not true, as long as you exercise.

Some good news for those with heart conditions!

[ConservativeMind]

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[DannyTN]

How does that compare to just sitting in your recliner and trying protect the heart cells you have by letting them get an abundance of rest?

[entropy12]

I had serious chest pains in my mid-50’s age after eating a good meal. At age 60 I began regular exercise program and gradually increased it to walking 30 miles/week.

Now I am at age 82, no more chest pains, no more border line diabetic, and blood pressure much closer to normal range.

I am living example of benefits from regular exercise.