Calorie reduction lowers protein linked to the aging process

Medical Xpress / Yale University / Immunity ^ | August 15, 2022 | Seungjin Ryu et al

[ConservativeMind]

Reduced calorie intake has been shown to improve health and lifespan in laboratory animals, and recent research shows these benefits may extend to humans as well.

Researchers show that moderate calorie restriction in people reduces the production of a protein called SPARC, which then reins in harmful inflammation and improves health in the aged.

The study, led by Vishwa Deep Dixit, follows a study published earlier this year that identified key health benefits of moderate calorie reduction in humans.

Dixit further analyzed data from a clinical trial funded by the NIH. In the trial, known as Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE), some participants reduced their calorie intake by 14% for two years, while others ate as usual; researchers then tracked the long-term health effects.

Looking for genetic changes in participants' fat tissue after one and two years, they found that those who consumed fewer calories had reduced amounts of a protein called SPARC—or secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine—which has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.

"Because inflammation plays such a big role in age-related decline, we wanted to better understand whether a pro-longevity intervention like calorie restriction works through SPARC in controlling inflammation and immune responses," said Dixit. So, to dig deeper into SPARC's contributions to inflammation they studied what effects the protein had on mouse immune cells and mouse health.

The researchers found that SPARC triggered inflammation by converting anti-inflammatory immune cells called macrophages into a pro-inflammatory state. However, lowering SPARC production by fat cells in mice reduced inflammation, improved metabolism, and extended their health span as they aged.

The findings could lead to preventions for age-related decline, said Dixit.

"We now have a better understanding of how SPARC affects inflammation and health span by acting on macrophages," he added.

[KierkegaardMAN]

I used to do the Charles Atlas five quarts of milk a day... except I substituted beer on MWF and weekends...:)

[KierkegaardMAN]

I know fungus goes crazy when fed sugar.

[KierkegaardMAN]

It pisses me off that folks that eat the diet you describe pay the same for their health insurance as those of us who sweat on treadmills and suck down green meal replacement drinks.

[The Westerner]

Thanks for these ideas on reducing inflammation per this article’s conclusion. One must be motivated to undertake a change in dietary habits, and that’s a whole ‘nother subject!