Fight Aging! Newsletter, October 16th 2017

In this study, we have shown that the lipid chaperones FABP4/FABP5 are critical intermediate factors in the deterioration of metabolic systems during aging. Consistent with their roles in chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in young prediabetic mice, we found that FABPs promote the deterioration of glucose homeostasis; metabolic tissue pathologies, particularly in white and brown adipose tissue and liver; and local and systemic inflammation associated with aging. A systematic approach, including lipidomics and pathway-focused transcript analysis, revealed that calorie restriction (CR) and Fabp4/5 deficiency result in similar changes to the adipose tissue metabolic state, specifically enhanced expression of genes driving de novo lipogenesis and non-esterified fatty acids accumulation. Furthermore, CR was associated with reduced FABP4 in circulation, providing a potential molecular mechanism underlying its metabolic benefit.

The extension of metabolic health by Fabp deficiency is long-lasting even in aged female mice. However, despite the remarkable protection in glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and tissue steatosis in Fabp-deficient mice, we did not observe any change in the lifespan curves. We also did not detect preservation of cardiac, muscular, and cognitive functions. In females, there was even a mild decline in cardiomuscular function associated with Fabp deficiency during aging. These observations support the concept that, in higher or...

Source: Fight Aging! - October 15, 2017 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Newsletters Source Type: blogs