The evolution of
medical science has revealed that many of the common symptoms of
aging may be caused by a reversible failure of cellular mechanics.
One such mechanic that has been the target of anti-aging research is
a cellular enzyme known as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein
kinase (AMPK).
AMPK is activated in
the presence of rising levels of Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP). AMPK
activation increases fatty acid oxidation and glucose transport,
releasing additional energy from stored fats and sugars. In essence,
activated AMPK promotes energy-releasing processes while suppressing
energy-storing processes. As a result, organisms with high AMPK
activity tend to be more lean, with relatively low blood sugar and
fat levels, and a very low risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other
metabolic disorders.
Activated AMPK
promotes all the processes needed to maintain a youthful profile.
However, AMPK activity fades with age. As previously mentioned, AMPK
is activated in the presence of increased AMP. Therefore, to test
the anti-aging properties of AMPK, researchers used fruit flies that
were genetically engineered to synthesize higher levels of AMP. The
research found that the modified flies lived up to one-third longer
as a result of increased AMPK activity. "The life span benefit
of these mutations depends upon increased AMP:ATP and ADP:ATP ratios
and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
Transgenic expression of AMPK in adult fat body or adult muscle, key
metabolic tissues, extended life span" (Stenesen, 2013).
Luckily, AMPK can be
activated without genetic manipulation. Researchers have now
confirmed that consistent dosages of oral AMP results in increased
AMPK activity. In a study using lab rats fed supplemental AMP, "AMP
effectively improved hypertension, plasma triglyceride, and
HDL-cholesterol,
glucose, kidney function parameters, hepatic lipid, enhances plasma
nitric oxide, and plasma adiponectin..."
(Ardiansyah, 2011). The
researchers found that AMP up-regulated mRNA expression levels,
affecting genes involved in B-oxidation, fatty acid synthesis, and
AMPK.
It
is clear that AMPK activity is desirable for reducing the unwanted
effects of aging. AMPK activity can be increased through exercise and
proper nutrition however as we age, AMPK activity declines. This
decline can be reduced and possibly even reversed through
pharmacologic AMPK
activation such as that achieved through supplemental oral AMP.
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Sources:
Stenesen,
D., Suh, JM., Seo, J., Yu, K., Lee, K.S., Min, K.J., & Graff,
J.M. (2013). Adenosine nucleotide biosynthesis and AMPK regulate
adult life span and mediate the longevity benefit of caloric
restriction in flies. Cellular
Metabolism. Retrieved
from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23312286
Ardiansyah,
Shirakawa, D., Koseki, H., Saori, T., Yoshinobu, A., & Michio, K.
(2011). Novel Effect of Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate on Ameliorating
Hypertension and the Metabolism of Lipids and Glucose in Stroke-Prone
Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Linton,
R. (2015). AMPK and Aging. Life
Extension.
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