The link between a low-calorie diet and protection from oxidative stress
Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes, working under the leadership of Eric Verdin, have identified a mechanism by which a low–calorie diet with a low carbohydrate content – the so-called "ketogenic diet" - can delay the manifestations of the aging process.
As part of their work, they studied the role of beta-hydroxybutyrate in the body, the so-called "ketone body", which is a by-product of prolonged adherence to a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet. In excessive concentrations, ketone bodies can be toxic to the body, which is observed in diseases such as type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, the authors found that in low concentrations beta-hydroxybutyrate protects cells from oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is damage to cellular structures caused by free radicals, by–products of energy synthesis using oxygen. As the body ages, the ability of cells to neutralize free radicals decreases, which leads to increased oxidative stress and the appearance of signs of aging.
Experiments on mice showed that both fasting and a low-calorie diet, as well as the introduction of exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate blocked the activity of enzymes belonging to the class of histone deacetylases. This led to a global increase in the level of histone acetylation in mouse tissues. Acetylation of histones localized in DNA regions corresponding to the promoters of the Foxo3a and Mt2 genes led to the activation of these genes that ensure the resistance of cells to oxidative stress.
According to the authors, the identification of beta-hydroxybutyrate as a link between a low-calorie diet and protection from oxidative stress opens up many new research areas dedicated to the search for new methods of treating age-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's disease. They are going to continue studying the mechanisms of action of beta-hydroxybutyrate, especially its effect on the condition of organs such as the heart and brain.
Article by Tadahiro Shimazu et al. Suppression of Oxidative Stress by β-Hydroxybutyrate, an Endogenous Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor is published in the journal Science.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of Gladstone Institutes:
Gladstone Scientists Discover Novel Mechanism by Which Calorie Restriction Influences Longevity.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru07.12.2012