Aged Mice Exhibit Widespread Metabolic Changes But Preserved Major Fluxes
As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, and metabolism—the chemical processes that occur to maintain life—is no exception. A recent study explored how aging affects metabolism in mice, revealing some fascinating insights. Researchers found that while the concentrations of many individual substances involved in metabolism, called metabolites, change significantly with age, the fundamental rates at which major metabolic pathways operate largely stay the same.
For instance, the levels of glucose, lactate, and several amino acids in the bloodstream were observed to change with age. However, the overall flow, or “flux,” of these major circulating metabolites remained stable. This suggests that the body has mechanisms to maintain essential metabolic functions even as it ages. The study also highlighted specific adaptations, such as changes in fatty acid and sphingolipid metabolism in the brain, which might help maintain crucial energy balance. Even a vital molecule called NAD+, which is important for many cellular processes and often thought to decline with age, was found to have its production rates maintained in aged tissues, despite some modest decreases in its overall levels. These findings provide a deeper understanding of how metabolism adapts during healthy aging and could point to new ways to support healthy longevity.
Source: link to paper