Circulating Senescence Protein Links Exercise Adaptation To Health Outcomes
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to get fitter faster than others, even with the same exercise routine? New research sheds light on this mystery, identifying a protein in our blood that acts like a “brake” on our body’s ability to adapt to exercise. This protein, called insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP7), is a “senescence-associated secreted protein,” meaning it’s released by aging cells and contributes to the aging process.
The study found that individuals with lower levels of IGFBP7 in their bloodstream showed greater improvements in their fitness after engaging in exercise, such as high-intensity interval training (short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief recovery periods). Conversely, higher levels of this protein were linked to less impressive gains in fitness. This suggests that IGFBP7 plays a crucial role in “physiological plasticity,” which is our body’s amazing capacity to change and adapt in response to physical challenges like working out.
Further investigations, including studies in mice where the IGFBP7 gene was removed, showed that without this protein, the animals experienced significantly enhanced improvements in their exercise capacity. On the other hand, increasing the amount of IGFBP7 in mice diminished these benefits. Looking at a large human health database, the UK Biobank, researchers also discovered that lower levels of IGFBP7 were associated with a reduced risk of death and fewer age-related diseases.
These findings highlight IGFBP7 as a critical link between how our bodies respond to exercise, the biology of aging, and overall health. Understanding and potentially targeting this protein could open new avenues for boosting the health benefits of physical activity, especially for older adults or those with health conditions.
Source: link to paper