Researchers uncovered an enzyme – SIRT3 – located in the mitochondria – cell powerhouse – that may protect mice brains against stresses that can contribute to energy loss. They also found that mice on a wheel increased their levels of the protective enzyme.
The researchers uncovered the following in their findings:
- Mice models that did not produce the protective enzyme were highly sensitive to stress when exposed to neurotoxins that cause neurodegenerative disease and epileptic seizures.
- Running on a wheel increased the amount of protective enzyme in the mice that protected them against the degeneration – in mice that lacked the enzyme, running on the wheel failed to protect the neurons.
- Gene therapy technology could protect neurons against stress and increase the levels of SIRT3.
The findings suggest boosting SIRT3 could help prevent age-related cognitive decline, energize brain cell function and slow down other cognitive diseases.
The findings were published in Cell Metabolism.
Also read: Clear mind, strong memory: Exercise makes your brain grow
Sources:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-11/jhm-ass111715.php