This month: BAM15
What is BAM15?
BAM15 is a rare mitochondrial uncoupler that is being studied for the treatment of conditions including obesity, sepsis and cancer.
What is the latest?
A new study from Pennington Biomedical, published in the journal Aging Cell, showed that BAM15 extended life span in fruit flies, and was associated with less body fat and increased muscle function.
Tell me more.
It is generally believed that maximising the efficiency of mitochondria is favourable for health and lifespan across species. However, in today’s world of excess eating and reduced physical activity, reducing the efficiency of mitochondria may limit fat accumulation by burning calories in a futile cycle.
What do we already know?
It has previously been demonstrated that the lifespan of insects and mammals can be controlled through experimental manipulation of mitochondrial function, however; the specific role of bioenergetic efficiency to health and longevity has remained largely unknown. It has also been demonstrated that restricting bioenergetic efficiency brings with it protection against obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and other chronic diseases by improving mitochondrial fitness and cellular function.
What does this new study show?
It is the first to show that adding BAM15 to the diet can uncouple mitochondria, extend life span, improve body composition, and protect against age-related decline in motor activity in a fruit fly model.
So will this mean human lifespans can be extended?
The authors note that further studies are required in humans to confirm these findings and address effectiveness for improving longevity.
Where can I read more?
Visit bit.ly/49mlTBe
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