In middle-aged mice, scientists find a metabolite that leads to a longer, healthier life

A MOUSE GIVEN AKG — A NATURALLY OCCURRING METABOLITE SHOWN TO INCREASE LIFESPAN IN ROUNDWORMS — IS SHOWN ON THE LEFT. A MOUSE FROM THE CONTROL GROUP, WHICH DIDN'T RECEIVE AKG, IS SHOWN ON THE RIGHT. (BUCK INSTITUTE)

A metabolite naturally found in the human body seemed to help middle-aged mice stay healthier as they grew older but also be sick for only a short period of time before death. The metabolite, called alpha-ketoglutarate or AKG, is naturally involved in a lot of biological processes including metabolism and protein synthesis. Scientists fed 18-month-old mice (the equivalent of humans aged 55-60) AKG and tracked the mice's health until death. Mice fed AKG walked better, had better posture, and maintained a healthier coat than control mice on a regular diet. Female mice also seemed to have lower cytokine levels, which suggested lower inflammation. While the research was only in mice, scientists are hopeful these findings could pave the way for future research in humans. STAT Plus subscribers can read more here.