It has long been known that exercise can help you live a longer and healthier life. Scientists may have finally discovered why.
A research team led by Dr. Yong Ryoul Yang of the Aging Convergence Research Group at the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) and Professor Nak-Sung Kim of Chonnam National University have identified a key protein called CLCF1 (cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1). The group says that this protein plays a central role in delivering the health benefits of physical activity.
The researchers found that CLCF1 is released by muscles during exercise, where it supports muscle and bone strength and helps slow musculoskeletal aging.
Key Takeaways From This Study:
The researchers also tested CLCF1 in aged mice. When the protein was administered, the mice experienced greater muscle strength and higher bone density. However, when CLCF1 activity was blocked, exercise had no positive effect, confirming that the protein is essential for the body’s adaptive response to physical activity.
- Other key takeaways from the study included that the protein
- Enhances mitochondrial function in muscle cells
- Inhibits the formation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts
- Promotes the differentiation of bone-forming osteoblasts.
This is the first scientific evidence identifying changes in protein secretion as a major reason for the reduced efficacy of exercise in aging individuals.
Dr. Yong Ryoul Yang from KRIBB said, “This research provides a biological basis for why exercise becomes less effective with age, and it lays the groundwork for developing new therapeutic strategies for healthy aging. In particular, the findings offer new directions for treating age-related sarcopenia and osteoporosis.”
You can read the complete study published in Nature Communications by clicking on the link.