Brain Aging Reversed in new Study with Vitamin B3 and Green Tea Compound
WASHINGTON – A novel combination of nicotinamide,a form of vitamin B3,and a compound found in green tea has demonstrated the ability to restore cellular energy levels in aging brain cells,potentially reversing key hallmarks of neurodegeneration,according to research led by Professor Gregory Brewer. The findings,published recently,offer a promising avenue for slowing cognitive decline associated with age and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
The study identified a fundamental issue in aging neurons: a decline in guanosine triphosphate (GTP), an essential energy molecule. “With increasing age, the brains of people show a decline in neuronal energy mirrors, which limits the ability to remove undesirable proteins and damaged components,” explained Brewer in a medicalxpress notice.
researchers utilized a specialized tool, dubbed “Geval,” which illuminates in the presence of GTP, to measure energy levels in brain cells from aged mice exhibiting Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. they observed that older brain cells possessed considerably less energy compared to younger cells,particularly within the mitochondria – the cell’s power plants. this energy deficit hinders the cells’ ability to effectively clear waste products.
The research demonstrated several key benefits from restoring energy levels:
Efficient protein removal: Harmful amyloid beta-aggregates, frequently enough associated with alzheimer’s disease, were successfully removed.
Reduced oxidative stress: Another factor contributing to neurodegeneration was reduced.
A critical cellular process called autophagy – the mechanism by which cells eliminate damaged components – was found to be impaired by low energy levels. ”We found that the restoration of the energy mirrors helps the neurons to regain this critical cleaning function,” said Brewer.
However, researchers caution that oral intake of nicotinamide alone has proven less effective in clinical studies due to inactivation in the bloodstream, presenting a challenge for practical submission.
