The gut-brain connection may also play a role in longevity. The results of a study
Eugenio Spagnuolo
November 9 – 09:12 – MILAN
On the importance of the axis intestine-brain Much has been said and written about mental health. And also on the role of the microbiota, the flora that inhabits our intestine, for longevity. But a new line of research is shedding light on a third fundamental player in this complex system: intestinal hormonesmessenger molecules that could represent the missing link between the health of our digestive system and a longer, healthier life.
Some researchers from Brown University have indeed discovered That by manipulating an intestinal hormone, Neuropeptide F (NPF), they could extend the life of flies. NPF belongs to the incretin family, hormones that regulate insulin production. The interesting thing is that we humans also produce a similar hormone, GLP-1, which plays a comparable role. In flies it works like this: when they eat proteins, intestinal cells release NPF into the blood. This hormone reaches the brain and triggers a chain of events: First it stimulates the production of insulin-like hormones, which in turn activate the youth hormone in a small organ near the brain. When the researchers reduced the levels of SFN, the flies on the protein diet lived significantly longer than the others. The effect was particularly evident with protein-rich diets. In practice, NPF appears to be the link between what they eat and how long they live, and manipulating it allows you to mitigate the effects of a protein diet on longevity.
We humans don’t have the youth hormonebut our GLP-1 does similar things with insulin. And here comes the best part: drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, already used for diabetes and obesity, work precisely by imitating GLP-1. Marc Tatar, who led the study published in PNAS, suggests that these drugs could (the conditional is a must) also influence longevity. “Considering how drugs that increase insulin, such as GLP-1 agonists, are used to treat diabetes and obesity, and given what we have discovered about the relationship between insulin and aging in flies, it may be time to consider how these might influence human aging.”
The Gut-Brain Connection and Longevity: A Cheeky Look!
Ah, the good old gut and its little buddy, the brain—who even thought they’d be friends? Like two awkward chums at a party, desperately trying to make conversation about protein diets and longevity. Don’t worry, dear readers, I’m here to navigate us through the labyrinth of intestinal hormones and their uncanny role in living longer. Spoiler: It’s not just about eating kale… or is it?
The Axis of Intestinal Evil, or is it Good?
So, what’s all this hullabaloo about the gut-brain axis? Well, besides the fact that it sounds like a tech startup nobody was brave enough to invest in, recent studies have tipped their hats to a little-known character in our digestive drama: intestinal hormones. Who knew that those little molecules could be the equivalent of a life coach for our insides?
I mean, we’ve been talking for ages about mental health and gut flora like they’re the latest rage in relationship advice. But now, enter the superhero of the intestinal seashore: neuropeptide F (NPF). Sounds like something you’d order at a trendy café, doesn’t it? “I’ll have a soy latte with a side of NPF, please!” And trust me, you’ll want to know more about this hormone—because according to researchers from Brown University, it can extend the lifespan of flies. Yes, flies! Like, the buzzing, pestering kind. I bet they don’t even appreciate it…
Why Should We Care About Flies?
Bear with me here! When these little critters munch on proteins, their intestinal cells release NPF into their blood—like a surprise party in their circulatory system. This hormone scoots straight up to the brain, making it rain insulin-like hormones. It’s a whole send-off into a delightful hormonal festival! Researchers found that by lowering certain hormone levels, the flies lived significantly longer. It’s like a magic trick, but instead of pulling a rabbit from a hat, they’re pulling longer lives from a protein diet. Who knew protein could be so…life-extending?
Humans: The Unlucky Counters In This Equation
Now, don’t get too jealous, humans. We don’t have our own youth hormone. But we do have a cousin—GLP-1—that likes to hang out with insulin. And guess what? There’s a growing crowd of folks around Ozempic and Wegovy pretending to be the CYP hero of their own dietary saga. Those drugs mimic GLP-1, and here’s the kicker: Marc Tatar thinks they might influence our longevity too! But just a little reminder—don’t rush to your pharmacy just yet; we do need that magic “conditional” phrase, after all.
Takeaway: Eat Protein, Not Peptides!
So, what’s the takeaway? While your gut and brain are busy chatting about your life choices—like why you ordered that extra-large pizza last Friday—consider giving them some healthy protein to talk about. Besides, the only thing better than a good protein diet is one that could extend your runway on this planet—because who wouldn’t want to add a few more birthdays to their calorie budget?
Let’s just hope that in this ongoing epic of gut health and longevity, no one forgets to invite the flies back for a celebratory dinner. After all, they’ve got a long life to celebrate thanks to… well, their hormones! It’s a fly’s life, indeed!
Testosterone is secreted by the
Body. This hormone takes a trip to the brain and stirs up some pretty exciting things. First, it tells the body, “Hey, let’s get some insulin-like hormones going!” which then activates what scientists are calling the “youth hormone” (although spoiler alert: no one truly has a youthful hormone lying around). When researchers put a damper on SFN levels, flies on a protein-rich diet lived significantly longer! It’s like they stumbled onto the ultimate health hack— and all thanks to a little intestinal communication. How cool is that?
Humans: The Overlooked Participants in the Hormonal Rave
Now, before you start feeling jealous of the flies, let’s talk about us humans. While we may not have a “youth hormone,” we do have something equally cool—GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This little guy is also in the peptide family and plays the same role in regulating insulin. The plot thickens as we connect the dots: drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are already making waves in the diabetes and obesity departments, essentially mimic GLP-1. It seems our bodies are wired for a party we didn’t even RSVP to!
According to Marc Tatar, the mastermind behind this groundbreaking study, GLP-1 agonists could very well be the key to understanding longevity in humans. Imagine that! A possible pharmaceutical cocktail that not only keeps our blood sugar in check but might also keep the aging clock at bay. “It may be time to consider how these might influence human aging,” he suggests. Who knew a little intestinal gossip could expand our lifespan?
The Takeaway: Dining for Longevity
So, what’s the grand conclusion from this gut-brain tête-à-tête? While we can’t simply gorge ourselves on protein with impunity, the interaction between our diet, intestinal hormones, and overall longevity is something we need to explore further. As our gut and brain continue to navigate their quirky relationship, let’s keep an eye on those hormones—because who would’ve thought that what’s happening in our intestines could be the secret to a longer, healthier life?
whether you’re a fan of kale or a lover of protein, maintaining the right balance might just be the way to keep those pesky signs of aging at bay. Now, if only we could get a GLP-1 latte to go, we’d be ready to conquer the day!
