Researchers have linked specific enzymes to metabolic dysfunction in the elderly
Researchers at Mayo Clinic identified an enzyme called CD38 that is responsible for nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide decrease during aging. This process is linked to age-related metabolic decline. The results showed that CD38 levels increased with age in mice and in humans. Cell Metabolism published the results today.
As we age, our metabolism and metabolic functions decline. The incidence of metabolic diseases associated with aging, such as obesity, diabetes, and other conditions, increases. This is according to Eduardo Chini M.D. Ph.D. anesthesiologist and research scientist at Mayo Clinic’s Robert and Arlene Kogod Centre on Aging and the lead author of the new study. Previous studies have shown levels of NAD decrease during the aging processes in various organisms. This decline in NAD may be responsible, at least partially, for the age-related metabolic degeneration.
Researchers at the Center on Aging found that CD38, a protein that is present in inflammation cells, plays a direct role in mediating the age-related decline in NAD. Researchers found that the levels of CD38 in tissues such as liver, fat and skeletal muscles increased by at least 2 to 3 times with chronological ageing.
Source:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-06-link-specific-enzyme-metabolic-dysfunction.html
