BCAAs increase lifespan 12% in mouse study

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A supplement of leucine, isoleucine, and valine (branched chain amino acids)

given for several months increased lifespan by 12% and increased activity of

SIRT1:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101005121710.htm

Amino Acid Supplement Makes Mice Live Longer

ScienceDaily (Oct. 5, 2010) — When mice are given drinking water laced with a

special concoction of amino acids, they live longer than your average mouse,

according to a new report in the October issue of Cell Metabolism, a Cell Press

publication. The key ingredients in the supplemental mixture are so-called

branched-chain amino acids, which account for 3 of the 20 amino acids

(specifically leucine, isoleucine, and valine) that are the building blocks of

proteins.

" This is the first demonstration that an amino acid mixture can increase

survival in mice, " said Enzo Nisoli of Milan University in Italy, noting that

researchers last year showed that leucine, isoleucine, and valine extend the

life span of single-celled yeast.

In the new study, the researchers gave middle-aged, male mice extra

branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in their drinking water. The animals were

otherwise healthy and eating standard mouse chow.

Animals that were given the extra amino acids over a period of months lived

longer, with a median life span of 869 days compared to 774 days for untreated

control animals, the researchers report. That's an increase of 12 percent.

Those survival gains were accompanied by an increase in mitochondria in cardiac

and skeletal muscles. Mitochondria are the cellular components responsible for

powering cells. The supplement-fed mice also showed increased activity of SIRT1,

a well-known longevity gene, and of the defense system that combats free

radicals. They therefore showed fewer signs of oxidative damage.

The benefits of the amino acid supplements appear similar to those earlier

ascribed to calorie restriction, Nisoli said.

Treated animals also showed improvements in their exercise endurance and in

motor coordination, the researchers report. (It is important to note that the

animals in the current study were all male, Nisoli said. They plan to test the

effects in females in future studies.)

The findings in older mice suggest that the supplementary mixture may be

specifically beneficial for those who are elderly or ill. " It may not be useful

in young people or body builders, " who are already in good condition, he said.

But it might be a useful preventive strategy, he added, emphasizing that the

mice they studied " were just aged, not sick. "

Nisoli emphasized that consuming amino acid supplements is different from

consuming proteins containing those amino acids. That's because they do not have

to be digested, and can enter the bloodstream immediately. " They come with no

energy cost. "

He suspects that BCAA nutritional supplements may prove to be particularly

helpful for people with heart failure, the muscle-wasting condition known as

sarcopenia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other conditions

characterized by energy defects. In fact, there are already some small studies

in human to support that idea and BCAA supplements are already available for

purchase in several countries, including Italy.

The challenge, Nisoli says, will be convincing clinicians that these supplements

might be a benefit to their patients. He says a large clinical trial is needed,

but there is little incentive for companies to do such trials for dietary

supplements as opposed to drugs.

Overall, Nisoli said the new work supports a " general philosophy of a

nutritional approach to disease, aging, and problems of energy status. "

The researchers include Giuseppe D'Antona, Pavia University, Pavia, Italy;

Maurizio Ragni, Milan University, Milan, Italy; lisa Cardile, Milan

University, Milan, Italy; Tedesco, Milan University, Milan, Italy, Brescia

University, Brescia, Italy; Marta Dossena, Milan University, Milan, Italy,

Brescia University, Brescia, Italy; Flavia Bruttini, Pavia University, Pavia,

Italy; Francesca Caliaro, Pavia University, Pavia, Italy; Giovanni Corsetti,

Brescia University, Brescia, Italy; o Bottinelli, Pavia University, Pavia,

Italy; Michele O. Carruba, Milan University, Milan, Italy, Brescia University,

Brescia, Italy; Alessandra Valerio, Milan University, Milan, Italy, Brescia

University, Brescia, Italy; and Enzo Nisoli, Milan University, Milan, Italy,

Brescia University, Brescia, Italy.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily

staff) from materials provided by Cell Press, via EurekAlert!, a service of

AAAS.

Journal Reference:

1. Giuseppe D'Antona, Maurizio Ragni, lisa Cardile, Tedesco, Marta

Dossena, Flavia Bruttini, Francesca Caliaro, Giovanni Corsetti, o

Bottinelli, Michele O. Carruba, Alessandra Valerio, Enzo Nisoli. Branched-Chain

Amino Acid Supplementation Promotes Survival and Supports Cardiac and Skeletal

Muscle Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Middle-Aged Mice. Cell Metabolism, Volume 12,

Issue 4, 362-372, 6 October 2010 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2010.08.016