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Scientists may have found a shortcut to calorie restriction’s anti-aging benefits
ScienceDaily • • science
Key Points:
- A Yale study published in Nature Aging identifies the immune protein complement component 3 (C3) as a key factor reduced by moderate calorie restriction, potentially linking it to longevity benefits without harmful effects.
- Researchers found that C3 levels, which contribute to chronic inflammation and aging, significantly decreased in plasma samples of people who reduced calorie intake by 11-14% over two years in the CALERIE trial.
- White adipose tissue, specifically age-associated macrophages within this fat tissue, was identified as the primary source of increased C3 production with age, independent of overall weight loss.
- Inhibiting C3 activation in mice reduced age-related inflammation, suggesting that targeting C3 could mimic some benefits of calorie restriction and promote healthier aging without the need for weight loss.
- The research team is investigating FDA-approved drugs to modulate C3 activity, aiming to restore immune balance and slow aging processes while preserving essential infection-fighting functions.
