As we age, the composition of our body will begin to change, including bones, which can even begin to lose weight, causing fractures and even diseases such as osteoporosis. But thanks to new research, there could actually be a cure to help slow the aging of our bones. According to a recent study published in the journal Aging of nature, a “source of youth” substance can help preserve bone marrow stem cells that can heal brittle bones, and is called acetate.
A group of scientists from the Max Planck Institute for the Biology of Aging and the University of Cologne explain that to reach their conclusions, they needed to investigate epigenetics, the study of the function of stem cells based on genetics. They found that when proteins (formally called histones) are altered, the function of stem cells decreases in the bone marrow due to the bonds with the DNA of the cells. The team continued to study mesenchymal stem cells to see how they were affected by epigenetics. These stem cells are found in the bone marrow and create other cells, such as cartilage, bone, and fat cells.
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“We wanted to know why these stem cells produce less material for the development and maintenance of bones as we age, causing more and more fat to build up in the bone marrow. To do this, we compared the ‘epigenome of young and old stem cells. mice,’ ‘Andromachi Pouikli, the study’s first author, said in a statement to the university. “We were able to see that the epigenome changes significantly with age. Genes that are important for bone production are particularly affected.”
To replenish the stem cell epigenome, the researchers tended to stem cells from the mouse bone marrow with an acetate solution. Ultimately, cells helped enzymes connect with histones, which inevitably increased DNA activity and their attachment to genes. “This treatment caused the epigenome to rejuvenate impressively, improving stem cell activity and causing increased bone cell production,” Pouikli said. Compared to humans, the scientists found that the same epigenetic changes were found as in mice, based on mesenchymal stem cell samples from elderly patients with hip surgery.
“Sodium acetate is also available as a food additive, but it is not recommended to use it in this form against osteoporosis, as our observed effect is very specific for certain cells. However, already There are initial experiments with stem cell therapies for osteoporosis. This treatment with acetate could also work in this case. side effects, ”said Peter Tessarz, the study’s leader.