Caffeine, which most of us seek in a morning cup of coffee or tea, can be not only a source of energy, but also the key to slowing down aging. A new study of British scientists at the University of Queen Maria in London and Francis Crick's Institute shows that this popular compound has a positive effect on cell life cycle.
In the course of the experiment, researchers used yeast as a model for studying cellular aging. Despite their simplicity, these organisms are well suited to reproduce basic cellular processes that occur in the human body. The purpose was to trace how caffeine affects cellular endurance, self -healing and life expectancy.
It turned out that caffeine activates an important system within the cell - the path of AMPK, which acts as a kind of "fuel indicator". When the energy level in the cell falls, AMPK turns on and promotes the adaptation of the cell to stressful conditions, improving its ability to restore and reduce wear. Caffeine, as it turned out, helps to switch on this system even in the absence of critical energy deficit.
This discovery has important consequences. The cells that were exposed to caffeine were better reacted to stress, remained healthy and resistant to damage longer. And when scientists interrupted a chain of reactions that launches caffeine, the positive effect disappeared - this was confirmation that caffeine really works at the cellular level.
Researchers emphasize that although caffeine does not interact with the TOR cellular regulator (previously considered the main route), it is still able to indirectly influence it through AMPK. This system is also a target for metformin - a drug for the treatment of diabetes, which is now being investigated as a possible remedy for slowing down.
In addition, the results of this study again support other positive conclusions about caffeine consumption. According to preliminary data, it is able to improve memory, reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, prevent dementia and promote weight loss.
There are many more studies ahead of the practical recommendations or medicines, but scientists are convinced that caffeine is not only cheerfulness, but also a potential ally in the struggle for a long and healthy life.
