Fasting fuels brain health: Ketones unlock anti-ageing potential
The latest research from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in the USA indicates a relationship between fasting and slower ageing. Ketone bodies, produced in the brain during fasting, help in the quicker cleansing of the brain from damaged proteins, which in turn protects us against diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Scientists concluded that ketone bodies are more than just an energy source - they are powerful signalling metabolites that cleanse damaged proteins. This discovery could aid in the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. These conclusions are detailed in the scientific journal "Cell Chemical Biology," where six scientists published their latest findings.
Does our brain cleanse itself when we don't eat?
The study mainly focused on the brain and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly examining the impact of ketone bodies produced during fasting on proteostasis in the brain. Imagine proteins as little machines inside cells - responsible for various tasks such as building cellular structures, transporting substances, and catalysing chemical reactions. Proteostasis encompasses all processes that ensure proteins are produced, folded, quality-controlled, and, when damaged, removed. This process allows cells to function correctly, maintaining the organism's health.
It was found that ketone bodies can play a significant role in "cleansing" the brain by removing harmful proteins. Organs such as the brain, heart, muscles, and kidneys can use ketones as an energy source, replacing glucose. As scientists write, the loss of a cell’s ability to properly cleanse and remove proteins is a hallmark of ageing and Alzheimer’s disease.
Previous studies suggested that increasing ketone levels (through various types of fasting or starvation) can support brain health, which was confirmed in rodents and humans. Dr John Newman from the Buck Institute, one of the authors of the study, mentioned that previous improvements were attributed to physical activity. However, it was discovered that ketones directly interact with damaged proteins, facilitating their recycling.
Ketone bodies and Alzheimer's disease
- Many theorized that the ketone body-based improvements were caused by increased energy to the brain or a reduction in brain inflammation, with reported improvements in amyloid plaques in mouse models being an indirect by-product, - says Dr. John Newman quoted by the Buck Institute, - Now we know that's not the whole story. Ketone bodies interact with damaged and misfolded proteins directly, making them insoluble so they can be pulled from the cell and recycled - he adds.
Newman, while acknowledging the role of other mechanisms like energy provision, emphasises that the new findings showcase the unique relationship between metabolism, ketones, and ageing. He highlights that manipulation of ketones may reveal new pathways in the removal of damaged proteins. - We’re just scratching the surface as to how this might be applied to brain aging and neurodegenerative disease - he added. Although the scientist acknowledges the importance of other processes, such as energy supply for brain health, he describes his team's discovery as "new biology" and a fresh perspective on understanding this field.
