Research shows fasting, bandage combo restores bone healing in mice

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Posted on 12/16/2024 8:43:58 PM PST by ConservativeMind

A combination of intermittent fasting and a specialized biomedical bandage can restore bone healing in aged mice to levels seen in young animals, according to research.

"Key to bone repair is a type of cell called osteoprogenitors, which create new bone tissue," explains Joshua Reeves.

First, they analyzed the changes that occur in the bone of mice during aging, finding a clear decline in both bone structure and healing capacity with age. The team noticed a reduction in blood vesselspwithin periosteal bone-forming tissue, beginning in adulthood. They also observed changes in aging osteogenic (bone-forming) compartments, including increased actin levels and elongated cell nuclei—both markers of heightened stiffness.

Furthermore, aged mice showed a decline in bioenergetic pathways, particularly in mitochondrial function. These alterations led to a reduced number and impaired function of osteoprogenitors, weakening bone health and repair capacity.

Intermittent fasting—a dietary approach that alternates between periods of eating and fasting—has been shown to improve bone mineral density in adult animals. Therefore, the team tried combining Wnt3a bandage treatment with intermittent fasting in aged mice with calvarial bone defects.

Under these conditions, aged mice achieved bone repair levels comparable to their much younger counterparts. Further analysis revealed that intermittent fasting, in particular, rejuvenated osteoprogenitors by boosting mitochondrial activity and reducing age-related cellular stress. These effects could also be mimicked by targeting specific pathways with supplements like nicotinamide mononucleotide, which enhances mitochondrial energy production.

Additionally, shifts in the gut microbiome—particularly increases in a bacterium called Akkermansia muciniphila—played a key role in enhancing tissue health and repair.

(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...

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The bandage was somewhat helpful, but things that can be done by us included intermittent fasting and its help in shifting the gut bacteria balance toward Akkermansia muciniphila, and using some nicotinamide mononucleotide, if the fasting was not able to be done.

To: ConservativeMind

2 posted on 12/16/2024 8:47:40 PM PST by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)

To: Mazey; ckilmer; goodnesswins; Jane Long; jy8z; ProtectOurFreedom; matthew fuller; telescope115; ...

3 posted on 12/16/2024 8:48:19 PM PST by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)

To: ConservativeMind

4 posted on 12/16/2024 8:49:31 PM PST by Trump Girl Kit Cat (Yosemite Sam raising hell)

To: Trump Girl Kit Cat

5 posted on 12/16/2024 8:50:30 PM PST by Trump Girl Kit Cat (Yosemite Sam raising hell)

To: ConservativeMind

6 posted on 12/16/2024 8:51:41 PM PST by SaveFerris (Luke 17:28 ... as it was in the Day's of Lot; They id Eat, They Drank, They Bought, They Sold ......)

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