Bones may release proteins that slow aging and improves health when mechanically stressed

Amazing stuff!

"... that mechanically straining the bones of elderly mice between 20 and 24 months of age seemed to yield health benefits. Twice a week for 4 months, the researchers used a machine to gently press against both ends of the elderly rodents’ leg bones. After several months, the squeezed rodents had stronger bones, faster reflexes, sharper minds, and more youthful-looking organs. ..."

From the highlights and abstract:

"Highlights

• Reduced bone mechano-sensing drives systemic senescence and promotes whole-body aging

• Dynamic tibial loading delays aging and extends both healthspan and lifespan in mice

• DTAL induces anti-aging and protective factors and reverses BM immunosenescence

• PEDF is a novel mechano-responsive anti-aging osteokine related to human healthy aging

Summary

Physical activity promotes health primarily by decelerating the aging process.

Bone is one of the tissues capable of sensing mechanical force and can adapt to different physical demands. However, its role in whole-body aging is unknown.

We found that reduced mechano-sensing in osteocytes, caused by deletion of the mechanosensory channel, Piezo1, accelerated whole-body aging in mice.

Dynamic tibial axial loading (DTAL) in mice at 20–24 months of age extended both healthspan and lifespan (9.4%/79.5 days).

Furthermore, DTAL reversed bone marrow immunosenescence and induced anti-aging and protective factors while downregulating pro-aging and pro-inflammatory factors.

We also identified pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) as a novel mechano-responsive anti-aging factor that is highly associated with healthy aging in humans.

Thus, our findings highlighted an essential role for bone mechano-sensing in whole-body aging. This could potentially be manipulated to prevent aging, extend health, and aid those unable to exercise or with decreased mobility."

ScienceAdviser

Bones may release proteins that slow aging and extend life span "Exercise triggers bone cells called osteocytes to secrete antiaging chemicals in mice"

Dynamic force sensing by bone delays aging and extends lifespan (open access)

Graphical abstract

Figure 2 DTAL delays aging and extends both healthspan and lifespan in mice