Warm weather and beautiful beaches may attract retirees to Florida, but scientists say it might not be the best place to live a long life. Recent research suggests that moderate cold temperatures can increase longevity and decrease the risk of age-related illnesses. This is due to the prevention of harmful protein clumping, which can lead to diseases like ALS and Huntington’s.
These findings were discovered through the use of both human cells and a non-vertebrate organism, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, providing valuable insight into the effects of temperature on aging.
Through their research, German scientists discovered an intriguing way to combat protein build-up in cells by simply dropping the temperature. By exposing two different models to cold temperatures, the researchers found that the activity of proteasomes was significantly impacted. These cellular mechanisms are responsible for removing damaged proteins from cells, and with a moderate decrease in temperature, proteasome activity was actually stimulated.
Further research revealed that a specific proteasome activator called PA28y/PSME3 has promising potential for reducing the negative effects of aging in both nematode and human cells. This exciting discovery opens up new possibilities for improving cellular health and may have implications for various fields of medicine.
The study reveals that cold temperatures have an enduring impact on the regulation of proteasomes throughout evolution, which could potentially aid in the treatment of aging-related diseases. It is well-established that aging increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases marked by protein accumulation, such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s. These findings have promising implications not only for understanding these specific conditions but also for exploring how they develop in other animals and with other age-related ailments.
While warm-blooded mammals maintain a constant body temperature regardless of environmental conditions, recent research shows that even a small drop in temperature can have big benefits. Scientists found that lowering the body temperature of mice by just half a degree increased their lifespan significantly. Similar effects were observed in nematodes when their temperature was lowered by a few degrees. These findings suggest that manipulating body temperature could be a promising strategy for improving human health and longevity.
Scientists have recently discovered a correlation between body temperature and how long humans can live. Typically, a normal human temperature ranges from 97°F to 99°F, but it can drop to as low as 96.8°F during sleep. If it drops below 95 degrees, it can trigger hypothermia. What’s fascinating is that human body temperature has been declining since the Industrial Revolution, which might be one of the reasons why we’re living longer nowadays. It’s mind-boggling to think about how a simple physiological change can impact our health and lifespan over time.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Cold temperature extends longevity and prevents disease-related protein aggregation through PA28-induced proteasomes
