German study reveals role of moderate cold in protecting cells and slowing aging

A scientific study conducted by researchers from the University of Cologne revealed that exposure to moderate cold temperatures activates a molecular pathway that helps protect cells and maintain protein balance, which may contribute to slowing some signs of aging and promoting longevity.

A report published by the ScienceAlert website on Friday, citing the study published in the journal Nature, stated that researchers identified the role of a metabolic compound known as dihydrobiopterin (BH2) in a series of molecular interactions related to cell health and resistance to the accumulation of harmful proteins.

Laboratory experiments conducted on biological models used in aging research showed that exposing them to a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius stimulates the production of the CAT-4 enzyme in muscles, leading to increased levels of the BH2 compound. This compound moves to other tissues, where it converts into an active molecule called BH4, which contributes to activating the PAH-1 enzyme and producing the amino acid tyrosine, thereby helping to maintain protein balance and limit the accumulation of harmful forms.

Researchers observed that disrupting this molecular pathway reduces the benefits associated with cold exposure, while activating it helped limit the accumulation of proteins associated with Huntington's disease. The results also showed that genetically increasing the production of the CAT-4 enzyme in muscles achieves longevity-related benefits even at normal or warmer temperatures, suggesting the possibility of mimicking some of the beneficial biological effects of cold without needing to lower body temperature.

The experiments extended to human cells, where it was found that supplying them with the BH2 compound reduces the accumulation of abnormal proteins associated with Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The use of BH2 and tyrosine compounds helped reduce indicators of programmed cell death in motor nerve cells carrying a mutation associated with ALS.

Researchers believe these findings provide a basis for future studies on developing treatments targeting molecular pathways related to cell protection, mimicking some of the beneficial effects of cold in the face of changes associated with aging.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)