Metabolic Journey to Healthy Longevity

Background: The process of aging is associated with progressive remodeling. The age-dependent remodeling process mainly affects anthropometrics and endocrine function, which subsequently impact metabolic factors. In some individuals, e.g., the very select group of healthy centenarians, the remodeling process is successful. The reasons why centenarians are able to reach the extreme limits of human life span are still largely unknown; however, several studies in humans have shown that longevity is associated with a significant improvement in glucose handling – mainly, a rise in insulin sensitivity and a decline in plasma insulin-like growth factor I levels. Conclusions: Caloric restriction seems to be the best positive modulator of metabolism to achieve longevity. Other specific metabolic adaptations, even those genetically induced, might also play a role in the health of centenarians.

[1]  N. Gallardo,et al.  The effect of aging on insulin signalling pathway is tissue dependent: Central role of adipose tissue in the insulin resistance of aging , 2009, Mechanisms of Ageing and Development.

[2]  Corby K. Martin,et al.  Effect of 6-month calorie restriction on biomarkers of longevity, metabolic adaptation, and oxidative stress in overweight individuals: a randomized controlled trial. , 2006, JAMA.

[3]  C. Franceschi,et al.  Low insulin resistance and preserved β-cell function contribute to human longevity but are not associated with TH–INS genes , 2001, Experimental Gerontology.

[4]  G. Paolisso,et al.  Age‐related insulin resistance: is it an obligatory finding? The lesson from healthy centenarians , 2001, Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews.

[5]  C. Franceschi,et al.  Metabolic age modelling: the lesson from centenarians , 2000, European journal of clinical investigation.

[6]  H A Keizer,et al.  Exercise and Insulin Sensitivity: A Review , 2000, International journal of sports medicine.

[7]  G. Paolisso,et al.  Baseline heart rate variability in healthy centenarians: differences compared with aged subjects (>75 years old). , 1999, Clinical science.

[8]  E. Roberts.  The importance of being dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (in the blood of primates): a longer and healthier life? , 1999, Biochemical pharmacology.

[9]  E. Harper.  Changing perspectives on aging and energy requirements: aging, body weight and body composition in humans, dogs and cats. , 1998, The Journal of nutrition.

[10]  S. Roberts,et al.  Effects of age on energy balance. , 1998, The American journal of clinical nutrition.

[11]  G. Paolisso,et al.  Oxidative Stress and Advancing Age: Results in Healthy Centenarians , 1998, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

[12]  G. Paolisso,et al.  Preserved Antilipolytic Insulin Action Is Associated with a Less Atherogenic Plasma Lipid Profile in Healthy Centenarians , 1997, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

[13]  G. Paolisso,et al.  Insulin resistance and advancing age: what role for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate? , 1997, Metabolism: clinical and experimental.

[14]  G. Paolisso,et al.  Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein-3 in healthy centenarians: relationship with plasma leptin and lipid concentrations, insulin action, and cognitive function. , 1997, The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism.

[15]  F. Dela,et al.  Training-induced enhancement of insulin action in human skeletal muscle: the influence of aging. , 1996, The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences.

[16]  M. Laakso,et al.  Insulin Action and Age: European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR) , 1996, Diabetes.

[17]  G. Paolisso,et al.  Glucose tolerance and insulin action in healthy centenarians. , 1996, The American journal of physiology.

[18]  G. Paolisso,et al.  Body composition, body fat distribution, and resting metabolic rate in healthy centenarians. , 1995, The American journal of clinical nutrition.

[19]  J. P. Miller,et al.  Strength training increases insulin action in healthy 50- to 65-yr-old men. , 1994, Journal of applied physiology.

[20]  D. Rudman,et al.  Effects of human growth hormone in men over 60 years old. , 1990, The New England journal of medicine.

[21]  L. Lipsitz,et al.  High-intensity strength training in nonagenarians. Effects on skeletal muscle. , 1990, JAMA.

[22]  P. Garry,et al.  Changes in anthropometric indices of body composition with age in a healthy elderly population , 1989, American journal of human biology : the official journal of the Human Biology Council.

[23]  R. Bergman,et al.  Pathogenesis of age-related glucose intolerance in man: insulin resistance and decreased beta-cell function. , 1985, The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism.

[24]  J. Olefsky,et al.  Mechanisms of insulin resistance in aging. , 1983, The Journal of clinical investigation.

[25]  K. Minaker,et al.  Characterization of the insulin resistance of aging. , 1983, The Journal of clinical investigation.