This study, carried out at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel on the worm Caenorhabditis elegans and published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, shows that certain RNAs from food trigger a weak protective stress. Researchers talk about lifespan spent in good health, more than just longevity. The message is confusing, but it sheds a different light on the idea of aging well.
What the University of Basel study on Caenorhabditis elegans shows
In this model, Caenorhabditis elegans feeds mainly on bacteria which provide so-called food RNA. According to the University of Basel press release, these molecules cause mild stress in the cells of the intestine, which respond by strengthening its quality control systems.
“These molecules prevent the formation of harmful protein deposits, which are typically associated with aging or disease.”explained Anne Spang, professor at Biozentrum.
This internal stress activates autophagy, a natural process where the cell recycles its damaged proteins before they accumulate into aggregates. These protein clusters are considered drivers of cellular aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
“These dietary RNAs are absorbed in the intestine and activate quality control mechanisms that protect against cellular stress.”explained Emmanouil Kyriakakis, lead author of the study. “Low-level stress better prepares the body to deal with protein damage.”
Aging well: light dietary stress to protect cells
Another surprise from the team: the intestine does not work alone.
“We were surprised to find that the intestine seems to communicate with other organs“, adds Emmanouil Kyriakakis. “We observe these protective effects not only locally, but throughout the body, for example in the muscles.”. The effect of this dietary stress therefore remains modest, but it extends to several tissues.
Here, the word stress does not refer to everyday psychological stress:
- Classic mental stress: According to the German Stiftung Gesundheitswissen Foundation, in stressful situations, the heart rate accelerates and the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. If it lasts without a break, it becomes harmful (sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases, depression);
- Cellular micro-stress: The Basel study, on the contrary, focuses on brief and weak stress, which acts as a real workout for the cells.
What does this change for your way of aging well?
For Anne Spang, this work confirms the central role of what we put on our plate. “Certain components of the diet can cause the body to activate its protective mechanisms. So a little stress is good“, estimated the biologist, recalling however that these effects remain to be tested in humans.
In conclusion, although caution remains in order before extrapolating these results to humans, this discovery confirms that our food interacts at the molecular level with our cells. A mild cellular stimulant could prove to be a valuable ally in extending our healthy lifespan.