A new study published by the University of Connecticut in the issue of Current Pharmaceutical Design shows that daily use of the telomerase activator TA-65® has a protective effect against metabolic abnormalities associated with metabolic syndrome.
observation
Like aglets (the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces that prevent fraying), telomeres are the caps at the end of our DNA strands that protect our chromosomes from damage. When telomeres become critically short, cells begin to die. Scientists know that an enzyme in the human body, telomerase, can restore length to these telomeres. Clinical observers wondered whether activating telomerase and thereby lengthening telomeres would have a positive impact on patients with metabolic syndrome.
hypothesis
Previous studies have shown that the commercially available dietary supplement TA-65® activates telomerase and increases telomere length in humans. This recent study aimed to demonstrate the impact of these lengthened telomeres on at-risk individuals by examining the effects of TA-65® on patients with metabolic syndrome.
method
This was a crossover study in which 40 men and women aged 32 to 70 years were examined and blood-tested and received either TA-65® capsules or placebo capsules daily for 12 weeks. After a 3-week washout period, they were then switched to the alternative capsules for 12 weeks.
The subjects were examined and thoroughly tested for the symptoms of metabolic syndrome:
- Central obesity
- High blood pressure
- Hyperglycemia
- inflammation
- High LDL cholesterol levels
It was a double-blind, randomized study, meaning that neither the subjects nor the researchers knew which participants were taking the TA-65® capsule and which were receiving the placebo capsule. No other lifestyle changes were made during the study.
The study showed that TA-65® improved the following biomarkers:
- Lower BMI (body mass index) and WC (waist circumference)
- Lower ratio of LDL ("bad") cholesterol / HDL ("good") cholesterol
- Higher HDL "good" cholesterol levels (which have been shown to protect against inflammation)
- Lower plasma TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor)
- Lower levels of CRP liver enzymes (which indicate inflammation)
conclusion
After taking TA-65® supplements for 12 weeks, study participants showed an improvement in symptoms of metabolic syndrome. It has already been established that switching to a healthier diet can prevent further damage from high cholesterol, inflammation and free radicals. Therefore, TA-65® supplementation in combination with dietary changes seems to be a good alternative to improve symptoms of metabolic syndrome and reduce future health complications in this at-risk population.
2018, Read the study here (english)
