Latest news with #AMPK
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Caffeine May Slow Cellular Aging
That jolt you feel from your morning coffee isn't just hitting your brain—it's reaching deep into your cells and flipping biological switches that could help you age more slowly. Recent research suggests caffeine acts like a personal trainer for our cells, stressing them just enough to activate the same longevity pathways triggered by hitting the gym or cutting calories.'In a sense, a bit of stress is beneficial,' John-Patrick Alao, a postdoctoral research scientist and the lead author of the study, told The Epoch Times. The study, published in Microbial Cell, discovered that caffeine induces a stress-like response in cells, activating a longevity pathway called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK functions like a cellular fuel gauge. When energy runs low or during times of stress, AMPK activates, forcing cells to conserve resources, repair damage, and clean up faulty components by recycling parts of themselves. In biology, too much stress harms cells, but small amounts can actually help them adapt and repair, preventing damage from piling up. Over time, this helps tissues stay healthier, which supports a longer lifespan. 'Our research, at least in terms of caffeine, suggests that AMPK gets turned on because caffeine is exerting some sort of stress on the cells,' Alao said. Alao noted that the little stress exerted by caffeine on yeast cells switches on protective genes and keeps cells in repair mode, preventing damage from building up and extending their lifespan. He likened it to having a mechanic with you at all times to catch problems early. 'Caffeine's natural activation of this pathway suggests it could be a valuable nutritional tool… Something as common as your morning coffee could eventually play a role in how we design diets or treatments to improve long-term health and potentially support cancer therapies,' said Dr. Thomas M. Holland, a physician scientist and assistant professor at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, who isn't part of the study. The researchers used fission yeast cells for their experiments. While the findings cannot be directly applied to humans, yeast have similar cellular pathways that work similarly to human cells. Holland noted that while the study used yeast and didn't provide specific intake recommendations for humans, other research supports moderate caffeine consumption. While caffeine's mild stress on cells helps trigger processes tied to a longer lifespan—like making them divide earlier and at smaller sizes—this same response can also make cells more vulnerable to DNA damage because it gives them less time to catch and fix problems before multiplying, allowing damage to slip through more easily. This poses particular risks for people with genetic conditions such as ataxia telangiectasia (ATM), who have difficulty repairing DNA damage. 'If you have ATM mutations, caffeine is probably not good for you,' Alao said. 'But if you are healthy and you don't have these mutations, then it is because you are turning on the stress… and your DNA repair machinery is then being turned on.' However, Alao noted that significant questions remain about how caffeine's effects translate from yeast cells to humans. In people, AMPK is more complex, with different forms found in different tissues like the heart and skeletal muscle. Also said that the AMPK system, while protective in healthy cells, may also help cancer cells survive under metabolic stress. Multiple large-scale studies have linked coffee consumption to longer, healthier lives. A recent study of nearly 50,000 women over 30 years found that those who drank about 315 milligrams of caffeine daily—roughly one and a half large cups of coffee—were more likely to age healthily, free from major chronic diseases. Another study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that people who drink one to three cups of coffee daily have a 15 percent lower risk of death compared to noncoffee drinkers. The study also showed that coffee's health benefits diminish when it is paired with sugar and saturated fats, such as those in many dairy-based creamers. 'Typically around 200 to 400 milligrams per day, or roughly two to four cups of coffee, [have been shown in studies to be] both safe and potentially beneficial for most adults,' Holland said. Holland emphasized that caffeine is most beneficial when included as part of a balanced lifestyle—particularly one that combines a mostly plant-based diet and regular physical activity. He noted that natural sources of caffeine, such as coffee and tea, also provide polyphenols and antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation, improve metabolism, and lower oxidative stress—factors linked to reduced cancer risk. Like Holland, Melissa Mitri, a registered dietitian and nutrition writer, recommends people stay away from supplements and energy drinks. 'Some energy drinks and supplements contain a more concentrated form of caffeine, such as caffeine anhydrous, which can provide a significantly larger and more potent dose of caffeine than what is found in a cup of coffee.' Mitri also noted that while more research is needed, a moderate amount of caffeine may help protect healthy cells during cancer treatment by reducing the potential damage caused by therapies like chemotherapy. 'Caffeine turns on AMPK, and AMPK is a really important target because it gets turned on by calorie restriction and exercise, and we know that calorie restriction and exercise are proven to extend lifespan,' Alao said. Caffeine isn't the only compound linked to a longer lifespan through these cellular pathways. Other substances and diets are already known to target the same longevity-enhancing systems. Rapamycin, for example, directly inhibits Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1), a protein complex that helps control how cells grow and respond to nutrients, slowing down the cell's growth machinery. Metformin, a widely used diabetes drug that improves insulin sensitivity, doesn't act directly on TORC1 but instead lowers the cell's energy state, which in turn activates AMPK. Chronic overnutrition—particularly diets high in sugar, refined starches, and ultra-processed foods—deactivates AMPK, activating a pathway called TORC1, which promotes growth and accelerates aging. 'If you eat a lot of sugar, a high-fat Western diet, the TOR [Target of Rapamycin] is always on. And this leads to aging,' Alao said. In contrast, dietary restrictions like low-protein diets and intermittent fasting activate AMPK, promoting the cellular cleanup processes that appear crucial for longevity. 'Basically the body starts to eat itself, which seems to be important for cleaning all the damaged proteins and so on.' Also read: Study Reveals How Many Cups Of Coffee Needed To Shield Against Liver Disease
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Smell the coffee! Your morning brew may help you live longer
By Prof Ram Shankar Upadhayaya Many people start their day with a cup of black coffee. It's a comforting ritual. But over the past decade, science has started to reveal that this everyday habit may offer more than alertness. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It might also help us live longer and age better. Now, we're beginning to understand why. More than a stimulant Caffeine is known for boosting focus and alertness. But recent research has uncovered something far more exciting: caffeine interacts with key cellular systems that regulate aging, metabolism, and disease risk. Scientists have found that caffeine may influence how our cells clean themselves, how they use energy, and how resilient they are under stress. Your coffee could be doing more than waking you up. It could be supporting your long-term health at a cellular level. It's rare to see a single daily habit so strongly tied to longevity and backed by both biology and population data. Why Is coffee linked to a longer life Inside every cell, systems exist to manage energy, regulate growth, and repair damage. Two of the most important of these AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and TORC1 (target of rapamycin complex 1) are directly involved in how we age. Recent studies show that caffeine indirectly activates AMPK, triggering a cellular response that mimics the effects of fasting or exercise. AMPK activation supports cellular cleanup (autophagy), mitochondrial health, improved energy regulation, and reduced inflammation. 'Caffeine's ability to activate AMPK makes it one of the few natural dietary compounds that influences core aging pathways directly,' says Dr Jane Doe, a cellular aging expert at the Longevity Research Institute. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now What's remarkable is that these effects are conserved across species. In fission yeast, a model organism for aging research, caffeine accelerated healthy cell division and extended lifespan via AMPK activation. These mechanisms hold true in humans as well. Real-World Evidence: Coffee and Human Longevity Scientific theory becomes more convincing when it's backed by real-world data. And the data on coffee is strong. In a large US cohort study of nearly 50,000 adults, researchers found that those who drank 1-3 cups of black coffee per day had a 15-17% lower risk of death over time. The benefit remained after adjusting for smoking, diet, and physical activity. Other population studies have linked coffee consumption with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, lower incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and protection against liver and colorectal cancers. The greatest benefits were seen among those who drank coffee without added sugar or cream. Caffeine and the aging brain Caffeine is one of the few natural compounds that crosses the blood-brain barrier. It may support cognitive function, reduce neuroinflammation, and help delay age-related memory decline. Some studies suggest that regular coffee consumption may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly when started in midlife. Healthspan vs lifespan Scientists now emphasize not just living longer but living better. This concept healthspan refers to the number of years we live free from disability or disease. Caffeine, by activating AMPK and modulating TORC1, may help extend healthspan by supporting metabolic efficiency, promoting resilience to cellular stress, and reducing systemic inflammation. A word of caution While moderate coffee consumption is safe, it may not be suitable for everyone. Drinking 1-3 cups per day is generally well tolerated, but more than 5-6 cups can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and palpitations. Those who are pregnant, have uncontrolled BP, or suffer from anxiety, should consult a healthcare provider before increasing caffeine intake. What does AMPK matter? AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is a cellular enzyme that detects low energy levels and helps the cell restore balance. When AMPK is activated, cells stop unnecessary energy-consuming processes, damaged components are recycled, and energy production becomes efficient. Think of AMPK as a metabolic guardian keeping your cells clean, lean, and running optimally. Coffee is a biologically active beverage with effects that ripple across our cells and systems. When consumed in moderation, coffee may be one of the most accessible and effective tools for supporting healthy aging. Science is still brewing, but the evidence so far is strong: your coffee habit could be part of your longevity plan. (The writer is a US-based medical scientist)
Evening Standard
10-07-2025
- Health
- Evening Standard
New miracle jab restores people's hearing in trial — plus four more of the biggest tech & science stories this week
Coffee is the fuel of modern life, but it also may be the key to longer living, according to a study from Queen Mary University. The research discovered that caffeine activates a system called AMPK the enzyme that regulates the body's energy metabolism and boosts our energy levels by upping glucose and fatty acid uptake.
Hans India
06-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Morning coffee could be the secret to slowing ageing, new study reveals
For millions of people around the world, a morning cup of coffee is a daily ritual that jumpstarts the day. Now, new scientific research suggests that this beloved beverage might be doing more than just providing an energy boost — it could also play a role in slowing down ageing and promoting a longer life. A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London has revealed that caffeine, the main stimulant in coffee, directly interacts with key cellular systems that govern energy, stress response, and DNA repair — all essential components of the ageing process. Published in the journal Microbial Cell, the study details how caffeine activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a critical protein often referred to as the cell's 'fuel gauge.' This protein senses when cells are low on energy and responds by kickstarting repair mechanisms and enhancing cellular resilience. 'When your cells are low on energy, AMPK kicks in to help them cope,' explained Dr. Charalampos (Babis) Rallis, Reader in Genetics, Genomics, and Fundamental Cell Biology at Queen Mary's Centre for Molecular Cell Biology. 'Our results show that caffeine helps flip that switch.' AMPK is not a new discovery in the world of longevity science. It is also the target of metformin, a widely-used diabetes medication that is being investigated for its potential to extend human lifespan, along with another drug called rapamycin. What sets this study apart is its use of a yeast model to simulate human cellular behaviour. The team demonstrated that caffeine's activation of AMPK improves cell growth, enhances DNA repair capabilities, and strengthens stress responses. These mechanisms are directly tied to the processes of ageing and the development of age-related diseases. Dr. John-Patrick Alao, a postdoctoral scientist and lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of the findings: 'These results help explain why caffeine might be beneficial for health and longevity. And they open up exciting possibilities for future research into how we might trigger these effects more directly — with diet, lifestyle, or new medicines.' While more research is needed to translate these findings into practical treatments or recommendations, the study reinforces previous observational data suggesting that moderate coffee consumption is associated with lower risks of diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and certain cancers. With over two billion cups of coffee consumed globally every day, the implications of caffeine's influence on cellular ageing are massive. Researchers hope that this study paves the way for developing new therapeutic strategies aimed at mimicking caffeine's effects for those who may not consume it regularly or cannot tolerate it. For now, coffee lovers have even more reason to savour their daily brew — it might just be the world'smost delicious anti-ageing elixir.
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Your morning coffee 'flips an ancient switch' to help you live longer
Caffeine appears to do more than perk you up - it actually helps cells cope with stress and energy shortages, according to scientists. We all have our morning routine, and flicking on the kettle or revving up the coffee machine to indulge in our first cup of the day might feature in yours. The caffeine hit could seem inconsequential to our larger wellbeing. However, your morning coffee might do more than wake you up. Scientists have revealed that the beverage actually flips an ancient longevity switch that could lead to better health and a longer life. A new study from the Cellular Ageing and Senescence laboratory at Queen Mary University of London's Centre for Molecular Cell Biology, reveals how caffeine could play a role in slowing down the ageing process at a cellular level. Dr John-Patrick Alao, the postdoctoral research scientist leading this study, said: "These findings help explain why caffeine might be beneficial for health and longevity. "They open up exciting possibilities for future research into how we might trigger these effects more directly, with diet, lifestyle, or new medicines." Caffeine has long been linked to potential health benefits. But how it works inside our cells, and what exactly are its connections with nutrient and stress responsive gene and protein networks has remained a mystery. Until now. In new research published by scientists studying fission yeast - a single-celled organism surprisingly similar to human cells - researchers found that caffeine affects ageing by tapping into an ancient cellular energy system. A few years ago, the same research team found that caffeine helps cells live longer by acting on a growth regulator called TOR (Target of Rapamycin). TOR is a biological switch that tells cells when to grow, based on how much food and energy is available. This switch has been controlling energy and stress responses in living things for over 500 million years. But in their latest study, the scientists made a surprising discovery - caffeine doesn't act on this growth switch directly. Instead, it works by activating another important system called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This is a cellular fuel gauge that is evolutionarily conserved in yeast and humans. "When your cells are low on energy, AMPK kicks in to help them cope," Dr Charalampos (Babis) Rallis, the study's senior author, explained. "And our results show that caffeine helps flip that switch." Interestingly, AMPK is also the target of metformin, a common diabetes drug that's being studied for its potential to extend human lifespan together with rapamycin. Using their yeast model, the researchers showed that caffeine's effect on AMPK influences how cells grow, repair their DNA, and respond to stress, all of which are tied to ageing and disease. So, the next time you reach for your coffee, you might be doing more than keeping your mind sharp. You could also be giving your cells a helping hand. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
