Researchers have unveiled a potential mechanism that may explain the improvements observed in aging male mice on ketogenic diets, abbreviated as “keto diets.” The study suggests that cycling male mice between a regular diet and a ketogenic one enhances signaling between synapses in the brain.
Dr. John Newman, along with Professor Christian González-Billault from Universidad de Chile and The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, explored the impact of ketogenic diets on aged mice. Previously, Dr. Newman’s work demonstrated that cyclic ketogenic diets reduced midlife mortality risk and prevented memory decline in male mice.
The team, led by González-Billault, aimed to delve deeper into these findings, focusing on molecular mechanisms underlying the diet’s benefits. Their research, published in Cell Reports Medicine, detailed significant improvements in metabolic parameters and behavioral performance among older mice following cyclic ketogenic diets.
The ketogenic diet’s influence was particularly evident in enhancing hippocampal plasticity, crucial for memory and learning processes. This improvement was attributed to ketone bodies, produced during low glucose levels, activating synaptic signaling pathways.
González-Billault emphasized the importance of resilience maintenance in aging, differentiating between lifespan and healthspan in the context of ketogenic diets’ benefits. While these diets show promise in older animals, their efficacy in younger subjects remains uncertain due to inherent resilience mechanisms in youth.
Beyond animal studies, preliminary human research suggests potential cognitive benefits from ketogenic diets, including reduced inflammation and improved blood sugar control. However, challenges such as adherence and nutrient balance highlight the need for cautious consideration and medical supervision when adopting ketogenic diets.
Future research aims to broaden understanding of ketogenic diets’ molecular impacts and their systemic effects, exploring metabolic changes at the cellular level. Despite promising results in male mice, González-Billault stresses the necessity for further studies, particularly in human trials, to validate these findings and explore their applicability to broader populations and biological sexes.
