Scientists Gave Mice a Vitamin D-Related Drug. Then One Aging Sign Reversed
Summary
Researchers found that calcipotriol, a drug that activates the vitamin D receptor, restored subcutaneous fat in mice with rapid-aging disease and extended their lifespan. The findings point to a possible way to study age-related fat loss, but they do not show that the drug or vitamin D supplements restore fat in people.Key Facts
- Subcutaneous adipose tissue is a layer of fat beneath the skin that helps store energy, insulate and protect the body, and regulate metabolism.
- The study linked age-related loss of this tissue in naturally aging mice and mice with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome to a decline in the number of fat cells.
- Researchers reported that vitamin D receptor deficiency impaired adipogenesis, the process by which cells develop into mature fat cells.
- Treatment with calcipotriol, a vitamin D receptor activator, rescued subcutaneous fat loss and extended the lifespan of mice with progeria.
- Dermatologists quoted in the article said the results have not established a benefit in humans, and ordinary vitamin D supplements are not equivalent to calcipotriol.
- Experts said human studies are needed to assess whether the treatment works and is safe; they cautioned against expecting vitamin D to restore age-related facial fat.
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