Using mice that were genetically engineered for elevated mtDNA mutations, researchers at McMaster University found that 45 minutes of treadmill exercise three times a week stopped the expected rapid aging. The genetically modified mice that exercised on a treadmill three times a week, were comparable to healthy mice, while sedentary mice aged rapidly, becoming bald, gray-haired, weak, socially isolated an less fertile.
The abstract of the article reporting on the research is here, but the article is behind a pay-wall. You can, however, see the detailed supporting material without paying. The supporting material includes four movies that show the effect of exercise. Check this one out:
Click to play the movie
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| Mice on a treadmill -- which one works out? |
This study is great news if you are a genetically engineered mouse, and it may offer a partial explanation of aging and the benefits of exercise in some humans.
