New study shows supplementing with Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) Reverses the Effects of Aging and promotes healthy Aging in Older Adults
A clinical trial study published in Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, is bringing new hope to the fight against the ill effects of aging. Conducted by Dr. Premranjan Kumar and his colleagues from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA, the study entitled "Supplementing Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) in Older Adults Improves Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Inflammation, Physical Function and Aging Hallmarks: A Randomized Clinical Trial" uncovers the significant benefits of GlyNAC supplementation in older adults.
Background and Objectives
With aging, diverse detrimental changes have been encountered in the bodies, accompanied by increased levels of oxidative stress, mitochondrial defects, chronic inflammation, and reduced physical performance, all of which result in age-associated diseases and a loss of quality of life. A key player in these processes is the major natural intracellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Deficiency of this GSH has been associated with several issues related to aging, such as poor mitochondrial function and augmented oxidative damage. Previous studies in older mice have shown that supplementing with GlyNAC, a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine, was influential in restoring GSH levels and mitigating health-related dysfunction. Hence, the current study was conducted to determine whether such beneficial effects could be translated to humans.
Study Design and Methodology
included 24 older adults (OA) and 12 young adults (YA). The older adults were randomly assigned to two groups: i) receiving GlyNAC supplementation (12 participants) and ii) receiving an isonitrogenous alanine placebo (12 participants) for a period of 16 weeks. On the other hand, the young adults received GlyNAC for two weeks. In order to evaluate various health markers, the participants underwent assessments three times: once prior to the commencement of the supplementation, after two weeks, and at the conclusion of the 16-week period. Key parameters that were assessed included concentrations of GSH (glutathione), levels of oxidative stress (OxS), mitochondrial function, molecular regulators of energy metabolism, inflammation, endothelial function, insulin resistance (IR), aging hallmarks, physical function (such as gait speed, muscle strength, and a 6-minute walk test), body composition, and blood pressure.
Significant Findings
The study’s findings were striking, making a dramatic impact of GlyNAC supplementation on the health of older adults. Older adults initially showed significantly lower levels in the following measures compared to young adults:
i) GSH Deficiency: Lower levels of the very important antioxidant
ii) High OxS: Increased oxidative stress that induces damage to the cells
iii) Mitochondrial Dysfunction: The inability of proper functioning in energy production
iv)Chronic Inflammation: Elevated inflammatory markers
v) Endothelial Dysfunction: Poor vascular health
vi) Insulin Resistance: Defective glucose metabolism
vii) Impairment in Physical Function: reduced gait speed, muscle strength, and endurance
Viii) Central Obesity: Increased Waist Circumference
ix) Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure: Higher the risk of cardiovascular endpoints
After 16 weeks of GlyNAC supplementation, older subjects showed substantial gains on all these outcomes. More specifically, substantive improvements were detected in:
a) Restored GSH Levels: Increased capacity of antioxidants, indispensable in alleviating oxidative stress
b) Reduced OxS: decreased oxidative damage, and protecting cells against age-induced reduction.
c) Improved Mitochondrial Function: Increased power production and better cell life management.
d) Reduced Inflammation: Lower amounts of inflammatory markers, therefore reducing chronic inflammation
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e) Improved endothelial function: Overall better health of the vasculature, hence maintaining healthy blood flows and reducing cardiovascular risk
f) Ameliorated IR: Better insulin sensitivity, improving glucose metabolism
g) Better Walking: Muscle Strength and Endurance Resulting in Overall Improved Gait Speed, Mobility, and Quality of Life
h) Reduced Waist Circumference: Indicator of better body composition and low central obesity
i) Lower systolic blood pressure: lower cardiovascular risk
But the placebo group did not show such changes, which indicates the efficacy of GlyNAC.
Conclusion
The study concludes that 16 weeks of glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) supplementation are safe and well-tolerated, significantly improving several age-associated abnormalities in older adults. This research highlights GlyNAC as a potent nutritional supplement that improves and can reverse critical aspects of aging, offering a new avenue for enhancing health and longevity in older populations.
The work of Kumar and his colleagues represents a significant leap in geriatric medicine, paving the way for new treatments aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults. As research progresses, glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) has the potential to emerge as a pivotal tool in the battle against the detrimental effects of aging, instilling hope and inspiring further exploration.
For more insights and detailed findings, please visit to the full study in the article below of The Journals of Gerontology: Series A.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Amita Fotedar has a PhD in Life Sciences
Source:
Kumar, P., Liu, C., Suliburk, J., Hsu, J. W., Muthupillai, R., Jahoor, F., Minard, C. G., Taffet, G. E., & Sekhar, R. V. (2023). Supplementing Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) in Older Adults Improves Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Inflammation, Physical Function, and Aging Hallmarks: A Randomized Clinical Trial. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences
and medical sciences, 78(1), 75–89.