New molecule can mimic the effects of fasting and exercise

The diagram on the left shows the chemical structure of LaKe. The graph on the right shows how blood lactate and ketone body (BHB) concentrations change over time in rats ingesting LaKe (blue curve) or a control substance (black curve). Both lactate and BHB are found to be significantly increased in rats fed LaKe. Credit: Aarhus University/Thomas Poulsen
It is well known that regular exercise and regular fasting have a series of positive effects on the body. Exercising and skipping meals strengthens your heart and reduces fat levels in your blood. The explanation lies in the body’s natural response, where increased levels of lactate (salts of lactic acid) and ketones act as efficient fuel for cells, benefiting the body’s organs.
A group of chemistry, metabolism and diabetes researchers at Aarhus University has developed a molecule that can induce the same metabolic effects without exercise or fasting.
The study was just published in the scientific journal Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.
“We have developed a molecule that can mimic the body’s natural metabolic response to intense exercise and fasting. In fact, this molecule puts the body into a metabolic state equivalent to running 10 kilometers at high speed on an empty stomach.” Professor Thomas explains. Poulsen from the Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University. He is one of the researchers leading this study.
“Increased levels of lactic acid and ketones in the blood increase the production of appetite-suppressing hormones and reduce the levels of free fatty acids in the blood. This has many health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. It has the above advantages.
He said that although lactic acid and ketones are naturally occurring, it is impossible to achieve the same effect through diet alone, as you cannot get the amounts you need without unwanted by-products such as acids and salts. This is where a new molecule comes into play, called LaKe.
Molecules > Dietary Supplements
The development of LaKe is the result of several years of collaboration between Poulsen, Professor Mogens Johansen from the Department of Forensic Medicine, and Niels Moller, Chief Physician and Professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine and Stenno Diabetes Center in Aarhus.
All three study metabolism from different angles and already knew from their own and others’ research that lactic acid and ketone bodies had beneficial effects. It took three years to perform the chemical fusion of lactic acid and ketones without creating harmful “passengers” in the form of salts and acids.
“In some ways, the effect is not surprising because we are combining well-known substances. The innovation is that we have created a molecule that allows us to artificially and safely control the levels of lactic acid and ketones,” Poulsen said. say. .
So far, the molecule has only been tested in rats, but first human clinical trials are currently underway at Aarhus University Hospital. Poulsen said the study is expected to pave the way for the molecule to become an advanced nutritional supplement. It is especially useful for people who cannot follow a strict exercise or diet plan.
“It can be difficult to stay motivated to run for miles at high speed and without eating anything. For people with physical ailments, such as weak hearts or general weakness, nutritional supplements are key to speeding up recovery. ,” Poulsen explains.
Prospects for brain trauma treatment
The molecule also has the potential to reduce concentration problems and could be used to treat serious diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia. These diseases are often characterized by decreased energy levels in the brain, which inhibits optimal brain function.
“Because lactate can take over the role of glucose in the brain during stressful or traumatic situations, experiments have been conducted to increase lactate levels in people who have suffered a concussion. Patients who are unable to perform strenuous exercise , drugs that increase lactate levels can provide significant benefits,” Poulsen explains.
Further information: Rasmus N. Ottosen et al., Preparation and preclinical characterization of simple esters for dual exogenous supply of lactic acid and beta-hydroxybutyrate, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c04849
Provided by Aarhus University
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