Enhancing a longevity gene can prevent vascular dementia caused by cerebral infarction

  Japanese researchers reported in the new issue of the American Journal of Stroke that if longevity genes are allowed to play a more active role in the brain, vascular dementia caused by cerebral infarction can be prevented. doing. Vascular dementia is a severe cognitive impairment caused by ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases.

  Researchers from the National Cardiovascular Research Center and other institutions reported that SIRT1 is a deacetylase that is closely related to cell proliferation, differentiation, aging, apoptosis and metabolism. The SIRT1 gene encoding this enzyme is considered to be a longevity gene that inhibits aging. The researchers used genetic manipulation to increase the expression of the SIRT1 gene in the brains of experimental mice, and after the SIRT1 enzyme production reached 2-3 times the normal level, surgery was performed on the carotid arteries of the experimental mice. I was narrowed. The researchers found that even if the carotid arteries of the experimental mice become thinner, the blood flow in the brain can be maintained at 90% or higher of the original level. When the carotid arteries of normal experimental mice become thinner, the blood flow in the brain can only maintain 70% of the original level. This is because the increased expression of the SIRT1 gene promotes the enzyme that synthesizes nitric oxide to maintain its activity, and nitric oxide dilates blood vessels to help maintain cerebral blood flow.