Científicos de la UCLA revierten el daño hepático en ratones al eliminar células zombis

16 de abril de 2026

Reportado por IA

Investigadores de la UCLA han identificado células inmunitarias senescentes, denominadas células "zombis", que se acumulan en hígados envejecidos y contribuyen a la enfermedad del hígado graso. Al eliminar estas células en ratones, el equipo revirtió el daño hepático y redujo el peso corporal, incluso bajo una dieta poco saludable. Los hallazgos, publicados en Nature Aging, sugieren que mecanismos similares podrían ser la causa de afecciones hepáticas en humanos.

Científicos de la UCLA descubrieron una población de macrófagos senescentes marcados por las proteínas p21 y TREM2 que se acumulan en los hígados de ratones de mayor edad y de aquellos con colesterol alto. En ratones jóvenes, solo alrededor del 5% de los macrófagos hepáticos mostraban esta firma, aumentando al 60-80% en los animales más viejos, lo cual se correlaciona con un incremento de la inflamación. Anthony Covarrubias, autor principal y profesor de la UCLA, comparó estas células con automóviles averiados que causan una interrupción generalizada en los tejidos a pesar de su escasez. "Tan solo un automóvil averiado puede atascar el tráfico por kilómetros", afirmó Covarrubias. "Ahora imaginen cinco o diez de ellos acumulándose lentamente".

UCSF study links iron-associated protein FTL1 to age-related memory decline in mice

5 de abril de 2026 Reportado por IA Imagen generada por IA Verificado por hechos

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco report that higher levels of the iron-associated protein FTL1 in the hippocampus of older mice are tied to weaker neural connections and worse performance on cognitive tests. In the experiments, reducing FTL1 in older mice was associated with increased neuronal connectivity and improved memory performance, findings published in Nature Aging.

Scientists map aging across 21 mouse organs with 7 million cells

Researchers at The Rockefeller University have created a detailed cellular atlas of aging by analyzing nearly 7 million cells from 21 organs in mice. The study reveals that aging begins earlier than previously thought and occurs in a coordinated manner throughout the body. Findings highlight differences between males and females, along with potential targets for anti-aging therapies.

UCLA study uncovers protein's trade-off in aging muscle repair

24 de febrero de 2026 Reportado por IA

Researchers at UCLA have identified a protein that slows muscle repair in aging but enhances cell survival in mice. Blocking the protein improved healing speed in older mice, though it reduced long-term stem cell resilience. The findings suggest aging involves survival strategies rather than mere decline.

Salud

Scientists discover brain's tau cleanup system for Alzheimer's

Salud

Study links Alzheimer's origins to peripheral inflammation

Salud

CAR T-cell therapy may slow ALS progression

Scientists identify body's natural off switch for inflammation

Researchers at University College London have discovered how the body naturally shuts down inflammation using fat-derived molecules called epoxy-oxylipins. These molecules prevent the buildup of immune cells linked to chronic diseases like arthritis and heart disease. A study involving a drug that boosts these molecules showed faster pain relief and reduced harmful immune activity.

Gut compound indole protects offspring from fatty liver disease

8 de febrero de 2026 Reportado por IA

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have discovered that a compound produced by healthy gut bacteria can reduce the risk of fatty liver disease in the offspring of mice fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet during pregnancy and nursing. The compound, indole, derived from breaking down the amino acid tryptophan, improved liver health, blood sugar levels, and weight management in the young mice. This finding highlights the role of the maternal microbiome in preventing metabolic disorders like MASLD in children.

10 de abril de 2026 19:59