X-Message-Number: 5041
From:  (David Stodolsky)
Subject: Longevity effect of chromium picolinate
Date: Mon, 23 Oct 95 10:42:40 +0100

McCarty M. F. (1994).
Longevity effect of chromium picolinate--
'rejuvenation' of hypothalamic function?
Med Hypotheses, 43 (4), 253-65

Abstract

The first rodent longevity study with the insulin-
sensitizing nutrient chromium picolinate has reported a 
dramatic increase in both median and maximal lifespan. 
Although the observed moderate reductions in serum glucose 
imply a decreased rate of tissue glycation reactions, it is 
unlikely that this alone can account for the substantial 
impact on lifespan; an effect on central neurohormonal 
regulation can reasonably be suspected. Recent studies 
highlight the physiological role of insulin as a modulator 
of brain function. I postulate that aging is associated with 
a reduction of effective insulin activity in the brain, and 
this contributes to age-related alterations of hypothalamic 
functions that result in an 'older' neurohormonal milieu; 
consistent with this possibility, diabetes leads to changes 
of hypothalamic regulation analogous to those seen in normal 
aging. Conversely, promoting brain insulin activity with 
chromium picolinate may help to maintain the hypothalamus in 
a more functionally youthful state; increased hypothalamic 
catecholamine activity, sensitization of insulin-responsive 
central mechanisms regulating appetite and thermogenesis, 
and perhaps trophic effects on brain neurons may play a role 
in this regard. Since both the pineal gland and thymus are 
dependent on insulin activity, chromium may aid their 
function as well. Thus, the longevity effect of chromium 
picolinate may depend primarily on delay or reversal of 
various age-related changes in the body's hormonal and 
neural milieu. A more general strategy of hypothalamic 
'rejuvenation' is proposed for extending healthful lifespan.



David S. Stodolsky      Euromath Center     University of Copenhagen
   Tel.: +45 38 33 03 30   Fax: +45 38 33 88 80 (C)


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