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Intermittent Methionine Restriction Reduces Marrow Fat Accumulation and Preserves More Bone Mass than Continuous
Jason D Plummer1, Mark C Horowitz2, Jay E Johnson1
1Department of Biology, Orentreich Foundation for the Advancement of Science, Cold Spring, NY, USA.
Aging Biology
|March 29, 2024
Summary
Intermittent methionine restriction (IMR) offers similar metabolic health benefits to continuous methionine restriction (MR) but preserves bone mass and strength. This practical dietary strategy may be a viable alternative for human healthspan extension.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Continuous methionine restriction (MR) extends mammalian healthspan and improves metabolic health.
- Long-term adherence to continuous MR is challenging for humans.
- Intermittent methionine restriction (IMR) was developed as a more practicable alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of IMR and continuous MR on bone health in mice.
- To investigate whether IMR mitigates the negative bone effects associated with continuous MR.
Main Methods:
- Mice were subjected to either continuous MR or IMR (3 days/week).
- Bone mass, structure, marrow fat, and mechanical strength were assessed.
- Histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate bone formation.
Main Results:
- IMR preserved trabecular and cortical bone mass, unlike continuous MR.
- IMR significantly reduced marrow fat accumulation compared to continuous MR.
- Bones from IMR mice exhibited superior mechanical strength and increased osteoblast numbers.
Conclusions:
- IMR confers comparable metabolic benefits to continuous MR without compromising bone health.
- IMR preserves bone mass and strength, potentially by increasing osteoblast activity.
- IMR represents a promising, more sustainable dietary intervention for human healthspan.
