Is there a pill that will replace the gym?

Marathon runners, cyclists, long-distance swimmers and generally every athlete who needs endurance, know that it takes years of training to achieve it. According to a report by lifo.gr, however, scientists in the US, after successful experiments on mice, are optimistic that it is a matter of time before they develop "exercise pills", which in a much shorter time and with much less sweat will have the same Beneficial results with real aerobic exercise.

 Such a pill, according to scientists, could be taken not only by athletes, but also people with limited mobility, such as the elderly, obese and people with disabilities, who find it difficult to exercise. The researchers, led by molecular and developmental biologist Ronald Evans of the Salk Institute in California and published in the journal Cell Metabolism, administered a chemical treatment to mice for two months. in animals to have the stamina to run in a "treadmill" for 1516 minutes. In contrast, animals that did not take the same substance could only run for 270 minutes (160% less) before being depleted.

The animals that took the substance also had other benefits, such as lower weight and better blood sugar levels. This substance affects hundreds of genes involved in energy metabolism and combustion in the body. The genes that "burn" fat are mainly activated and the genes that "burn" sugar (glucose) are inactivated. Researchers consider it important to reduce the "burning" (breakdown) of glucose, because when blood sugar levels fall (hypoglycemia), then the brain is adversely affected and fatigue occurs in the body.

But when sugars are saved and their level is slow to fall, as is the case with the new substance, then endurance increases. "If you reprogram the right genes, you can get a high level of endurance without having to spend a lot of energy," Evans said. At the moment, however, it is not certain that this substance will "work" just as well in humans, and other scientists have already expressed their skepticism. But if this is proven through future clinical trials, then the way is open to create a pill that will contain the substance GW1516 and which will mimic the benefits of exercise. This substance first appeared in the 1990s with the aim of treating metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

It was later forgotten, as some studies have found that it can be carcinogenic in large doses. But some scientists continued to study it, and a few years ago a black market emerged for the GW1516, which was used by some athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and eventually banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency as unsafe. Now, with the new study, the substance has been "resurrected" as a candidate for an ingredient in an "exercise pill" (in low dosage). But many scientists doubt whether it will be approved by the competent supervisory authorities. However, some pharmaceutical companies have already expressed interest in starting clinical trials in humans.

Source: Sigmalive