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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 But this experiment took place in younger, developing mice. In other words, they were "pre-programmed."
Could a drug "reprogram" adult mice?
The researchers gave a drug called GW1516, which increases the activity of PPAR-delta, to young adult mice for five weeks. The result: nothing.
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So, they added another element: four weeks of exercise training. The drug combined with the training increased the rodents' running time by 68 percent and distance by 70 percent compared with mice receiving exercise training alone.
The muscles of the mice receiving both the drug and the training also showed evidence of new patterns of gene activity not seen in mice taking the drug alone or exercise training alone. The pattern was similar to the one seen in the earlier, genetically engineered mice.
Adding another compound, AICAR, which affects the activity of an enzyme called AMP kinase (AMPK) not only replenished energy in the cells, but also helped PPAR-delta activate its genetic targets.
The findings, released on the eve of the Beijing Olympics, also have a troubling side: the potential for abuse by athletes.
Aware of this problem, the study authors have already consulted the World Anti-Doping Agency and are also developing a test to detect the use of GW1516.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have more on recommended exercise levels.
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