Just like skin, blood vessels age. Just as a hose becomes hard and prone to cracking over time, our blood vessels lose their elasticity as we age. However, there's no need to give up. Did you know that building muscle secretes substances that rejuvenate blood vessels from the inside?
In this article, we will explain the power of muscles that you need to know in order to extend your healthy lifespan, and the potential of regenerative medicine for vascular care
table of contents
Why muscles are called hormonal organs | The function of myokines
Muscles were once thought to be nothing more than tissues that move the body. However, recent research has revealed that muscles are also endocrine organs that secrete various physiologically active substances (hormones). These are collectively called "myokines." Representative myokines include IL-6 (interleukin-6) and irisin
The function of IL-6 secreted from muscles during exercise is to promote fat breakdown and suppress inflammation in the body. Irisin, also known as the exercise hormone, is expected to convert stored fat (white fat cells) into fat that burns (brown fat cells) and protect nerve cells
As these substances circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream, they improve the function of vascular endothelial cells and help maintain the entire body, such as by suppressing the progression of arteriosclerosis
Reference: J-stage | Physical activity and myokines in COPD patients
Dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure | The role of nitric oxide (NO)
The benefits of using muscles go beyond the secretion of chemicals. The physical stimulation of exercise is also important. When you exercise, your heart rate increases and blood flow speed increases, causing the blood to rub against the inner walls of your blood vessels. This rubbing stimulation triggers the secretion of NO (nitric oxide) in vascular endothelial cells. Conversely, this switch does not turn on if you stay still
Once switched on, NO is secreted and acts on the muscles (smooth muscles) surrounding blood vessels, relaxing them and widening them. As a result, blood flow becomes smoother and blood pressure decreases. The effects of NO are not limited to during exercise; continued use also contributes to stabilizing blood pressure at rest. Furthermore, NO has the effect of preventing oxidation of blood vessels, which is directly linked to the prevention of arteriosclerosis
In other words, exercise itself is an act of producing vasodilators in the body without any side effects. Before relying on drugs, use your muscles to awaken the dormant function of your blood vessels
Regenerative medicine perspective: Vascular care at the cellular level
The reason exercise is good for the body is because cells themselves produce repair substances. Regenerative medicine (stem cell therapy, culture supernatant therapy, etc.), which has been attracting attention in recent years, can be said to be an approach that uses medical treatment to directly introduce repair substances such as cytokines and exosomes into the body. Here, we will explain the mechanisms of regenerative medicine based on research reports
How stem cells heal blood vessels | Research report
Until now, many details about how the administered stem cells specifically repair blood vessels remained unclear. However, a report published in 2020 by a Japanese research group (including the Kobe Biomedical Research Institute) is beginning to unravel the mystery
Research has shown that when stem cells find damaged vascular endothelial cells, they attach tightly to them and form tiny tunnels called gap junctions between the cells. It has also been found that they directly supply energy sources such as glucose to the weakened cells through the gap junctions. In other words, the stem cells provide energy, and the vascular cells that receive the energy begin to regenerate on their own
This research overturns the conventional wisdom that stem cells differentiate into damaged cells or initiate regeneration by issuing commands such as cytokines, and reveals the existence of a new way of thinking in regenerative medicine
How blood vessels rejuvenate | Research report
Additionally, a 2015 overseas study reported that administering mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) restored the function of damaged vascular endothelial cells. Specifically, the activity of eNOS (nitric oxide synthase), an enzyme essential for widening blood vessels, was restored, and the formation of plaque (atherosclerotic masses) that clog blood vessels was suppressed
The idea behind regenerative medicine is to repair vascular cells that have been damaged by aging. A combination of daily self-help through exercise and medical care at the cellular level could be the answer to staying healthy in the era of 100-year lifespans
See also: Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Activate Angiogenesis via Gap Junction–Mediated Cell-Cell InteractionSee
also: Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Atherosclerotic Lesions via Restoring Endothelial Function
summary
Building muscle leads to a healthier and healthier whole body. Muscles are not just a source of energy, but are also important organs that keep blood vessels young. Every squat or every run up and down the stairs turns on the switch for blood vessel repair in the body
If exercise is difficult or you prefer more proactive care, regenerative medicine is also an option. Why not start taking action to protect your blood vessels today, in line with your lifestyle?