Exercise in a Pill: Understanding Exercise Mimetics
Overview
For ages, the emphasis has been placed on the importance of exercise for the improved quality of life, prevent various life-threatening diseases, and lead a healthy balanced life. But what if we have a drug for it?
The scientific community and the public have been fascinated by the topic of a ‘miracle’ pill that one day would revolutionize the approach towards physical fitness and become a significant solution for people unable to indulge in traditional exercises due to health conditions.
What are exercise pills?
Exercise pills are active compounds that replicate the physiological and biochemical impacts of traditional exercise including mitochondrial biogenesis, angiogenesis, oxidative fiber-type transformation, and enhanced capacity of exercise. Himms-Hagen was the first to introduce the concept of ‘exercise pills’ in 2004. [1]
Background and beginning
The idea of an exercise pill stemmed in the late 20th century when the influence of physical activities on the human body and its molecular pathways were understood on a deeper level. Molecules such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) have been significant topics of interest for the idea of an exercise pill. [1]
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is responsible for regulating cellular energy metabolism and targeted activation of AMPK results such as enhanced endurance, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased rate of fat burning have been noted. [2]
Compounds such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) mimic the impacts of exercise-induced muscle contractions further stimulating muscle growth. These compounds have shown significant results in rodents and animal models. [3]
SLU-PP-332: A New Frontier
SLU-PP-332 is a novel part of exercise mimetics that is believed to mimic the benefits of exercise. Bahaa Elgendy and the team discovered SLU-PP-332. Reportedly the team has almost spent a decade developing the compound. According to the experts, it potentially activates AMPK and PPARδ targets and effectively mimics the benefits of exercise. [4]
SLU-PP-332: Mechanism of action
The compound functions as a pan-agonist for estrogen receptors. It has been shown to significantly improve mitochondrial function, respiration in the cells, and endurance of exercise via ERRα-specific mechanisms. The compound activates ERRs causing an increase in the expenditure of energy, and oxidation of fatty acid ultimately leading to fat loss. The physiological impacts of exercise are mimicked by targeting ERRs which play a pivotal role in the metabolism of muscles, and growth and provide anticipated treatments for conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, renal diseases, obesity, cognitive dysfunction, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The groundbreaking compound has shown promising outcomes in mouse models. [4] [5] [6]
Conclusion
This scientific breakthrough compound may provide a solution for those who face difficulties due to reasons such as age, frailty, or diseases. While an active lifestyle is important for maintaining overall health and improving brain and bodily functions, these exercise mimetics offer a promising alternative for those who cannot exercise. The research on exercise pills emphasizes the necessity of understanding these substances and the need for additional research into their long-term effects and safety.
- Exercise Pills: At the Starting Line | Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
- AMPK and the Adaptation to Exercise | NCBI | (ncbi.gov)
- PPARd Promotes Running Endurance by Preserving Glucose | Cell Metabolism
- Mimicking exercise with a pill | American Chemical Society
- Synthetic ERRα/β/γ Agonist Induces an ERRα-Dependent Acute Aerobic Exercise Response and Enhances Exercise Capacity | PubMed
- New hopes on “SLU-PP-332” as an effective agent for weight loss with indirect kidney protection efficacy; a nephrology point of view | Journal of Renal Endocrinology
Sanika Pande
- Medicine
- Nutrition And Diet
