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Mimicking a workout -

A team of scientists from the Washington University School of Medicine have created new compounds that can mimic the physical boost of a workout.

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American Chemical Society -

Their findings have been presented at the American Chemical Society (pictured) in Washington, D.C. and could see the introduction of a new "exercise pill" that could replace the need to hit the gym.

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A future supplement? -

The discovery of the compounds could form the ingredients of a future supplement, the team claims.

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Replicating the power of exercise -

Specifically, the scientists hope to replicate the power of exercise to enhance metabolism and growth, plus improve muscle performance.

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Staying lean and young -

Researchers have also said the pill could offer other benefits, such as making us feel younger and working against obesity.

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Medical boost -

Furthermore, they claim, such a pill could help treat medical conditions such as heart failure, neurodegenerative diseases—for example, dementia—and muscle atrophy, as well as staving off cognitive decline.

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Benefitting the elderly -

A future pill that could offset muscle atrophy and weakness would be of considerable benefit to people who are unable to exercise, including the elderly and people whose muscles have become weaker due to cancer, the study points out.

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More muscle -

It could also counter the loss of muscle and fat, such as that caused by weight-loss medications.

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How does it work? -

The team at Washington University have developed a compound called SLU-PP-332.

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Activating EERs -

This compound activates all three forms of specialized proteins known as estrogen-related receptors (EERs), which are normally set off by exercise.

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Exercise is important -

"We cannot replace exercise; exercise is important on all levels," remarked Bahaa Elgendy, associate professor from the Washington University School of Medicine.

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A substitute is needed -

"If I can exercise, I should go ahead and get the physical activity. But there are so many cases in which a substitute is needed," added Elgendy, who is also the study's principal investigator.

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Playing a major role -

"In all of these conditions, ERRs play a major role. If you have a compound that can activate them effectively, you could generate so many beneficial effects," he underlined.

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Ten-year study -

The scientists at Washington University spent 10 years identifying SLU-PP-332, notes the American Chemical Society.

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Under scrutiny -

The researchers scrutinized the structure of the ERRs and how they bind to molecules that activate them.

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Designing new molecules -

Moving forward to develop variations that could be patented, Elgendy and his team designed new molecules to strengthen the interaction with the EERs and thus provoke a stronger response than what SLU-PP-332 can provide, explained the American Chemical Society in an assessment of the scientists' findings.

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A way to combat neurodegenerative disorders -

The study found that EER activity appears to counter damaging processes that occur in the brain in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and those who have other neurodegenerative disorders.

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More tests needed -

While a new exercise pill that could replace your need for a workout will be eagerly anticipated by many, the arrival of such a wonder drug is still some way down the road: tests have only been carried out on mice.

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A successful substitute -

But the success of the substitute compound in rodent cells is encouraging.

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Improved endurance -

When tested on mice, the team found that the compound increased a type of muscle fiber that's fatigue-resistant. Later, notes BBC Science Focus, the rodents' endurance when running on a treadmill improved.

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More testing required -

Elgendy concedes, however, that, to bring an exercise pill to humans, much more testing is required.

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New animal models -

For the time being, Elgendy and his colleagues hope to test the new compounds in animal models through Pelagos Pharmaceuticals, a start-up company they cofounded.

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Potential new treatments -

And according to the American Chemical Society, they are continuing to study the possibility of developing the compounds as potential treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.

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Regular exercise is vital -

Meanwhile, there is no substitute for regular exercise. A gym regimen, together with plenty of outdoor exercise, is the ideal stay-fit combo, according to Shape.

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Daily routine -

Exercise should be an important part of your daily routine. And creating a perfectly balanced weekly workout schedule is the way to achieve it.

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All-round improvement -

Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.

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Mood boost -

Regular exercise also improves mood, boosts energy, and promotes better sleep.

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Great for mental health -

It's also proven that working out improves mental health by reducing anxiety and depression.

Sources: (BBC Science Focus) (Fortune) (American Chemical Society) (Shape) 

See also: Do you take these medications? Be careful with exercise

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