A groundbreaking study from the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) has revealed the long-lasting impacts of early lifestyle changes on metabolism. This research, conducted as part of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study, sheds light on how interventions in childhood and adolescence can significantly influence health outcomes well into adulthood.
The PANIC study utilized advanced liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics technology to analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of lifestyle modifications on health. By examining blood samples, researchers identified changes in 80 metabolites related to processes critical for the development of cardiometabolic diseases, such as lipid metabolism, inflammation, and gut health. According to Postdoctoral Researcher Iman Zarei, these findings highlight the potential for early interventions to impact long-term health.
Of particular interest is the discovery that 17 of the metabolites analyzed remained altered even after eight years, despite the primary intervention period lasting only two years. This indicates that early lifestyle changes may not only offer immediate benefits but also lead to sustained health improvements over time. Significant changes were observed in fatty amides, molecules with diverse physiological functions, including inflammation, weight control, and sleep regulation. These alterations could be associated with a reduced risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Lead researcher Professor Timo Lakka stresses the importance of instilling healthy habits early in life to prevent the development of chronic diseases that often manifest in childhood or even during the fetal period. The study’s findings, published in the journal iScience, provide compelling evidence of the profound impact of sustained lifestyle changes on a child’s health trajectory.
The PANIC study is part of UEF’s Metabolic Diseases Research Community, which focuses on investigating major cardiometabolic conditions. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing genetics, genomics, translational research, and lifestyle interventions, the research community aims to elucidate disease mechanisms, enhance early diagnosis, and advance personalized treatment. Comprising 20 research groups spanning basic science to clinical care, this community is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in metabolic diseases.
For more information on the Metabolic Diseases Research Community at UEF, visit their website here.
