An exercise pill which can induce the health benefits of physical activity may be closer to reality, as scientists have identified the mechanism that switches on the exercise response in the body.
Researchers from University of leeds in the UK found that a protein called Piezo1 in the lining of blood vessels is able to detect a change in blood flow during exercise. During physical activity — as the heart pumps more blood around the body — the Piezo1 protein in the endothelium or lining of the arteries taking blood from the heart to the stomach and intestines senses the increased pressure on the wall of the blood vessels.
In response, it slightly alters the electrical balance in the endothelium and this results in the blood vessels constricting, researchers said.
Researchers also investigated the effect of an experimental compound called Yoda1 — named after the character from Star Wars — on the action of the Piezo1 protein. They found that it mimicked the action of increasing blood flow on the walls of the endothelium which is experienced during physical activity, raising the possibility that a drug could be developed which enhances the health benefits of exercise.