The common sense that "exercise is good for health" has been confirmed through actual research results.
The Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) announced on the 19th that a research team led by chief researcher Yang Yong-yeol of the Aging Convergence Research Group and a research team led by Professor Kim Nak-sung of Chonnam National University discovered a special protein called CLCF1 (cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1) that supports the effects of exercise. This protein is secreted from muscles during exercise and strengthens muscles and bones, inhibiting musculoskeletal aging.
The researchers first divided young and older individuals into two groups and analyzed how much the blood levels of the "CLCF1" protein changed after exercise. Surprisingly, young individuals showed a significant increase in the protein with just one workout, whereas older individuals needed to exercise consistently for more than 12 weeks to see an increase.
The research team then conducted experiments using aged mice. When "CLCF1" was injected into older mice, similar to humans, their muscle strength increased and bone density also improved, whereas inhibiting the action of "CLCF1" showed no significant effect even with exercise.
The research team confirmed that "CLCF1" enhances the function of mitochondria, known as the cellular power plants within muscles, and inhibits the production of osteoclasts, which dissolve bones. Conversely, it was confirmed that it promotes the differentiation of osteoblasts, which build bones.
Chief researcher Yang Yong-yeol noted, "This study revealed the biological basis for why the effects of exercise diminish with age and will serve as a foundation for developing new therapeutic strategies for healthy aging," adding that "it is expected to provide a new direction for the treatment of sarcopenia and osteoporosis commonly seen in older adults."
References
Nature Communications (2025), DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-59959-w