Published on: Sep 29, 2025
A team of researchers led by Wolfram Weckwerth from the University of Vienna, Austria, and Nankai University, China, has combined advanced metabolomics, machine learning, and a novel network modeling tool to uncover the molecular processes behind active aging. Their study, published in npj Systems Biology and Applications, identifies aspartate as a key biomarker of physical fitness and maps the dynamic interactions that support healthier aging.
Physical activity is known to protect mobility and reduce chronic disease risk, but the molecular mechanisms linking exercise to healthier aging were unclear. The researchers asked a simple question: Can the benefits of an active lifestyle be seen directly in the blood?
Fitness Meets Metabolomics
The team created a Body Activity Index (BAI) using walking distance, chair-rise tests, handgrip strength, and balance assessments. A Metabolomics Index was derived from blood levels of 35 metabolites. Across 263 older adults, these indices showed a strong correlation , showing that blood metabolite patterns mirror physical fitness.
Machine Learning Pinpoints Key Molecules
Five machine learning models, including XGBoost and deep learning networks, distinguished active from less-active participants with over 91percentage accuracy. Eight metabolites consistently predicted activity level: aspartate, proline, fructose, malic acid, pyruvate, valine, citrate, and ornithine, with aspartate emerging as the most dominant marker.
Metabolic Network Insights
Using COVRECON, the researchers examined how metabolites interact, identifying aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as central hubs. Fluctuations in these enzymes were greater in active participants, suggesting enhanced metabolic flexibility in liver and muscle function.
Implications for Brain Health
Aspartate also acts as a neurotransmitter precursor in the brain, linking physical fitness to cognitive function. This finding supports evidence that regular physical activity may protect against cognitive decline and dementia by reshaping amino-acid–based signaling pathways.
Physical activity does more than build muscle, says Wolfram Weckwerth. It rewires our metabolism at the molecular level. By decoding these changes, we can track—and even guide—how well someone is aging.
Source: https://www.univie.ac.at/en/news/detail/smart-blood-how-ai-reads-your-bodys-aging-signals?
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