Trpv1 Pain Receptors

According to a recent study, the result of blocking a pain receptor in mice extends their lifespan as well as gives them a more useful metabolism. The mice also appeared to have an improved response for them to deal more efficiently with high blood sugar. This experiment allowed a professor to express the conclusion that blocking pain receptors can be useful in not only relieving pain but also in improving lifespan, metabolic health, and treating diabetes/obesity in humans. Professor Andrew Dillin states, "As humans age they report a higher incidence of pain, suggesting that pain might drive the aging process."

A "hot" compound found in chili peppers, capsaicin, is known to activate a pain receptor called TRPV1 (capsaicin receptor). TRPV1 is a receptor found in the skin, joints, and nerves. The capsaicin compound over-stimulates the TRPV1 pain receptor on nerve cells and often kills the receptor. The lack of these capsaicin receptors is associated with longer lifespans and improved health. This explains why diets with large amounts of capsaicin have been linked to a lower chance of diabetes and metabolic problems. The TRPV1 receptor is related to obesity and diabetes since the receptor can be found in nerve fibers that come in contact with the pancreas. This contact stimulates the release of substances like CGRP, which prevents the release of insulin. Insulin promotes the uptake of sugar from the blood and storage in the body's tissue. Past research has shown in mice lacking