Scientists have discovered the secret of longevity
Last reviewed: 29.11.2021
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The best minds of mankind have always occupied the question of the duration of human life. What should I do to extend my life? What factors affect longevity? Of course, many will say that ecology, a healthy lifestyle and physical activity are integral parts of human health, and hence of long life. However, not everything is as simple as it seems to us. Many also believe in destiny destined for every man from above, and if it is fated to die early, it means that you can not get away from it. I wonder what science will say about this?
A group of scientists from the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), headed by Director Maria Blascoe, using innovative research methods in mammals, established that the lifespan at the molecular level is determined by telomeres - the end sections of the chromosomes that perform a protective function.
The results of the research carried out by specialists will allow us to reveal the veil over the mystery of human existence.
Telomeres are characterized by a lack of ability to connect with other chromosomes, as well as fragmentation. They carry hereditary information and protect DNA from damage and deformation.
Several studies conducted earlier have already confirmed that life expectancy is determined by the length of telomeres, that is, these sites are an indicator of human longevity. At the same time, with each cell division, their length decreases.
Until now, however, even based on existing knowledge, experts could not predict the real life expectancy of mammals.
"According to previous studies, people who have short telomeres were much more at risk for developing diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, this information is more general, and is not applicable to a specific person, "says Maria Blasko, lead author of the study.
To try to find a real way to "predict" the amount of years removed by nature, the experts conducted a study of the length of telomeres in mice.
After analyzing blood samples of long-living mice, experts found that the number of years lived did not depend on the length of the telomere at any age, it depended on telomere contractions during life.
"The important thing is not how long telomeres are, but how much it will change over time," the scientists comment.
This research opens up further opportunities for studying the influence of lifestyle, and factors such as diet, smoking and physical exertion on the rate of aging of the body.
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