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Stresses affect life expectancy
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Previously, scientists have proven that frequent stress and depression accelerate the appearance of age-related changes in the human body. Recently, more research has been conducted, thanks to which it was possible to unravel genetic patterns and establish why it is undesirable to worry and fret about anything.
Details of the study can be read in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
Scientists from Indiana University and the Scripps Institute have long tried to establish the cause of the influence of psychological stress on the natural aging process of the body. Various possible factors were analyzed: hormonal changes, gene modifications, the influence of radicals, etc.
However, the answer to the question was found thanks to worms belonging to the genus Caenorhabditis elegans - this is the most studied species of worms at the moment. It was discovered that the reason for the reduction in life expectancy under the influence of stress is hidden in the ANK 3 gene, which codes for the protein ankyrin-G. This protein has previously attracted the attention of scientists, as its connection with the development of autism, schizophrenic and bipolar disorder was established.
"Through numerous experiments, we have discovered a considerable number of genes that are directly or indirectly associated with stress formation processes and age-related changes. Certain genes are directly involved in the formation of psychoemotional disorders and the development of stress resistance, and are also related to the reduction of the period of the cellular life cycle," comments the author of the study, Professor Alexander Nicolescu.
A little earlier, one of Nicolescu's colleagues, Dr. Michael Petracek, had found that the above-mentioned worms could live longer than usual under the influence of the antidepressant Mianserin. This interesting discovery served as an incentive for many scientific specialists: active research into this issue began. Professor Nicolescu was not indifferent either.
At this stage, scientists have managed to find out that a certain number of genes are responsible for changes in age-related activity. In those people who are prone to mental and emotional disorders, who have a high level of stress and a tendency to suicide, the expression of these genes turned out to be greatly altered. If we explain it differently, then stress affects the aging process through genes.
How does this happen? Which genes influence the increase in cellular aging? Most likely, these are genes that change the functionality of mitochondria – a kind of “batteries” that are located in the cytoplasm of each cell. So far, this is only an assumption, but it already has a certain meaning: a large number of scientific experiments prove that there is a non-random connection between mitochondrial malfunction and a reduction in life expectancy.
The scientists' research has not yet been completed, but a conclusion can already be made: those who take care of their nerves live longer.
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