Aging Reversed / ABC News

Now researchers have found a way not just to stop, but, reverse the aging process. The key is something called a telomere. We all have them. They are the tips or caps of your chromosomes. They are long and stable in young adults, but, as we age they become shorter, damaged and frayed. When they stop working we start aging and experience things like hearing and memory loss.

In a recent study published in the peer reviewed journal Nature scientists took mice that were prematurely aged to the equivalent of 80-year-old humans, added an enzyme and essentially turned their telomeres back on. After the treatment they were the physiological equivalent of young adults. You can see the before and after pictures in the videos above. Brain function improved, their fertility was restored it was a remarkable reversal of the aging process. In the top video the untreated mouse shows bad skin, gray hair and it is balding. The mouse with it’s telomeres switched back on has a dark coat color, the hair is restored and the coat has a nice healthy sheen to it. Even more dramatic is the change in brain size. Before treatment the aged mice had 75% of a normal size brain like a patient with severe Alzheimers. After the telomeres were reactivated the brain returned to normal size. As for humans while it is just one factor scientists say the longer the telomeres the better the chances for a more graceful aging.

The formal study Telomere dysfunction induces metabolic and mitochondrial compromise was published in Nature.

Additional information published by Harvard can be found in the following articles.

Scientists Find Root Molecular Cause of Declining Health in the Old

Decoding Immortality – Smithsonian Channel Video about the Discovery of Telomerase

While scientists are not yet able to accomplish the same results in humans we believe we have developed a nutraceutical to help prolong youth and possibly extend life until age reversal therapy for humans becomes available.

Stem Cell Secret’s of 115 Year Old Woman

New evidence that adult stem cells are critical to human aging has recently been published on a study done on a super-centenarian woman that lived to be 115 years. At death, her circulating stem cell pool had declined to just two active stem cells from stem cell counts that are typically more than a thousand in younger adults. Super-centenarians have survived all the normal diseases that kill 99.9% of us before 100 years of age, so it has been a mystery as to what actually kills these hardy individuals. This recent data suggest that stem cell decline may be the main contributor to aging. If so, stabilizing stem cells may be the best thing one can do to slow your rate of aging.

There are many theories of aging that have been proposed. For example, damage to cells and tissues from oxidative stress has been one of the most popular fundamental theories of aging for more than half a century. Yet antioxidant substances or genes that code antioxidant enzymes have proven largely ineffective in slowing aging when tested in model animals. Thus, interest by scientists has shifted to other hypotheses that might provide a better explanation for the slow declines in function with age.

Stem cells provide one such promising mechanism of aging. Of course, we all know that babies are young and vigorous, independent of the age of their parents. This is because adults have embryonic stem cells that can generate young new cells needed to form a complete young baby. Indeed, these embryonic stem cells are the product of continuously evolving stem cell populations that go back to the beginning of life on earth over 3.5 billion years ago!

In adults, the mostly immortal embryonic stem cells give rise to mortal adult stem cells in all the tissues of the body. These adult stem cells can regenerate your cells and tissues as they wear out and need replacement. Unfortunate, adult stem cells also age, which leads to fewer cells and/or loss of function in cell replacement. As functional stem cells decline, skin and organs decline with age.

Blood from world’s oldest woman suggests life limit

Time Magazine: Long-Life Secrets From The 115-Year-Old Woman

Somatic mutations found in the healthy blood compartment of a 115-yr-old woman demonstrate oligoclonal hematopoiesis

Abstract
The somatic mutation burden in healthy white blood cells (WBCs) is not well known. Based on deep whole-genome sequencing, we estimate that approximately 450 somatic mutations accumulated in the nonrepetitive genome within the healthy blood compartment of a 115-yr-old woman. The detected mutations appear to have been harmless passenger mutations: They were enriched in noncoding, AT-rich regions that are not evolutionarily conserved, and they were depleted for genomic elements where mutations might have favorable or adverse effects on cellular fitness, such as regions with actively transcribed genes. The distribution of variant allele frequencies of these mutations suggests that the majority of the peripheral white blood cells were offspring of two related hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) clones. Moreover, telomere lengths of the WBCs were significantly shorter than telomere lengths from other tissues. Together, this suggests that the finite lifespan of HSCs, rather than somatic mutation effects, may lead to hematopoietic clonal evolution at extreme ages.

Can What You Eat Affect Your Mental Health?

Our mental and physical health is deeply influenced by the foods we choose to nourish ourselves with. A recent study is one of the first to explore the connection between the quality of our diet and brain chemistry in humans. It has discovered that a low-quality diet may be connected to changes in brain structure that are associated with depression and anxiety.

The study involved 30 adult participants who completed screening questionnaires to evaluate their current levels of mood disturbances, anxiety, and repetitive negative thinking. Each participant underwent whole-brain MRI scans to assess metabolite concentrations in the prefrontal cortex and measure gray matter volume.

Participants were divided into two groups which were comparable in terms of gender, age, education and income, as well as overall caloric and macronutrient consumption. Diet quality was determined by how closely participants followed the Mediterranean diet. They also reported the frequency of consuming 130 different food items and described other eating habits.

The study revealed that participants following a high-quality diet displayed balanced concentrations of GABA and glutamate, along with greater gray matter volume. In contrast, those in the low-quality diet group showed imbalanced neurotransmitter levels, with lower GABA and higher glutamate, as well as a reduction in gray matter volume. Neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate act as chemical messengers, transmitting signals between nerve cells and regulating processes such as mood, sleep, and cognition. Maintaining the right balance between GABA and glutamate is vital for optimal brain health. A deficiency in GABA often leads to heightened anxiety and depression.

Consuming certain items like processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine may decrease GABA levels or hinder its normal activity. Foods high in processed ingredients, refined sugars, and too much protein tend to raise glutamate levels, as they either contain glutamate directly or enhance its production. Such diets can lead to inflammation and are associated with increased occurrences of depression and anxiety, interfering with brain function and the stability of mood.

To balance your mood, it is best to stick with a nutrient rich diet of berries and fruits, green leafy vegetables, omega-3 protein, nuts and seeds, and limit your intake of processed foods, refined sugars, excessive protein, caffeine, and alcohol.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Adherence to unhealthy diets is associated with altered frontal gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate concentrations and grey matter volume: preliminary findings

Exercise and Sitting in the Fight Against Heart Disease

Many people spend most of their day sitting, attempting to offset this inactivity with a brief 45-minute workout. However, recent studies indicate that this pattern may not sufficiently reduce the risks associated with prolonged sitting, even if the exercise meets minimum recommended levels. To effectively lower cardiovascular risks, incorporating more vigorous exercise and reducing sedentary time are essential strategies.

The findings are based on a continuing study involving more than 1,000 participants between the ages of 28 and 49. Although the participants are relatively young, it’s common for young adults to feel invincible against the effects of aging. However, the habits formed during these pivotal years can significantly influence long-term health.

Many of the study’s participants were sedentary for nearly nine hours each day. Their exercise habits varied, with some engaging in 80 to 160 minutes of medium-intensity activity per week, and others participated in less than 135 minutes of high-intensity exercise weekly. Their cardiovascular health was then evaluated by calculating a ‘heart age’ based on their BMI and cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein levels.

The study revealed that increased sitting time correlated with accelerated heart aging. Even meeting the daily minimum exercise recommendations, which include 20 minutes of moderate exercise, did not negate the adverse effects of prolonged sitting on heart health. Incorporating vigorous activities, like running or cycling for at least 30 minutes a day, appeared to mitigate some of these negative effects, but it didn’t completely eliminate them.

A brief period of exercise isn’t enough to offset an entire day of inactivity. Both regular exercise and overall activity are crucial. While it’s well-established that dedicating time to exercise and increase your heart rate is beneficial, boosting your overall activity level is equally important. Swapping sitting time for exercise tends to be more effective in improving cardiovascular health than merely adding exercise to a day otherwise spent sitting.

To view the original scientific study click below:
A twin-driven analysis on early aging biomarkers and associations with sitting-time and physical activity

Taking The Stairs Can Boost Longevity

In an era where fewer than 50% of U.S. adults meet the recommended exercise guidelines, fresh research highlights the benefits of stair climbing. A recent meta-analysis reveals that individuals who regularly climb stairs have a roughly 39% reduced risk of dying from heart disease compared to non-climbers. Additionally, they also face fewer incidents of heart attacks and strokes.

It’s remarkable that a straightforward activity like stair climbing can significantly lower the risk of death from all causes. The study analyzed data from approximately 480,000 participants, whose ages ranged from the mid-30s to mid-80s, with nearly half being women. These findings align with existing research that underscores the advantages of moderate-intensity exercise.

As soon as you begin climbing stairs, your body begins to react. Your heart rate increases, as does your cardiac output, enhancing your overall circulation. These changes are known to have beneficial effects. The positive impacts can manifest rapidly. According to a review published earlier this year, it takes only about 4-8 weeks of regular stair climbing to begin reducing your cardiometabolic risk. The study also noted improvements in body composition, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity from consistent stair climbing.

When you climb stairs, you simultaneously elevate your heart rate and exercise your muscles, particularly building leg strength as you lift your body to the next step. This dual benefit is particularly significant considering that only 24% of adults in the U.S. achieve the recommended levels for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Stair climbing effectively combines aerobic exercise with resistance training, making it an excellent option for overall fitness.

If you’re looking to increase daily physical activity, incorporating stair climbing offers a convenient way to achieve quick bursts of aerobic exercise. Aiming for 6-10 flights of stairs each day is an excellent goal, though the ideal number can vary based on your individual fitness level. If stair climbing isn’t part of your routine, you might need to begin at a gradual pace.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Evaluating the cardiovascular benefits of stair climbing: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Frequent Exercise Linked to Healthier Abdominal Fat

Exercise offers a multitude of advantages that extend well beyond weight management. From boosting mental health and increasing energy levels to improving sleep and reducing stress, regular physical activity enriches overall well-being in numerous ways. Recent research reveals that maintaining a consistent exercise routine can enhance the health of your fat tissue, thereby improving your overall health.

The fat stored beneath our skin serves as a crucial energy reserve. This type of fat is called visceral fat, and excessive amounts can increase the risk of major health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. The modifications in the fat tissue of those who exercise might shield them from building up this riskier type of fat.

The research group enlisted 32 participants, evenly split between males and females, all of whom were either overweight or obese. Half of the group had been regularly exercising consistently 4 times a week, for at least 2 years. The other half led predominantly sedentary lifestyles. Participants were paired with counterparts who had similar age, sex, percentage of body fat, and body mass index. The scientists also collected samples of subcutaneous belly fat tissue from individuals in both groups.

The study revealed that the exercise group exhibited unique structural and biological features in their fat tissue, enhancing its ability to store fat. It was found that regular physical activity prompted changes in the belly fat, also known as adipose tissue, reducing the risk of heart disease and metabolic conditions. The exercisers had less dense and fibrous fat tissue, enabling the subcutaneous fat cells to expand and store fat, a key energy source for the body.

This surplus fat is more healthily stored under the skin, rather than around the organs or within the organs themselves. Additionally, the fat tissue in those who exercised showed reduced inflammation and increased blood vessel presence, further evidence that regular exercise alters the body’s fat utilization. The presence of more blood vessels in these cells indicates higher metabolism rates.

This study demonstrates the importance of body fat distribution and is showing that the type of fat you have is crucial, and the amount of exercise you engage in can make a real difference.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Years of endurance exercise training remodel abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue in adults with overweight or obesity

Nighttime Light Exposure Linked to Higher Mortality Risk

Individuals exposed to light more often during the night may face an increased risk of death. Bright nights and dim days disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to health risks. However, a new study indicates that longer daylight exposure may reduce mortality risk.

Disturbances in the body’s circadian rhythms are connected to the onset of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity, and are also strongly associated with cardiometabolic conditions like stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure.

In a study involving 89,000 participants between the ages of 40-69, researchers collected over 13 million hours of light exposure data using wrist sensors over a week. The National Health Service monitored participant mortality over approximately an eight-year period. Using motion data, researchers estimated sleep duration, sleep quality, and midsleep timing, while cardiometabolic mortality covered deaths related to circulatory, endocrine, and metabolic conditions.

The findings revealed that high exposure to light at night increases mortality risk by 21-34%, whereas greater light exposure during the day decreases it by 17-34%. This suggests that disrupted circadian rhythms from increased nighttime light and reduced daylight can lead to negative health outcomes. Daylight appears to strengthen circadian rhythms, helping to guard against the harmful health effects of circadian irregularities.

The findings highlight the importance of keeping the environment dark during late night and early morning hours, when the body’s central circadian clock is most sensitive to light. Protecting light conditions may be particularly crucial for vulnerable individuals, such as those in intensive care or senior facilities.

Minimizing night light exposure and increasing daylight are highly recommended to promote better health and longevity, offering a simple, practical, and affordable approach.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Brighter nights and darker days predict higher mortality risk: A prospective analysis of personal light exposure in >88,000 individuals

Plant Compounds Can Strengthen Immunity

Fruits and vegetables high in plant polyphenols are proving to be effective in decelerating the aging process, enhancing brain health, and warding off diseases associated with aging. Their robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities provide a natural method for promoting healthier aging and lessening reliance on medications.

A recent review article explored the effects of dietary plant polyphenols on aging. As individuals grow older, they become more susceptible to metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. These risks can be influenced by environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and genetics. Finding strategies to decelerate aging and enhance life quality for the elderly is crucial.

The research showed that a higher intake of polyphenols from the Green-MED diet not only slowed down biological aging but also decreased visceral and intrahepatic fat, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and positively affected brain function. The Green-MED diet, a low-calorie regimen, features foods such as green tea, walnuts, and Mankai, an aquatic plant rich in polyphenols. This diet focuses on plant-based foods while minimizing processed and red meats.

Polyphenols could safeguard against oxidative stress and bolster immune response, metabolism, gut health, and cognitive abilities, thereby lowering the incidence of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Their protective effects against oxidative stress and enhancements to immune function, metabolism, gut health, and cognitive performance might decrease the likelihood of these serious health issues.

A practical guideline is to incorporate colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet. To benefit from a diverse range of polyphenols, include an array of plant foods such as strawberries, pomegranates, green tea, broccoli, apples, walnuts, and onions on your plate. Foods rich in polyphenols are often also high in fiber, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and colon cancer.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Phytonutrients in the promotion of healthspan: a new perspective

Exposure to Metals Can Elevate Cardiovascular Disease Risk

A study has shown that environmental metal pollution is linked to enhanced calcium accumulation in coronary arteries, a condition that rivals traditional risk factors like diabetes and smoking in its impact. This makes metal exposure a critical risk factor for developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Metals are present in our environment and exposure often occurs unintentionally through air, water, soil, and the food we consume, largely due to their extensive use in industry and everyday products. These metals can build up in the body, persisting in bones and organs for many years and disrupt critical biological processes.

The study highlighted in the report discovered that elevated urine levels of arsenic, along with increased concentrations of lead and cadmium in the blood, correlated with a 15%-85% heightened likelihood of developing stroke and heart disease. While environmental toxicants have not traditionally been considered risk factors for heart disease, the emerging field of environmental cardiology is recognizing exposure to these pollutants as risks that can be managed.

The team examined data from over 6,000 adults, aged 45 to 84, who took part in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. For two years, starting in July 2000, these participants provided urine samples and had their arterial calcium levels measured initially and then four additional times over the next decade. None of the participants had clinical cardiovascular disease at the start of the study.

Their results offered sufficient evidence that exposure to metals could be linked to the development of atherosclerosis over a decade by promoting coronary calcification. The connections between metal exposure and the progression of coronary artery calcium were found to be similar to traditional risk factors like smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Given the widespread distribution of these metals, this study emphasizes the need for enhanced awareness and stricter regulatory measures to minimize exposure and protect cardiovascular health.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Urinary Metal Levels and Coronary Artery Calcification: Longitudinal Evidence in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Balancing on One Leg Is a Key Indicator of Health

A new study reveals that individuals over 50 who can balance on one leg for 30 seconds, especially on their weaker leg, are showing signs of graceful aging. This simple balance test outperformed traditional measures like hand grip strength, knee strength, and walking stride in assessing healthy aging. Balance is an essential measure because it relies not only on muscle strength but also on visual input. Poor balance increases the risk of falls, regardless of movement, and falls pose significant health risks with potentially serious consequences.

Researchers recruited 40 healthy, individuals over 50 to participate in a series of physical tests that involved walking, balance, grip strength and knee strength. The group was evenly split, with half under 65 and the other half aged 65 and older.

To complete the balance test, participants were asked to stand on one leg for 30 seconds on each side, with the option to hold up the non-standing leg if they preferred, while keeping their eyes open. Participants also performed a test standing on both feet with their eyes open and then closed.

The study revealed a marked decrease in the capacity to maintain balance on one leg with increasing age. Consequently, researchers concluded that this skill is a reliable and gender-neutral indicator of neuromuscular aging in both men and women.

Balance indicates the effectiveness of the body’s systems. Maintaining good balance enables individuals to perform daily activities confidently and securely. Being able to carry out these activities signifies a high quality of life and healthy aging.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Age-related changes in gait, balance, and strength parameters: A cross-sectional study