Lifestyle is more important than genetics for long lifespan!

Experts, who describe aging as 'a decrease in body functions and adaptation to environmental factors over time', say that scientists are trying to understand the biological causes of aging today.

Noting that studies to slow down or stop diseases such as age-related Alzheimer's, osteoarthritis, heart diseases, Type 2 diabetes continue intensively, Molecular Biology and Genetics Specialist Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy stated that "Lifestyle is much more important than genetics for long lifespan."

Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy stated that it is thought that "intermittent fasting" or traditional fasting practices, which have become popular all over the world, can contribute to the long lifespan process.

Üsküdar University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy evaluated the stage of genetic science on aging.

An estimated $62 billion is spent annually on "anti-aging" treatments

According to The New York Times, consumers spend an estimated $62 billion a year on "anti-aging" treatments. Prof. Esma Ulusoy stated that "However, although these creams, drugs, hair dyes, stem cells, mesotherapies, facial fillers and botox applications give people the impression of youth, none of them can undo aging."

DNA damage caused by environmental influences cannot be eliminated

Describing aging as 'a decrease in body functions and adaptation to environmental factors over time', Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy continued her remarks as follows:

"The person is no longer able to destroy the DNA damage that occurs in the face of environmental effects (such as UV, radiation, overnutrition, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, carcinogenic substances, polluted air), the toxic substances accumulated in the body and the insoluble protein plaques formed by excessive glycosylation (excess glucose and protein).

Today, scientists are trying to understand the biological causes of aging and continue to work intensively to slow down or stop age-related diseases (such as Alzheimer's, osteoarthritis, heart diseases, Type 2 diabetes, cancer)."

There are many theories about aging

Pointing out that there are many theories about aging or long lifespan, Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy said that "First, telomere regions were found at the ends of chromosomes. It was discovered that after a certain period of time, when telomere lengths are shortened, cell division stops, which causes aging. Later (about 20 years ago), with the discovery of the telomerase enzyme (TERT gene), which prevents these telomere lengths from shortening, many scientists said that they had found a cure for immortality. However, it was understood that 85-90 percent of cancer cells have this telomerase enzyme activity in the ongoing process. In other words, telomere activity (shortening of the length of the telomere) and the genes that help it. The CDKN2A/B gene (tumor suppressor proteins) and the SH2B3 gene (lymphocyte-adaptor protein) help reduce the risk of cancer while reducing the repair in the body, increasing the incidence of chronic diseases related to aging."

Many more genes related to long lifespan have been discovered in animal studies

Explaining that many more genes related to longevity were discovered in the following years, especially in studies conducted in model animals, Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy stated that "Some of the most well-known are genes associated with mTOR (target of rapamycin) and IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor) hormones. These hormones work to ensure the growth of the organism and balance. However, high levels of IGF-1 and mTOR have been linked to shorter lifespan, various types of cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. Suppression of these genes has extended lifespan in model animals, on the other hand, the effect in humans is not fully known."

Noting that in recent years, it has been thought that it would be more positive to intervene in epigenetic changes rather than genes related to aging. Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy expressed that "The DNA code does not change in epigenetic regulation; however, over time, some genes are turned on and off by environmental or biological factors in the individual."

It is thought that fasting practices can contribute to the longevity process

Explaining that SIR (sirtuin genes) and AMPK (adenosine monophosphate kinase) genes play an important role in regulating energy metabolism, breaking down plaques accumulated in the body, renewing stem cells and breaking down fats, Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy noted that the increase in the activity of these genes has been found to be related to long lifespan, and that especially calorie restriction causes these genes to be activated; therefore, it is thought that "intermittent fasting" or traditional fasting practices, which have become popular all over the world, may contribute to the long lifespan.

How much influence do the mother’s and father’s genetics have on life expectancy?

Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy stated that the effect of parental genetics on osteoarthritis, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's and heart diseases is important and said that "Parental genetics were thought to be effective at a rate of 68 percent for osteoarthritis, 61-78 percent for Type 2 diabetes, 58-79 percent for Alzheimer's and 45-69 percent for heart diseases. However, the parental effect was found to be 51.9 percent for arthritis, 18 percent for Type 2 diabetes, and 7.1 percent for Alzheimer's according to a large-scale study in the journal Nature."

Mothers may be held a little more responsible for long lifespan

In addition to all these, the aging of mitochondria and the occurrence of oxidative stress in cells are considered important causes of aging. Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy said tgat "The biggest responsibility here belongs to our mothers. Since we get our mitochondria from our mothers, mothers can be held a little more responsible for long lifespan."

Explaining that great studies have been carried out to determine the genetic variants that predispose them to diseases, and that a gene bank has been created with the participation of 500 thousand volunteers, especially in the UK. Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy said that there is information about nearly 900 genes and 3,144 variants related to human aging, and that these studies show that genes are important when we are young, but their importance decreases as we age.

What should be done to increase telomere length naturally?

Stating that hypertension, obesity, excessive soda intake and high omega-6 fat consumption shorten telomere length, Asst. Prof. Esma Ulusoy explained that it is necessary to exercise regularly (not heavy), lead an active life, have a healthy diet (rich in fruits and vegetables), eat rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, reduce stress, avoid carcinogenic substances (alcohol, cigarettes, drugs), stay at a healthy weight and restrict calories in order to increase telomere length naturally.

Noting that until the definitive effects of genetics on humans are determined, it may make more sense (for now) to embrace healthy lifestyle habits in the search for healthy andlong lifespan. Prof. Esma Ulusoy said that "We can say that lifestyle is much more important than genetics for long lifespan."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)