Aging is inevitable. It happens to everyone and there is no way to around it. We may try to use cosmetic serums to deceive society, but aging is a natural, physiological process that everyone and every living organism endures over time (time lengths vary immensely). Unfortunately, both genetics and lifestyle are to blame for the process of aging.
Some basic factors:
HDL: Cholesterol is generally seen as a harmful food component, but, in reality, it is an essential nutrient. The key factor is which cholesterol is consumed and the amount of cholesterol consumed. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as “good cholesterol” because it is able to remove cholesterol from arteries and transport that cholesterol to the liver for excretion or re-utilization. On the other hand, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as “bad cholesterol” because high levels of LDL promote heart problems and cardiovascular disease. Thus, people with higher levels of HDL in their body have a higher chance of living longer because they have a decreased risk of cardiovascular issues.
Aging and sirtuins: Sirtuins are a class of proteins that possess either histone deacetylase or monoribosyltransferase which influence aging and regulation (transcription, apoptosis, stress resistance, etc.). Harvard’s David Sinclair works closely with siruins and their effect of longevity on yeast and other organisms.
Telomere: Telomeres is a region of repetitive DNA at the end of a chromosome which protects the ends of chromosomes from deterioration. Aging occurs on a cellular level. Eventually cells lose the ability to divide and repair itself. The loss of this ability to divide is known as cellular senescence. As we age, telomeres decompose or decay. Thus, the cell continues to divide, but the telomeres shorten. Sooner or later, the telomeres become so short that essential parts of DNA can be damaged in the replication process. Leonard Hayflick found that a human cell replicates 50 times before the telomeres become too short. If the telomeres are two short, the cell will stop replicating and dividing altogether.
Pharmaceutical companies: Resveratol is a possible sirtunis. It is believed to assist in the repair of DNA and regulate genes that undergo altered expression with age. Scientists speculate that this natural phenol could extend lifespan. This hypothesis is still in dispute and in the experimentation phases, though. In 2003, Howitz and Sinclair report in the journal Nature that resveratol significantly extends the lifespan of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). They also found that it prolong the lifespan of worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) and fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Pharmaceutical companies are working endless hours with this natural phenol to find a product that can conceivably reverse the effects of aging.
Genetics are not the only component of aging. Lifestyle decisions are also to blame when it comes to aging. Exercise, eating habits, stress levels, hygiene, personal health, and drug abuse can all impact the lifespan of humans. A healthy diet and exercise have influenced the increased life expectancy rate throughout the world in the past century. A lack of exercise increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. There has also been a relationship found between telomere length and smoking. The habit of smoking decreases the length of telomeres faster than their natural rate of decay. These are just a few negative lifestyle habits that decrease an individual’s life span.
References
Leonard Hayflick Proposes The Cellular Theory Of Aging Based On The Limited Replicative Lifespan Of Primary Human Cells. (n.d.). Science of Aging. Retrieved March 19, 2011, from http://science-of-aging.healthaliciousness.com/timelines/hayflick-cells-limited-lifespan.php
Sedentary Lifestyles Associated With Accelerated Aging Process. (n.d.). Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology. Retrieved March 19, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080128165734.htm
Your Kids Could Reach 100 - Health Checkup: How to Live 100 Years - TIME. (n.d.). Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. Retrieved March 19, 2011, from http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1963392_1963367,00.html
Great Job Molly!
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice that you explained all the terms before you used them to answer the question.
It was interesting how you mentioned the relationship between the length of telomeres and smoking. It just reminded of the man in the video who smoked for 45 years and still lived up to be 101! I guess there's an exception to everything!
Nice job Molly!! You did a really good job defining and explaining the terms while also answering the question. I agree that it is both a genetics AND lifestyle that affects aging.
ReplyDelete-Sam
I like how you organized your blog very much. Very easy to access the information without being overwhelmed. Everything was very wellexplained and you hit all the key details. Excellent.
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