New clues about how gender, age and nutrition affect lifespan

This study used a large-scale model featuring over 3,000 genetically diverse mice.The research team locus — physical location of a particular gene chromosome — correlated with longevity.

Additionally, the researchers found that some of these specific genes differed depending on whether the mouse was male or female. Moreover, some genes had no effect on lifespan until mice reached a certain age. This was especially observed in male mice.

According to Dr. Maroun Bou Sleiman, a scientist at the Institute for Integrative Systems Physiology at the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne and lead author of the study, men and women live longer.

“First, this has been shown in other species. Drosophila melanogaster,” He said medical news today“Second, males and females have different mortality rates: females live longer than males, and (and) males (a) have a wave of premature deaths due to stress associated with ruling hierarchies.”

“Third, the life histories of men and women are different, as are their immune, endocrine and metabolic differences,” continued Dr. Bou Suleiman. “Finally, many of the interventions to extend lifespan in mice are performed in a sex-specific manner. Therefore, traits such as lifespan should be systematically assessed for each sex.”

Also through this study, Dr. Bou Suleiman and his team discovered an overlap between the longevity locus and specific genes associated with weight and growth. The researchers also found that: childhood nutrition Quality played an important role in mouse longevity.

“Longevity is one of the most complicated issues. Phenotype, it is the end result of so many interdependent processes or components, some of which can have a large impact on one of the sexes. It’s no surprise that it leads to better longevity outcomes. “

– Dr. Bou Suleyman

Given that weight and nutrition are modifiable factors, will it prompt debate among medical professionals and patients about extending a person’s life? Dr. Bou Sleiman said no. The real focus should shift from longevity to healthy lifespan, the length of time a person can live without disease.

“It is plausible that life expectancy and healthy life expectancy share some common genetic components, and thus knowledge about one informs about the other,” he explained.

“The scientific community has to work hard to understand this problem. [relationship] Between early nutrition, growth, health and longevity, before arriving at new guidelines and recommendations for “optimal” growth. I might be able to.”

medical news today We also spoke with Dr. Scott Kaiser, gerontologist and director of geriatric cognitive health at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

Dr. Kaiser said it was a “very interesting study” that “reinforces the idea that lifespan is very complex”, but it’s important to remember that this is still a mouse study.

“This is a long way from a laboratory mouse model to real life in humans, unlocking the secrets of human longevity,” explained Dr. Kaiser. “But these are all important steps. All are part of the journey. Digging into animal models to better understand sex differences across different species is an important task.”

“This kind of research can really provide important biological insights, but it is also an important step in informing drug discovery, ultimately leading to new treatments and helping people Not only can it help them live longer, but it can help them live better lives: more vibrant, active, enthusiastic and disease-free years.”

– Dr. Kaiser

Dr. Kaiser agreed that there is an important relationship between nutrition, physical activity, and longevity.

“Absolutely nutrition affects longevity and can actually influence our longevity genes,” he continued. If it encourages you to concentrate more.”

However, Dr. Kaiser stresses that because the study refers to early-life nutrition, people shouldn’t think it’s too late to make changes.

“All of this supports the idea that it’s never too early to start thinking about things that will help you live healthier and age healthier,” he explained. Ultimately, the most important thing we can do right now is to have a positive impact on our longevity, such as eating healthy. It’s about really focusing on what you know. exercising Regularly. “

“We know loneliness and social isolation are associated with premature death, so we prioritize healthy relationships. . sleep well, it’s not smoking – These are all things we know can affect our lifespan and health. People need to focus on it (and) this should encourage people to stay focused on it,” Dr. Kaiser added.