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.

Unhealthy Microbiome May Affect Bone Health

A well-balanced gut microbiome is essential for supporting overall health, including the absorption of essential bone-building nutrients. When gut health declines, the body’s ability to absorb these nutrients is compromised. Studies have connected a healthy gut microbiome to improved bone density.

The gut-bone axis describes the intricate relationship and communication between the gut microbiome and the skeletal system. Previous research on skeletal health and disorders has increasingly focused on the gut-bone axis. A key pathway extensively studied is inflammation, particularly how an unhealthy microbiome can contribute to bone loss.

Specific gut bacteria improve nutrient solubility and absorption in the intestines. Some produce proteins that bind to calcium, facilitating its transport and utilization, especially in the bones.

Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacteria, can damage the gut lining, allowing harmful substances to leak into the bloodstream. This sparks widespread inflammation, accelerating bone degradation and disrupting the balance between bone resorption and formation. Subsequently, this can contribute to disorders like osteopenia and osteoporosis. Inflammation also diminishes bone mineral mass, promoting greater bone deterioration.

Therapies targeting the microbiome, such as dietary modifications and probiotics, are increasingly recognized as potential strategies for preventing and managing osteoporosis. To promote gut and bone health, prioritize a varied, nutrient-rich diet that fosters beneficial bacteria and provides essential components for robust bones. These include foods rich in fiber, collagen, polyphenols, and fermented products. Limit the intake of sugar, alcohol and ultra-processed foods.

In addition to diet, synbiotics, which are combinations of probiotics and prebiotics, can aid in preventing and managing osteoporosis by modulating gut bacteria. These not only support digestion but also regulate immune function, which is intricately connected to bone remodeling.

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health, and achieving a balanced microbiome composition is essential.

The Toxic Blend of Microbes and Chemicals in Household Dust

Household dust is an intricate blend of organic material, microbes, and hazardous chemicals. These include biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria, mildew, and dust mites, alongside toxic substances such as mercury, lead, and flame retardants, posing potential health risks. Driven by the harmful impact of cleaners, medications, and environmental pollutants, dust often accumulates over months or years, creating a potent microbial mix.

Chemicals from household products are released into the air and mix with dust, which settles on surfaces or floors. People can breathe in, swallow, or absorb these tiny dust particles through their skin, affecting their health. Exposure to dust can activate respiratory issues in individuals with allergies or impaired breathing. Such things as pet dander, dust mites, and mold within dust serve as allergens, aggravating airways and triggering inflammation.

In a recent study, researchers directed participants to clean their homes as they typically would before deploying filters to gather dust samples. The study included 32 households, with at least 2 occupants that had resided in the home for at least 23 years and spent the majority of the day there.

The goal was to demonstrate that dust buildup occurs regardless of cleaning habits and to determine if the samples reflected the chemicals present in the households. The results identified 69 out of 76 tested human-made chemicals, such as endocrine disruptors, non-antibiotic drugs, and antibiotics, in at least one household dust sample. Several of these compounds matched medications frequently taken by the residents.

Household dust acts as both a storage site and a pathway for spreading resistant, harmful bacteria. Toxic chemicals in common products and building materials widely contaminate our homes, and these hazardous substances should be substituted with safer options.

To minimize exposure to chemicals in household dust and the surrounding environment, consumers can adopt simple measures to reduce dust levels. These include using a powerful vacuum with a HEPA filter, washing hands regularly, and steering clear of personal care and household products containing potentially harmful chemicals. Replacing as many chemical-based products as possible with natural alternatives can lessen the chemical impact on the dust microbiome.

To view the original scientific study click below:
House dust microbiome differentiation and phage-mediated antibiotic resistance and virulence dissemination in the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Plant-Based Plastics Raise Organ Concerns

Everyday use of plastic products generates tiny, nearly invisible plastic particles that may affect human health when ingested or inhaled. To address this, researchers developed biodegradable plastics using plant-based starch instead of petroleum. But these may not be as safe or beneficial to health as initially believed. Prolonged exposure to starch-based microplastics indicates broad health impacts.

Plant-based plastics, often promoted as a greener alternative to petroleum-based plastics are derived from starches, such as those sourced from corn, rice, wheat, or potatoes. They are produced using plant-based materials rather than fossil fuel components. New research indicates that animals exposed to particles from these plant-based plastics experienced health issues, including liver damage and disruptions to their gut microbiome.

The experiment involved three groups of mice. The first group received regular feed, while the other two were given diets mixed with either low or high amounts of starch-based microplastics, adjusted to reflect average human daily intake. Over three months, scientists examined the mice’s organs, metabolic activities, and gut microbial diversity.

Mice subjected to the starch-based bioplastics showed liver and ovarian irregularities, metabolic disturbances, and gut microbiome disruptions similar to effects seen with petroleum-derived plastics.

The findings revealed that long-term exposure to starch-based microplastics triggers a wide range of health effects, notably disrupting circadian rhythms and impairing glucose and lipid metabolism. As one of the initial studies exploring the consequences of ingesting starch-based microplastics, further investigation is required to clarify how these biodegradable particles degrade within the body.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Long-Term Exposure to Environmentally Realistic Doses of Starch-Based Microplastics Suggests Widespread Health Effects

The Role of Stem Cells in Bone Regeneration

Bone regeneration is a key focus in regenerative medicine, as strong bones are vital for movement and overall health. Stem cells are essential in this process, transforming into bone-forming cells and releasing growth factors that speed up healing. Recent research has revealed new understanding into how stem cells maintain and repair bones, and how aging and poor healing conditions disrupt this process.

The research pinpointed a rare and elusive human skeletal stem cell, deeply embedded in bone tissue, which appears to be pivotal in bone regeneration. Scientists identified four distinct subtypes of these stem cells, each tailored to form bone, cartilage, bone marrow stroma for support, or fibrous tissue that serves as a structural framework.

This rare cell, extractable from human bone or derived from specific fat tissue cells, produces progenitor cells that form new bone, the porous stroma within bone’s core, and the cartilage that ensures smooth, pain-free movement in knees and other joints.

As we grow older, both children and adults rely on healthy bone, cartilage, and stromal tissue. In childhood, skeletal stem cell subtypes maintain a balance that promotes durable, adaptable bones. However, with aging or when injuries disrupt healing, this balance falters. Stem cells progressively lean toward forming fibrous tissue, creating scar-like material rather than bone. This change contributes to weaker bones and impaired healing in older age.

Scientists discovered a pair of small molecules that, when combined, restored aged or impaired stem cells to a bone-forming state. Human stem cells treated with this molecular blend generated more bone, enhanced fracture recovery, and exhibited characteristics similar to those of youthful, healthy cells.

The finding enabled scientists to construct a lineage map of stem cells critical to the formation and upkeep of the human skeleton. It may open doors to therapies that promote bone and cartilage regeneration in patients.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Identification of the Human Skeletal Stem Cell

Boost Longevity with a Daily Vitamin D

Scientists are increasingly focusing on nutrients that go beyond basic bodily functions to promote healthy aging. Recent research reveals that vitamin D supplements may counteract cellular aging signs.

A randomized trial reveals that daily vitamin D supplements maintain telomere length in older adults, potentially slowing a critical biological aging mechanism. Telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes, naturally shorten with age and are linked to chronic diseases. Extended telomeres are repeatedly connected to improved aging and enhanced lifespan. Scientists consider telomere length a measure of “biological age,” which may more accurately indicate a person’s health status than their chronological age.

The large, long-term study found that daily vitamin D supplementation or sufficient natural intake, such as sunlight or diet, can reduce biological aging by about three years. Researchers followed over 1,000 U.S. adults, including men over 50 and women over 55. Participants taking a 2,000 IU Vitamin D3 capsule daily for four years exhibited significantly less DNA damage compared to those receiving a placebo. Researchers measured telomere length in white blood cells at the study’s outset, after two years, and at the four-year mark.

The trial also demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation can reduce inflammation and lowers the risk of certain age-related chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases and late-stage cancer. However, certain chronic diseases show no improvement with vitamin D supplementation. The study promotes adopting a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle rather than depending only on supplements. However, targeted vitamin D3 supplementation may benefit individuals with elevated inflammation or those at higher risk for inflammation-related chronic conditions.

The results highlight vitamin D as a potential tool for slowing age-related cellular decline, but further studies are required to verify its sustained benefits. Considering the cost, a simple vitamin D capsule could be an affordable longevity secret.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Vitamin D3 and marine W-3 fatty acids supplementation and leukocyte telomere length: 4-year findings from the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) randomized controlled trial

Lack of Sleep Can Harm Your Memory and Brain

Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health. Insufficient sleep often leads to heightened cognitive deficits. A recent study reveals that older adults with insomnia face a higher risk of memory decline and long-term cognitive impairments, which can lead to dementia. The study utilized a large dataset and primarily focused on sleep disorders.

Sleep enhances the neural connections critical for memory formation. When sleep-deprived, overworked neurons malfunction, impairing information processing and hindering your ability to learn and recall. Insomnia is linked to poorer memory performance compared to mild insomnia or no sleep issues.

The study included over 26,000 participants aged 45-85. Over three years, they completed self-reported assessments of sleep and memory, along with neuropsychological tests across multiple cognitive regions. Those reporting declining sleep quality showed increased likelihood of memory decline.

The study found that individuals reporting poor sleep quality were more likely to experience memory decline. They also exhibited a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, daytime sleepiness, sleep-related breathing interruptions, and other sleep issues, all of which are risk factors for dementia and cognitive impairment.

Insufficient sleep can leave you feeling irritable, unmotivated, and fatigued, while also contributing to serious health problems. Your thinking is sharper after a full night’s rest compared to when you’re sleep-deprived. Sleep plays a key role in memory consolidation, and lack of sleep often leads to mental decline.

If you consistently feel sleep-deprived, various treatments like sleep studies and therapies can help. Additionally, maintaining a sleep journal to monitor daily behaviors can identify factors affecting your sleep patterns. Effectively treating insomnia could serve as a key preventive strategy against cognitive decline.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Insomnia disorder increases the risk of subjective memory decline in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Potential Connection Between Tattoos and Cancer

About one-third of U.S. adults now have tattoos, a significant rise over the past two decades. People get tattoos for various reasons, including personal identity, commemorating memories, or embracing self-transformation. A recent study indicates a possible connection between tattoos and a higher risk of developing malignant lymphoma, a type of blood cancer impacting the lymphatic system.

Tattoo ink, which contains toxic chemicals classified as carcinogenic, is injected into the skin to create tattoos. A large amount of this ink is carried away from the skin by the immune system, which recognizes it as a foreign material. Immune cells in the skin can respond to these chemicals, migrating to nearby lymph nodes and potentially triggering a systemic immune reaction throughout the body. The ongoing presence of tattoo ink in lymphatic tissue may lead to irregular immune responses, potentially elevating the risk of cancers like lymphoma and skin cancer.

This study did not find any correlation between the size of a tattoo and a greater risk of lymphoma. However, a previous study suggested that the larger the tattoo, the greater risk due to a larger area of ink exposure.

Tattoos carry other risks such as allergic reactions and infections that can be challenging to manage. Individuals with tattoos should watch for skin health warning signs, including ongoing redness, itching, bumps, new pigmented spots, changes in color, ulcers, or bleeding.

Furthermore, if an individual is thinking about having a tattoo removed with laser treatment, the incidence of lymphoma was found to be 30% higher compared to those who did not. These results are consistent with experimental research indicating that laser treatment degrades the chemicals used in tattoo pigments, into potentially toxic, carcinogenic substances. This degradation may introduce more harmful chemicals into the body, increasing the risk further.

Individuals thinking about getting a tattoo should carefully consider all available information before deciding, as the choice is deeply personal. The study suggests that future research may need a larger sample size to draw more definitive conclusions.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Tattoos as a risk factor for malignant lymphoma: a population-based case–control study

Artificial Sweetener Linked to Increased Appetite

Nearly half of Americans frequently use sugar substitutes to cut calories or sugar. However, their effectiveness in managing body weight is questionable. A recent study shows that the widely used sugar substitute sucralose changes brain activity linked to hunger, boosting appetite, particularly in individuals with obesity.

The study revealed that sucralose consumption heightened hunger and activated the hypothalamus and brain regions tied to motivation and sensory processing, including decision-making processes. These results indicate that sucralose may affect cravings or eating habits.

Eating sugar raises blood sugar and triggers hormones that signal the brain to reduce hunger by indicating calorie intake. Sucralose, however, lacks this effect, and the hormonal differences between sucralose and sugar are more significant in people with obesity.

The study involved a controlled trial with 75 participants, who consumed water, a sucralose-sweetened beverage, or a sugar-sweetened drink across three separate sessions. Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to capture brain scans and gathered blood samples and hunger ratings before and after each drink.

Scientists employed MRI to obtain brain scans and collected blood samples and assessed the participants hunger before and after consuming each beverage. The study showed that female participants had more pronounced changes in brain activity than male participants, indicating that sucralose may impact men and women differently.

Sucralose, up to 600 times sweeter than sugar, elevates the sensitivity to sweetness. Being calorie-free, it doesn’t promote fullness and may confuse the brain by delivering sweetness without the anticipated energy. When the body anticipates calories from the sweet taste but gets none, over time it might reshape how the brain regulates cravings for these substances.

Adopting healthy eating habits is more effective for enhancing overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. While all sweeteners should be used sparingly, natural options like honey and sugar provide potential benefits, such as vitamins and antioxidants, unlike artificial sweeteners.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Non-caloric sweetener effects on brain appetite regulation in individuals across varying body weights