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.

Using Reheated Cooking Oil Can Lead to Brain Damage

Although high-temperature deep-frying is already associated with metabolic health concerns, comprehensive studies on the effects of consuming such oils are scarce. Recent research conducted on rats indicates that the repeated use of the same oil for deep-frying may heighten the risk of neurological disorders, including conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and autism.

Harmful chemicals generated when oil is heated to extreme temperatures may disrupt the critical signaling pathways between the brain, liver, and gut. This has the potential to lead to significant neural damage that could be passed down to future generations.

This study marks the first to illustrate that long-term consumption of deep-fried oils can worsen neurological outcomes. The reuse of oil influences the two-way communication pathways connecting the liver, gut, and brain, thereby enhancing neurodegeneration. The liver-gut-brain axis is vital for controlling various bodily functions, and its impairment has been connected to neurological conditions.

The research revealed that rats fed on reheated oils exhibited heightened oxidative stress, damage to the colon and liver inflammation. These conditions triggered changes in the metabolism of liver lipids and reduced the transportation of vital fatty acids to the brain. Additionally, the study indicated that the offspring of rats that consumed reheated oils suffered greater neuronal damage compared to those in the control group.

The study emphasized that reused frying oil not only depletes its natural antioxidants and beneficial properties but also accumulates hazardous substances like trans fats and acrylamide, a compound notorious for harming both the neurological and reproductive functions. Additionally, repeatedly heating any unsaturated oil, such as olive oil, to high temperatures leads to the formation of compounds that exhibit carcinogenic effects in rat studies.

For optimal safety and quality when frying foods, it is best to always use fresh cooking oil, with avocado oil being the top choice due to its high smoke point. Refined coconut oil is also a strong alternative. Oils that are considered toxic are corn, canola, soybean, cottonseed, safflower, sunflower, rice bran and grapeseed. These oils are exposed to extremely high temperatures, which oxidize their fatty acids and result in the production of detrimental byproducts. Overconsumption of omega-6 fatty acids, prevalent in these seed oils, can also lead the body to generate pro-inflammatory substances.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Study reveals neurological effects of reused frying oils

New Research Uncovers Mechanisms of Aging

Researchers in Australia believe they have identified the master regulator of aging. Their study has uncovered the genetic mechanisms that control how individuals mature and age. Previously, the changes in gene activity from birth through adulthood to old age were largely unknown. This groundbreaking discovery could pave the way for enhancing the quality of life as people grow older.

They studied humans and mice in various age groups over a period of time which gave them the opportunity to investigate the gene activity associated with development and aging. Each of our cells are switched on or off by a master controller gene which makes sure that each cell carries out its unique function.

The master regulator, which is called Activator Protein (AP-1) was discovered to gradually activate adult genes, while reducing the process in the development of early-life genes

The study revealed that this cellular process was consistent across a person’s life stages as they mature. It continued into adulthood, presumably because AP-1 can be activated by various stress and inflammatory mechanisms and also by a blood protein that increases as we age. This then suppresses the genes most active when we are young, potentially driving many of the predictable changes associated with aging.

Addressing age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, metabolic liver disorders, and stroke requires a deep understanding of the aging process. By identifying AP-1 as a key regulator influencing aging across various cell types, researchers are now positioned to test drugs that diminish its activity, potentially enhancing life quality. The objective is to halt the progression or onset of aging-related diseases by targeting the core mechanisms of aging, thus promoting healthier aging.

To view the original scientific study click below:
The activity of early-life gene regulatory elements is hijacked in aging through pervasive AP-1-linked chromatin opening

How The Mediterranean Diet Supports Brain Health

A groundbreaking study on the Mediterranean diet has provided the most compelling evidence to date that it is linked to healthy brain aging. Following the Mediterranean diet in later years seems to decrease the risk of cognitive decline.

This study carried out one of the largest and most comprehensive nutrient biomarker analyses, examining multimodal neuroimaging measures of brain health in a sample of 100 older adults in conjunction with cognitive tests. They discovered that a diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is high in antioxidants, carotenoids, fatty acids, vitamin E, and choline can significantly enhance brain aging and cognitive function.

The study’s findings revealed distinct aging patterns: one indicating accelerated aging and the other showing slower-than-expected aging. An analysis of dietary biomarkers affecting these patterns identified a nutrient profile with higher levels of certain fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. Participants with this nutrient profile exhibited better cognitive scores and delayed brain aging. It is significant to note that participant characteristics like demographics, level of fitness, and measurements did not explain the observed differences in brain aging. Thus, the nutrient pattern identified in this study encourages the development of dietary interventions to support healthy brain aging.

Two significant contributors to brain aging are oxidative stress and inflammation. The Mediterranean diet combats these issues by preserving cell membrane structure, boosting brain function, and increasing the brain’s blood flow. It improves cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease through omega-3 fatty acids. It strengthens immune function with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Additionally, it lowers inflammation, aiding in the management of arthritis and metabolic syndrome.

Individuals who adopt a Mediterranean diet should focus on consuming fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, olive oil, beans, and whole grains. They should also aim for two servings of fish each week and maintain an active lifestyle. The nutrients in these foods help protect against damage to cells, suppress free radicals, and enhance memory.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Investigating nutrient biomarkers of healthy brain aging: a multimodal brain imaging study

New Research Shows Intermittent Fasting Beats Diabetes Drugs

Approximately 10% of Americans have type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose, or blood sugar. This disease can result in significant health complications, including heart disease, nerve impairment, and vision problems. A recent study indicates that intermittent fasting can be more effective at controlling blood sugar in individuals that have type 2 diabetes than commonly used diabetes medications.

Intermittent fasting is time-restricted eating and has gained popularity as an alternative weight loss strategy. This method restricts the window of time during which food is consumed, without imposing limits on the quantity or variety of food.

The study, carried out at 9 centers in China, was a randomized clinical trial, aimed at evaluating the impact of an intermittent fasting diet on blood sugar control in people that have type 2 diabetes. There were 405 participants who were divided into 3 groups. The first group followed an intermittent fasting diet plan of 5:2 and had meal replacements, while the remaining two groups took medications for treating type 2 diabetes, either empagliflozin or metformin.

The group that adhered to the intermittent fasting diet of 5:2 also had two fasting days that were non-consecutive per week. During these days they consumed a meal replacement product with calories set at 600 for men and 500 for women. During the other 5 days, participants consumed their normal breakfast and lunch and then changed the dinner meal replacement selection, while keeping track of their overall calorie consumption. During the study, research physicians and nutritionists provided the participants with guidance on diet and exercise and information on diabetes

Over the 16-week trial period, the participants that had followed the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet saw a substantial decrease in hemoglobin levels, an important indicator control of blood sugar. They averaged a loss of 1.9%, which contrasted to 1.5% on empagliflozin and 1.6% on metformin. The study noted substantial weight loss among those that adhered to the fasting diet. An average weight loss of 21 pounds resulted in the 5:2 group, while those in the metformin and empagliflozin groups lost on average 12 pounds and 13 pounds, respectively.

In conclusion, the 5:2 meal replacement approach could be used as a viable tool for people that have type 2 diabetes, possibly serving as an alternative to antidiabetic medications. This method is promising due to its manageable structure, which lets people maintain their regular lifestyle for most of the week while still benefiting from fasting.

The study underscores the potential of intermittent fasting as a practical, non-pharmaceutical approach to controlling type 2 diabetes, providing a flexible method for patients seeking a lifestyle-based approach.

To view the original scientific study click below:
A 5:2 Intermittent Fasting Meal Replacement Diet and Glycemic Control for Adults With Diabetes

Could Losing Your Sense of Smell Signal Heart Trouble?

According to recent research, older adults who experience partial or complete loss of their sense of smell are 30% more likely to suffer from congestive heart failure compared to those with an intact sense of smell. Age-related decline in olfactory function typically starts around the age of 60, with previous studies indicating that smell impairment becomes more prevalent at this stage. Approximately one in four older adults suffers from some form of smell loss or impairment. Unfortunately, only around 30% of those experiencing loss of smell are aware of their condition.

It should be recognized that a decline in smell and taste often occurs naturally with aging. Given that this study primarily involved participants in their 70s, it’s expected that many exhibited symptoms of or were vulnerable to heart failure and loss of smell. Additionally, a weakened sense of smell is associated with cognitive decline, evidenced by reduced memory and language skills, and serves as an early sign of neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

In this research, data from approximately 2,500 individuals participating in the National Institute on Aging’s Health ABC Study was analyzed. The participants, who initially joined the study in 1997 and 1998, were healthy older adults aged 70 to 79. The study followed them from their clinic visit in 1999 or 2000 for up to 12 years, or until they suffered a cardiovascular event or passed away. They examined the data to determine whether there was a correlation between olfactory loss and cardiovascular issues such as strokes, heart attacks, angina, congestive heart failure, or deaths resulting from coronary heart disease.

Upon concluding the study and adjusting for demographic factors, researchers discovered that participants with a loss of smell faced around a 30% risk of congestive heart failure, compared to individuals with normal olfactory function. The authors of the study also noted that they found no association between loss of smell and either heart disease or stroke.

The researchers indicated that these initial results imply a potential connection between diminished sense of smell and cardiovascular health in older adults, suggesting it could act as an early warning sign or predictor. The next phase involves expanding the research to include a more diverse range of participants. Should these results be validated, it will be crucial to explore the underlying mechanisms that associate olfactory loss with cardiovascular health.

To view the original scientific study click below:Olfactory Impairment and the Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Older Adults

Xylitol’s Impact on Stroke and Heart Attack Rates

Concerns about the safety of artificial sweeteners have resurfaced. The term “sugar alcohol” might already sound concerning in terms of health, and recent findings support such skepticism. A study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic has found that xylitol, a low-calorie sugar substitute, is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, or deaths related to cardiovascular issues.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute with fewer calories and a low glycemic index, is a type of sugar alcohol naturally present in modest amounts in fruits and vegetables, and is also produced by the human body. Despite the name, sugar alcohols do not contain actual alcohol. As a food additive, xylitol resembles sugar in appearance and taste but contains 40% fewer calories. It is utilized in significantly higher concentrations than those occurring naturally in products like sugar-free gum, candies, toothpaste, and baked goods, and is often found in items marketed as keto-friendly.

The research team noted that over the last ten years, the use of sugar substitutes, including sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, has greatly increased in processed foods advertised as healthy options. Xylitol, in particular, is being integrated into dietary guidelines, and those most at risk of consuming it are individuals with diabetes, which are also the ones most vulnerable to heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, this uptick in the use of sugar substitutes coincides with growing concerns about escalating obesity rates.

The research team conducted a study involving over 3,000 participants from the U.S. and Europe over a three-year period. They discovered that individuals with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood were more prone to cardiovascular issues. To examine the immediate effects of xylitol, the researchers monitored platelet activity in participants who consumed drinks sweetened with xylitol and glucose. Following the consumption of the xylitol-sweetened drink, xylitol levels in the participants surged by 1,000 times, a spike not observed after drinking the glucose-sweetened beverage.

While further research is necessary, it may be wise to steer clear of xylitol and other sugar alcohols, which typically end in ‘itol. It’s advisable to use small amounts of natural sweeteners like sugar, honey, or fruit instead. Rather than substituting sugar with artificial sweeteners, a better approach might be to focus on enhancing the diet with high-quality components such as vegetables and fruits that provide natural sugars.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Xylitol is prothrombotic and associated with cardiovascular risk

Potential Alzheimer’s Risk with Increased Daytime Napping

Recent research on older adults suggests that excessive daytime napping might be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly when it occurs concurrently with other warning signs like memory loss. Many individuals routinely enjoy afternoon naps. Short naps can refresh one’s energy and enhance productivity, but napping for extended periods often results in feeling lethargic and more tired than before

While there remains ongoing debate regarding the ideal nap length for health benefits, numerous studies advocate for keeping naps under 30 minutes to optimize their positive effects and avoid the drawbacks of longer sleep periods. The research found that longer naps were connected to cognitive deterioration in elderly men, while naps under 30 minutes did not increase the risk of cognitive issues.

The 14-year study involving 1,401 participants revealed that while all adults tended to nap more as they aged, those with progressing Alzheimer’s disease experienced a doubling in both the length and frequency of their daytime naps. While napping by itself is not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, excessive napping could be a risk factor, potentially increasing the likelihood of developing the condition without necessarily confirming it will occur.

In line with earlier research, it was found that extended naps negatively impacted cognitive function, though the exact cause is unknown. Furthermore, such cognitive decline is frequently seen as a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease.

Daytime sleep patterns in older adults are often overlooked, and there is a lack of consensus on the management of napping in clinical practice. The study’s findings suggest that frequent daytime napping could indicate a higher risk of Alzheimer’s dementia. Additionally, an increase in napping duration each year may signal worsening or more severe progression of the disease.

The study revealed that both the length and frequency of naps increased with age, and there was a reciprocal, long-term link between daytime sleep and Alzheimer’s. Researchers aim to highlight the significance of monitoring changes in daytime sleep habits, as these alterations are crucial for understanding shifts in brain function related to circadian rhythms, cognitive decline, and dementia risk.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Daytime napping and Alzheimer’s dementia: A potential bidirectional relationship

Heartburn Medications and Their Link to Stomach Cancer

A recent review has established a connection between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a widely used type of heartburn medication, and an increased risk of stomach cancer. The findings suggest that using PPIs for more than three months significantly raises the risk of developing this cancer, whereas using them for shorter periods seems to present a lower risk.

PPIs effectively reduce stomach acidity by permanently attaching to the proton pumps in the stomach. These pumps are responsible for releasing protons, which are a key part of stomach acid, and the binding action of PPIs inhibits this release.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently prescribed to manage acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn. They are also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic variant of acid reflux, as well as stomach and intestinal ulcers. Some PPIs are available as over-the-counter medications.

In their review, the authors analyzed multiple studies examining the association between PPI usage and cancer risks. They discovered a significant relationship between the use of PPIs and the development of stomach cancer and polyps, though they found no evidence linking PPI use to other forms of cancer.

There are multiple potential mechanisms by which PPIs might contribute to cancer development. These medications increase the pH level of stomach contents, which could disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome. Such disruption might diminish the diversity and number of beneficial bacteria, leading to gastrointestinal inflammation. This inflammation may encourage the growth of harmful bacteria that produce carcinogenic substances.

While PPIs are very effective at managing potentially severe stomach ulcers, they can have accumulating negative effects over time. In contrast to antacids and H2 blockers, which are traditionally used for quick relief of heartburn, PPIs take longer to start working but have a more prolonged effect.

Many patients who experience GERD also suffer from underlying inflammatory gut issues that go unaddressed. By improving their diet over a period of 6-12 weeks, these issues can be managed, often leading to a significant resolution or improvement in GERD symptoms. As a result, patients may only need antacids for relief. Interestingly, although heartburn is commonly treated with acid reducers, it can paradoxically stem from low stomach acid, which might be caused by factors such as aging, thyroid disorders, or a specific autoimmune disease affecting the stomach.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Cancer Risk: A Comprehensive Review of Epidemiological and Mechanistic Evidence

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