Aging is a century long concern that all human generations face as it is hallmarked by various undesirable characteristics outlined by diminishing energy, activity, thought process and others. Aging is simply a slow death that anyone would love to slow down or reverse if possible. Several research studies have been conducted about anti-aging and how the aging process can be slowed down or halted. Various factors have been linked with aging such as cellular death, diminishing mitochondria function and more recently telomeres. According to new research, scientists have now found a way to make more mitochondria, slow down telomeres and increase human longevity. Here is a brief look at these new revelations.
Telomeres and aging
In light of recent research studies, telomeres has sparked endless debates and foreshadowed new hope with regards to anti-aging. Telomeres are the ends (caps) of each DNA strand and are inherited from our parents as part of the DNA. The body cells are made up of DNA which can be found in every part including hair, nails and bones. As we age, cells divide and replicate causing growth and development. Unfortunately, this division results in the shortening and degradation of telomeres. As aforesaid, telomeres are the caps of each DNA just like the plastic end of a shoe lace. Continued division and replication eventually takes its toll on telomeres to a critical point that results in cellular death. This is why aging is more evident in areas such as hair and nails which replicate more often.
Studies have linked telomeres shortening to premature cell death and scientists now believe slowing the process of this degradation can result in anti-aging. Aging is highlighted by diminishing levels of enzyme telomerase which is responsible for telomerase longevity. According to studies, when telomerase becomes too short to handle its function, the corresponding cell initiates a DNA damage response which involves activating tumor suppressor p53. When this happens, p53 quickly causes a series of events that may promote the growth of DNA arrest, cellular death and aging. In simple terms, human cells will age and die without the protection of telomerase and this eventually results in aging.
Mitochondrial function and cellular death
Even as the study on telomeres was unfolding parallel research has always had it that aging was a result of diminishing mitochondria function. These studies found out that aging is hallmarked by diminishing functionality of the mitochondria and a rise in the reactive oxygen species and free radicals that result in cellular death. Mitochondria’s primary role is to provide the cells with energy currency and regulate cellular metabolism. With more energy comes more activity and healthy cells (more life).
In studies conducted on mice to research the implication of telomerase (enzyme) absence in the cells, scientists discovered that a lot more regulators and expressions were affected. One observation in particular was that the telomerase absence resulted in significant alterations especially in genes that regulate mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation, metabolism and antioxidant defense.
Establishing the link between mitochondria function and telomeres is one that has eluded research for years as the two studies have always been parallel. This new link shows that both telomeres degradation and diminished mitochondria function combine to initiate cellular death. The key therefore is to find ways of lengthening the life of both mitochondria and telomeres; luckily, there is great progress in this department.
Mitochondria and telomeres longevity
Following the progress made in these research studies, scientists have come to the determination that fixing telomeres degradation and creating more mitochondria can put a halt to aging and result in longer human life spans. Once you understand how the science works, it does not take much to understand the concept. Cellular aging and death is sped up by diminishing mitochondria function and shortening of telomeres. If these two can be stopped, fixed or slowed down, then our cells will live longer and this means more years.
The first step is fixing telomerase degradation which is quite a feat to achieve considering cellular division and replication is how our bodies preserve DNA and grow. There is no way of stopping cellular division as we need to constantly have new healthy cells remain young and energized. However, with science, we can ensure the telomeres live longer by increasing the levels of enzyme telomerase.
Just like it is done with boosting other hormones like testosterone (in males), increasing telomerase enzyme will keep the telomeres healthy and active allowing them to withstand more cellular divisions before they are too weak to protect the DNA. This can be done though supplementation and taking formulas that will cause the body to naturally manufacture and release more telomerase enzyme. Since telomeres are part of each DNA strand, they are in every human cell.
In addition to slowing down telomerase shortening, scientists have found ways to create more mitochondria. Mitochondria provide the energy needed to perform every function in the body including cell division which is responsible for rejuvenation and longevity. In order to enjoy longer life spans, we must create more mitochondria. There are real natural anti-aging benefits of having a refreshed energized brain and healthy cells that perform at optimal levels.
In the past, scientists relied on chronic calorie restriction to prompt the body to manufacture more mitochondria and while this may work, better techniques have been developed. This came following studies on the life-cycle of mitochondria. Over time, cell divisions and replications cause mitochondria cells to lose their early efficiency (remember mitochondria also contain DNA and telomeres) and produce less energy. This eventually slows down cellular activity which leads to death and aging. Boosting (turbo-charging) mitochondria cells to produce more energy is therefore just as important as creating more mitochondria cells. This can be done through exercise, diet and supplementation.
From the research information and results, it is clear to see that both mitochondria and telomeres are involved in the aging process as they determine the functionality and longevity of our cells. It is not about preventing death, but rather prolonging the life of human cells by reducing elements that cause degradation and inefficiency. As the research continues to unfold, we can expect better ways to optimize regulators and other elements involved. The goal is to achieve significant anti-aging through longevity of cells and this is the natural way devoid of any undesirable symptoms.