Longevity and Genes are Linked

A new study conducted at the Stanford University wanted to see if there is a link between genes and the longevity of people.

The researchers studied people who lived 100 years and longer, with some really interesting results. It seems that the secret to living longer than usual lies in having really good genes.

They found eight genes that led to being a centenarian and when they further analyzed the genes of 1,000 people over 100 years old, they found four of these genes. Apparently, people with the type O blood were more common among the centenarians.  People with this blood type have lower risks of developing cancer and heart diseases and their levels of cholesterol are low.

The results of the study showed that there are multiple genes that determine if you’ll become a centenarian. Firstly, the scientists analyzed 5,400 people that lived over 90 years and 600 people who lived over 100 years. The four genes CDKN2B, ABO, APOE and SH2B3 were found more in the genes of the centenarians that in those of normal people.  The APOE gene is associated with a normal level of cholesterol and Alzheimer and the ABO gene determines the blood type. The CDKN2B ( cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor) gene regulates the cell division while the last gene, SH2B3 increases the life duration of fruit flies.More studies will definitely reveal more longevity genes.

Senescence, the name for the cell division stoppage is known to contribute to aging. This term comes from the Latin term senescere and is also known as biological aging. The centenarian gene reduces the cell senescence and thus makes for a slower aging process. It also decreases the chances of a person to die at a young age and thus the chances of growing old and healthy increase.)

The research also involved the study of genetic links to 14 diseases including heart diseases, dementia and Alzheimer. The analysis showed a new gene variant that could increase the risks of motor neuron diseases like ALS (atrophic lateral sclerosis). There is no cure for this disease.

Although the genes and longevity are linked, you don’t need these genes in order to live a normal lifespan. There are some things you can do in order to prevent some diseases and to make sure you get to meet your grandsons. A healthy lifestyle combined with regular exercise and activities that help you distress like cooking, gardening or yoga will ensure you many years on this planet.

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