Maternal Vitamin C May Lengthen Infant Telomeres

Maternal diet is thought to be very important in the development of a newborn foetus with antioxidants like vitamin C linked to the length of telomeres in newborn infants.

Nutrition throughout pregnancy is able to influence how a newborn infant grows and develops. This is unknown to many new mothers. For example folic acid is well known as having the capacity to influence neural tube development. The neural tube is very important in the development of newborn infant cognitive functioning. Folic acid is often recommended and prescribed for mothers bearing children.

Vitamin C is another vitamin which is thought to be able to influence the development of newborn infants. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin which cleanses the body of oxidative stress. The body needs daily replenishment with this vitamin because of how often vitamin C is used. As one of the most important antioxidants in the body vitamin C may also protect our DNA.

Research shows that this could extend to our telomeres. The length of our DNA protective telomeres is just as important for protecting our genes from damage in adults as they are in newborn infants. Considering factors such as newborn vulnerability and development telomere length could actually be more important for newborn infants. Some studies suggest that telomere length in newborn infants could influence the risk of some diseases in later life.

One study has found that there could be a telomere protecting effect offered to newborn infants from higher levels of maternal vitamin C. Poor maternal nutrition has been linked to higher levels of oxidative stress and shortened telomeres or DNA damage in newborn infants.

Here the evidence that maternal vitamin C levels could influence newborn telomeres will be considered.

Vitamin C And Telomere Length

Our telomeres are important structures which protect the integrity of our DNA and genes. These looped structures at the ends of our DNA protect our genes from damage. Without them our genetics are vulnerable to damages from oxidative or harmful molecules.

Telomere length is also associated with increased lifespan and shortened telomeres are an accepted marker of accelerated aging. This is because shorter telomeres lead to cell death. When our telomeres are shorter than usual they are not as effective at protecting our DNA from damage and heavy damage or stress to our cells then causes them to die. Telomere shortening is also linked with age related health issues such as heart diseases.

As one of the strongest antioxidants within the body vitamin C offers telomeres some protection from damaging oxidative stresses. Vitamin C is considered to be an essential body antioxidant. Studies in adults have found that higher levels of vitamin C may preserve telomere length. Vitamin C needs constant replenishment throughout the day because of how often vitamin C is used. Vitamin C also supports healthy immune system functioning and influences red blood cell production mainly through increases in iron absorption.

Oxidative stresses are one of the leading causes of telomere shortening. Antioxidants like vitamin C could be considered as being very important in conserving telomere length. This could then have influences on preserving possible lifespan.

Maternal Vitamin C May Support Infant Telomere Length

A newborn infant uses their genetic material or DNA to thrive grow and develop throughout pregnancy. Seeing as vitamin C could preserve our genetics via protecting telomere length this vitamin may also preserve the genetic blueprint which a newborn infant would use to develop from in the future.

Vitamin C levels could therefore be really important for the optimal development of newborn infants. For newborn infants this vitamin could actually be as important for their future development as folic acid is but current research is limited.

One study has linked maternal levels of vitamin C to telomere length in about 100 newborn infants. The association between maternal vitamin C levels and newborn infant telomere length was very significant. This unique study is one of the first to assess how vitamin C could possibly directly influence newborn telomere lengths in pregnancy and the wellbeing of newborn infants.

This study and others suggest that preserving telomere length in newborns could be an important influence on the risks of developing some diseases later in life. Telomere length in early life is also thought to be an influencing factor on total lifespan. This means that maternal levels of vitamin C in pregnancy could also influence possible lifespan.

Heart issues and diseases are consistently linked with shortened telomeres. This is because telomere shortening is responsible for apoptosis or cell death within important cells of the heart. Some telomere issues in pregnancy and birth may manifest later in our lives too. This further emphasises the importance that telomere supportive nutrients such as vitamin C could have on the wellbeing of newborn infants.

Other Antioxidants And Infant Telomere Length

Various studies support the findings of the study with maternal vitamin C and suggest that maternal diets rich in antioxidants could influence positively influence telomere length in newborn infants.

Other researchers have linked maternal levels of vitamins C and E to reductions in the rate of telomere shortening. This may be as a result of their abilities to reduce systemic oxidative stress as strong antioxidant compounds.

Some studies have linked maternal levels of selenium which is supportive of antioxidant status to increased telomere lengths in newborn infants. Selenium supports optimal levels of the protein glutathione peroxidase which forms a part of the antioxidant complex with glutathione.

Glutathione is one of the main antioxidant compounds within the body which deals with oxidative stress and toxins. Vitamin C has been suggested to be able to enhance the survival potential of cells when active alongside glutathione. These two oxidative stress cleansing compounds have been shown to be slightly interdependent.

There is also a lot of evidence to show heavy pollution or toxin exposure to a mother may reduce telomere lengths in newborn infants and could therefore pose an additional risk to their wellbeing. This may be because these systemic contaminants initiate higher levels of oxidative stress within the body.

Some heavy metal toxins such as cadmium are able to cross the placental barrier and this is thought to be a source of telomere shortening. Maternal antioxidants such as vitamin C and selenium may play a role in protecting newborn infants from telomere shortening caused by excessive oxidative stress damage.

Overall the research shows that maternal levels of vitamin C could influence newborn infant telomere length to support more optimal development in their early years and beyond. This could influence risk of certain diseases later in life.

Summary

Maternal nutrients such as vitamin C may influence how a newborn infant grows and develops. This is unknown to many new mothers. Folic acid for example has well known possible influences on neural tube development in newborn infants which could support cognitive development. Poor maternal nutrition is linked to higher levels of oxidative stress and shorter telomeres or DNA damage in newborn infants.

The strong antioxidant effects of vitamin C have been linked to reductions in maternal oxidative stress and telomere length protection in newborn infants. This association of newborn infant telomere length with maternal vitamin C was highly significant. The antioxidants vitamin C and glutathione work alongside each other to reduce systemic oxidative stress.

Other studies have also linked maternal antioxidants with telomere length in newborns. Maternal levels of the antioxidant supportive mineral selenium are also positively linked with telomere length in newborn infants.

Oxidative stress is detrimental for our telomeres and causes reductions in telomere length. Our telomeres protect genes and other genetic material from damage. Shorter telomeres expose our DNA to possible damage which would cause cell death. For this reason telomere length is associated with aging.

For newborn infants telomere length could be very important and some studies suggest lengthy telomeres are preventative of some diseases in later life. Telomere shortening has been linked to increased risk of some heart diseases for example. Our genetic blueprint is very important for optimal development so the protection of telomere length could positively influence newborn infant growth.

Overall the studies shows that maternal levels of vitamin C could influence newborn infant telomere length for more optimal development in their early years and beyond. This may influence the risks of developing some diseases later in life.

For more interesting articles see the main articles page.

The post Maternal Vitamin C May Lengthen Infant Telomeres appeared first on Revitalize My Health.

Does High Intensity Exercise Slow Aging

There is a very high interest in how exercise or high intensity cardio is able to maintain our wellness and also how we are able maintain a healthy lifespan or slow the aging process. This is especially the case in modern societies. Many lifestyles have become very sedentary and many people are heavily reliant on technology for their occupations. On the whole people are thought to not be as active as our ancestors were.

Inflammation and aging are thought to be linked through build ups in oxidative stress within the body. Chronic low grade systemic inflammation is one reason for accelerations in aging or reductions in possible lifespan. This process is sometimes called inflammaging and is a growing wellness topic.

Our bodies possess antioxidants which are able to subdue oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. We also regularly consume antioxidants in our diets to replenish levels of antioxidants. An imbalance in antioxidant levels though may result in systemic inflammation and inflammaging.

The possible health benefits of regular exercise through taking part in sports are really well established. Very regular exercise may increase inflammation at a local and systemic level within the body. Because of this there is some justification to concerns that highly inflammatory exercise on a regular basis could actually accelerate the aging process.

Heightened oxidative stress levels from this sort of exercise could initiate inflammaging. This was one of the main topics of investigation in a recent study looking into how high intensity sport or exercise could affect aging via reductions in telomere lengths.

Here the effects of intense exercise against less intensive exercise will be considered in relation to how they affect aging or telomere length.

Telomere Length And Aging

If you are familiar with our previous articles here you will know that telomere length is one of the main markers of aging currently accepted. Essentially our telomeres are looped structures on the ends of our DNA strands which protect essential genetic information of our cells from severe damage. This includes parts of our DNA needed for cells to self maintain and to make core proteins.

Disruptive compounds such as hydrogen peroxide are produced by the body in certain conditions. These compounds increase the risks that our DNA strands will be subject to complete or partial genetic loss. Oxidative stress damage to DNA from these compounds is able to cause cell death. If our telomeres are shorter than usual then we are at a higher risk of this happening to our cells.

When large amounts of cells die off we have to replenish them. This uses resources and our telomeres are also preventative of this process. Cell die off could be catastrophic for organ systems like the heart and may lead to heart failures. For this reason length of telomeres is an accepted marker of aging within the body and telomere conservation is a hot topic in aging research.

Inflammaging is a concept which may be linked to telomere shortening through chronic build ups in oxidative stress levels and inflammation. High levels of oxidative stress are a leading cause of telomere shortening as well. The body has natural antioxidant systems in place to reduce oxidative stress. This includes systems such as the glutathione complex. Some individuals are deficient in certain nutrients or antioxidants though. With chronic inflammation or oxidative stress antioxidant depletion may also occur.

How High Intensity Exercise May Slow Aging

One recent study looked into how intensity of exercise could influence aging through observing the lengths of telomeres in athletes. 80 elite athletes took part in the study. and they were grouped accordingly.

The athletes were grouped in terms of the intensity of their cardio level during training with some sports considered as being more intense than others. Various biological components of these athletes were assessed such as telomere length and inflammatory cytokine levels.

The high intensity athletes showed an increase in telomere length against athletes doing less intense sports. This would suggest that regular high intensity exercise has more of an anti aging effect than regular low intensity exercise. The younger group of athletes responded really well to the high intensity exercise in terms of telomere length.

The study associated this telomere length conservation with higher levels of inflammation suppressing cytokines. For example an anti inflammatory cytokine inhibitor known as IL 10 was found to be at higher levels in the group doing intensive sport.

The study also found higher levels of IL 10 in older athletes which corresponded with levels of a specific inflammatory cytokine. Higher levels of inflammation reducing cytokines are associated with a healthier aging profile in older individuals. High levels of IL 10 are linked to a lowered risk of cardiovascular mortality.

Telomere length is also positively linked to heart functioning through reduced heart cell death and less risk of heart failure. Levels of IL 10 could be an important factor in supporting heart health especially during very strenuous exercise which stresses the heart muscle.

Natural Telomere Conservation During Intense Exercise

High intensity athletes had higher levels of both pro and anti inflammatory cytokines produced by the body. This suggests there may be an increase in systemic inflammation reducing responses as a result of very high intensity exercise.

That could include improvements in the production of proteins for natural antioxidant systems such as the glutathione complex or thioredoxin. Thioredoxin protein expression is increased during intensive exercise.

Oxidative stress is a leading cause of telomere shortening. Body produced antioxidant proteins could be very important in preventing DNA damaging build ups in superoxide or hydrogen peroxide levels. They could reduce systemic or localised oxidative stress and inflammation which may prevent telomere shortening.

The same could also apply to the inflammation reducing cytokine IL 10 which is naturally produced by our bodies. Some studies have shown that IL 10 supports more healthy levels of oxidative stress under some inflammatory conditions. IL 10 may reduce oxidative stress as an anti inflammatory cytokine through restoring antioxidant enzyme or complex activities.

Telomere length is a measure of aging so high intensity exercise could therefore be preventative of accelerated aging and DNA loss through all of these natural responses.

Other studies have also shown similar results to this recent study. They also found that increases in telomere lengths are linked with exercise intensity. High intensity sport does increase the total stresses to our bodies. However supplying the body with proper nutrients could support the natural antioxidant processes or genetic responses within the body.

Other research also supports this and suggests that nutrients have an important role in supporting telomeric changes during exercise.

Overall the research so far therefore shows that intense exercise could be of benefit for telomere length preservation and reduced aging.

Summary

Currently there is a very high interest in how exercise may support our wellbeing and also how certain lifestyle factors affect the aging process. Modern society has become very sedentary for many people in comparison to the lives of our ancestors.

While exercise has been shown to have possible health benefits for our wellbeing there are concerns that heavy exercise in sport could influence inflammation and accelerate aging. Inflammation and aging have been shown to have possible links though oxidative stress.

Chronic oxidative stress and inflammation may result in reduced possible lifespan in a process called inflammaging. Natural levels of antioxidants could become depleted in some circumstances such as intensive sport which may influence this. High levels of oxidative stress cause telomeres to shorten and this may cause loss of genetic material. Telomere length at the ends of our DNA is associated with accelerated aging.

One recent study found that telomere length actually improved in elite athletes who did intensive exercise in comparison to those who were on less intense schedules. This may be due to the activation of genetic responses which lead to telomere length conservation.

One example of this is IL 10 anti inflammatory cytokine levels or levels of naturally produced antioxidant proteins which are shown to increase during exercise. The levels of both pro and anti inflammatory cytokines were increased in the high intensity group which supports this suggestion. Intensive exercise requires resources but if properly supported with nutrition and rest this could reduce risks of telomere shortening.

Overall the research so far indicates that high intensity exercise could reduce the risks of aging because of links between telomere shortening and aging when supported with essential nutrients.

For more interesting articles see the main articles page.

The post Does High Intensity Exercise Slow Aging appeared first on Revitalize My Health.

How CoQ10 Supports Our Telomeres And Healthy Aging

CoQ10 or coenzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant molecule which may support healthy aging through interactions with our telomeres. Many antioxidants are linked with aging and telomere length but CoQ10 seems to stand out as having a highly significant effect within the body.

Current research has heavily linked CoQ10 with telomere health. Telomeres are looped structures which form at the ends of our chromosomes. Our telomeres protect vulnerable areas of DNA at the ends of our chromosomal DNA.

Research shows that when our telomeres degrade the likelihood of cell survival drops massively. This is because of an increased vulnerability of our coding DNA to oxidative stress damage and complete genetic loss. For this reason telomere length is a marker of aging within the body.

Oxidative stress is a leading cause of telomere degradation and cellular aging. Antioxidants such as CoQ10 are able to prevent oxidative damage and stress. This includes oxidative stress to our telomeres from environmental toxins or other stressors. Antioxidants help to preserve telomere length and therefore protect coding DNA which may otherwise be lost.

CoQ10 therefore may have an important purpose in protecting our chromosomal ends and preventing accelerated aging. Telomere length issues are also linked with cancers, cardiovascular issues and age related degenerative diseases.

In this article the research with CoQ10 on the health of our telomeres will be considered to show how this antioxidant could influence healthy aging within the body.

CoQ10 And Aging

CoQ10 plays an important part in supporting various process within the body. Our brain and muscles use large amounts of CoQ10. Some food sources of CoQ10 include oil fish, spinach, cabbage and nuts.

CoQ10 is a fat soluble molecule which is mainly found in our energy producing mitochondria as an important part of sustained energy production. There are high levels of CoQ10 in the heart. This molecule can be also used as a free antioxidant in our cells. Antioxidants prevent accumulated damage to really important parts of our bodies such as DNA and so play an essential role in supporting our overall wellbeing.

Studies have shown that CoQ10 penetrates skin cell layers and offers UV protection as a functional antioxidant. This means that CoQ10 may have an active role in preventing accelerated photoaging via functions such as the prevention of oxidative DNA damage. Other studies have found that CoQ10 may protect genetic stability and could also prevent DNA damage. This is also thought to be due to the antioxidant characteristics of CoQ10.

Systemic oxidative stress and inflammation reduction is something which is thought to become especially important for protecting our wellness as we get older. As we age our levels of oxidative stress rise on average. If anything this emphasises the importance of maintaining high levels of antioxidants throughout our lives.

Studies on people who live to be in excess of 100 years old or centenarians confirm this and that our levels of CoQ10 tend to dip. Maintaining healthy CoQ10 levels could be an important aging factor as evidence by this group of centenarians. These individuals had lower levels of systemic oxidative damage and variations in a sphingolipid signalling activator for CoQ10 production.

CoQ10 And Length Of Telomeres

Links have only recently been made between CoQ10 levels and length of telomeres. There are many studies though which have found a positive connection between the two.

Much of this activity most likely centres around the function of CoQ10 as an antioxidant within cells. As a fat soluble antioxidant most of this activity likely occurs within or around cell membranes.

Current research suggests that cell survival rates drop massively as our telomeres begin to degrade. Telomeres are also able remodel themselves using telomerases but exposed coding DNA is a massive risk for genetic oxidative stress damage and complete genetic loss.

This is why telomere shortening is linked with low cell survival and why telomere length is a marker of aging within the body. Oxidative stress is a leading cause of genetic damage and telomere shortening. Antioxidants such as CoQ10 may prevent oxidative damage to telomeres and preserve their length. CoQ10 could therefore support healthy cellular aging by protecting telomeres.

Evidence from clinical studies support this. Studies assessing supplements containing both CoQ10 and selenium have associated these nutrients with increases in telomere length. This is in addition to CoQ10 and selenium supplement associated improvements in quality of life, mortality risk and inflammation levels.

Results from other studies suggest that CoQ10 has independent telomere length preserving properties in relation to antioxidant effects. Some of these studies have looked at CoQ10 effects on astronaut telomeres in space. MitoQ is a modified CoQ10 form which has been shown to directly prevent telomere shortening and increase cell lifespan. There is certainly a lot of direct evidence to support a role for CoQ10 in supporting the healthy length of our telomeres.

CoQ10 Influences On Telomere Length Via Energy Production

CoQ10 plays a very important role in supporting healthy mitochondrial energy production as well as antioxidant cleansing of mitochondrial oxidative stresses which may also occur. Mitochondrial dysfunction promotes oxidative stress through instability in mitochondrial energy production. Oxidative stresses may also cause mitochondrial dysfunctions too.

DNA damage or telomere shortening could therefore occur through mitochondrial produced oxidative stresses. Because of this mitochondrial dysfunction is linked with various diseases in addition to accelerated aging. Oxidative stress plays a massive role in aging.

A non clinical study confirmed the possibility that mitochondrial energy production instability could lead to telomere length reduction via reductions in oxidative stress. They showed that induced mitochondrial dysfunction is reversed by CoQ10 which also then led to an increase in telomere length preservation to more usual levels. Telomere length was up to 50% reduced before CoQ10 was introduced. Through protecting telomere health CoQ10 could support healthy aging.

Other studies also support this by showing that CoQ10 has protective effects on both mitochondrial dysfunctions and aging. These other studies also show that CoQ10 reduces oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial energy production complex activity to support these effects on our wellbeing. Research shows that in many cases mitochondrial oxidative stress levels increase as we age. This increases the risk of telomere length reductions as we age and further accelerated aging.

The cells of our heart tissue are very prone to oxidative stresses. Other research shows that CoQ10 could preserve telomere lengths and support the health of our heart via healthy aging of heart cells. This could prevent some cells from becoming exhausted in some cases. CoQ10 may therefore reduce risk of mortality from cardiovascular causes.

Overall the research supports suggestions that higher levels of antioxidant CoQ10 may have a lengthening effect on our telomeres which may in turn support healthy aging.

Summary

CoQ10 may support healthy aging through interactions with our telomeres. Coenzyme Q10 is a fat soluble antioxidant which plays important roles in energy production and oxidative stress cleansing. The highest levels of CoQ10 are in our mitochondria.

Our telomeres are looped structures at the ends of our chromosomes which prevent damage to vulnerable genetic material. Shortened telomeres result in accelerated cell aging and are a currently accepted indicator of aging. The main reason for telomere shortening is oxidative stress. Antioxidants like CoQ10 may play an important role in sustaining telomere length.

Research confirms antioxidant properties of CoQ10 could reduce rate of telomere shortening and cellular aging. This is in addition to possible preventative effects on photoaging through skin cell DNA damage. CoQ10 could also support genetic stability.

Maintaining healthy CoQ10 levels could be an important aging factor as evidence by a group of centenarians. Various clinical studies support the use of both selenium and CoQ10 to support telomere length. A selenium and CoQ10 supplement may reduce mortality risk. Other studies suggest that CoQ10 could support telomere length as an independent nutrient and so may also improve cell lifespan.

Seeing as CoQ10 supports mitochondrial energy production this may be another means as to how CoQ10 influences telomere length. One study found that mitochondrial dysfunctions were led to a 50% reduction in telomere length and this was largely to do with associated increases in mitochondrial oxidative stress.

CoQ10 may play an important role in preserving the lifespan of important cells within the heart and so CoQ10 could also influence risks of mortality from cardiovascular causes.

Overall research supports suggestions that higher levels of CoQ10 could preserve telomere length which may in turn support healthy aging.

For more interesting articles see the main articles page.

The post How CoQ10 Supports Our Telomeres And Healthy Aging appeared first on Revitalize My Health.

CoQ10 And Selenium Supplements Support The Heart As We Age

CoQ10 or coenzyme Q10 and selenium supplements have been linked by a very recent study trial to reduced risk of heart health issues in old age.

Both CoQ10 and selenium support healthy levels of antioxidant activity within the body. Antioxidants are very important for cleansing various organs and tissues of build ups in oxidative stress. High levels of oxidative stress and resulting inflammation are linked to heart disorders but also with cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is something which is affecting an increasing number of people across the planet. Some important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases include age and unhealthy lifestyle factors such as smoking. Based on their promotion of antioxidant activity both CoQ10 and selenium have possible benefits in supporting heart health. Supporting heart health is especially important as we age.

Maintaining healthy selenium and CoQ10 levels could therefore be something which would be useful for older people to look into to preserve heart health. Levels of selenium are low in many soils across the planet. This fuels deficiency and CoQ10 levels also tend to drop as we age. One effective means to increase levels of selenium and CoQ10 within the body could be through a supplement.

Here the evidence that a CoQ10 and selenium supplement could support heart health into old age will be looked at in relation to the recent trial using this sort of supplement.

How CoQ10 Supports Heart Health

CoQ10 is an unusual but important antioxidant within the body. Higher levels of CoQ10 are isolated to the energy producing mitochondria. Mitochondria are constantly active throughout your body and they regularly produce molecules that may aggravate oxidative stress. This comes from free radical generation as a part of their ATP or energy producing activity. Oxidative stress also increases levels of systemic inflammation. Antioxidant compounds like CoQ10 cleanse heavy build ups of oxidative stress which may occur during energy production.

As you can imagine this is an important process within the heart. The level of sustained energy production and turnover is very high within the heart each day. Current research links high levels of oxidative stress within heart tissues to heart cell death and cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of inflammation naturally prevent optimal wellbeing. Chronic inflammation is linked with various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. This is partially due to atherosclerosis which may block optimal blood vessel flow. For this reason CoQ10 is increasingly considered to have possible benefits in preserving heart health as we age.

Optimal CoQ10 levels support improvements in mitochondrial functioning and natural energy or ATP production. CoQ10 is actually essential to optimal and efficient energy production within the mitochondria. This is because of the antioxidant qualities of CoQ10 within the mitochondria. Research shows that improved ATP or energy production and the prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction are both preventative of heart cell death or cardiac issues. This is another way that CoQ10 could support the overall wellbeing of the heart as we age.

Our natural CoQ10 levels in the heart are thought to reduce by half on average at an age of 80 years when compared to young adulthood. This is astounding and natural will impact our overall wellbeing in addition to our heart health.

Selenium And The Heart

Selenium performs a very similar role in our overall health and wellbeing to CoQ10. The mineral selenium is a limiting factor in the production of the antioxidant cofactor glutathione peroxidase. Our bodies also produce an antioxidant called glutathione. Glutathione peroxidase and glutathione are proteins produced by the body their levels depend on amino acid intake.

Glutathione works well alone but this antioxidant also combines with glutathione peroxidase to further cleanse very strong oxidative molecules. The selenium in glutathione peroxidase binds to these oxidative radicals and is thought to wait for glutathione to complete the cleansing process within cells or the blood stream. Selenium levels are therefore also a deciding factor on oxidative stress levels and like CoQ10 may have benefits in preserving heart health as we age.

CoQ10 and selenium may also support each other through another antioxidant supportive protein the body produces called thioredoxin reductase. Research shows that increased selenium status improves both thioredoxin reductase levels and active CoQ10 concentrations. Thioredoxin reductase is a selenium based cofactor which may encourage activation or regeneration of CoQ10 and enhance the overall antioxidant capacity within the body. Through this system CoQ10 and selenium may work together to lower oxidative stresses which should protect the health of the heart.

Evidence CoQ10 And Selenium Supplementation Supports Heart Health In Elderly People

Lower selenium levels and an age related decrease in CoQ10 levels are associated with risk of cardiovascular disease via increases in oxidative stress or inflammation. A recent trial study using a CoQ10 and selenium supplement in elderly people found their risk of developing cardiovascular disease was reduced substantially.

The trial looked at the cardiovascular disease risk in about 440 people. These were elderly individuals taking a combinatory selenium supplement of 200µg per day as well as 200mg per day of CoQ10 for a total of 4 years. Cardiovascular disease risk was then assessed again at 10 years. This trial study showed that supplementing with selenium and CoQ10 could have possible benefits in supporting heart health as we age.

Other studies have found similar when looking at cardiovascular disease risk in elderly individuals who are suffer from lowered levels of blood selenium. Both selenium and CoQ10 intake are linked with improved cardiac functions especially in disease states. Interestingly the CoQ10 and selenium supplement managed to reduce oxidative stress levels within the individuals. This is of course linked to risk of heart health issues.

How The Trial Supplements Influenced Heart Health Via Kidney Activity

Renal or kidney functioning was also improved in the elderly who took the trial antioxidant supportive supplement. The rate of kidney filtration was higher when taking a selenium and CoQ10 supplement. Optimal kidney functioning is also supportive of a reduced mortality risk which further adds to the possible overall health benefits of taking a selenium and CoQ10 supplement.

Optimal kidney functioning is important to the wellbeing of the heart in a holistic view of maintaining excellent heart health. This is partially due to a higher rate of toxin removal which is especially important into old age.

CoQ10 and Selenium Supplement Effects On Telomere Length

The trial study also showed that telomere length was preserved in elderly individuals taking the CoQ10 and selenium supplements. Telomere length is associated with improved lifespan of heart cells and a reduction in risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases. This is another means as to how this selenium and CoQ10 supplement combination could support optimal heart health as we age.

Overall the current research clearly shows that a supplement containing about 200µg of selenium and 200mg of CoQ10 per day could support optimal heart health into old age.

Summary

Recent research has shown that a combination of CoQ10 or coenzyme Q10 and selenium supplements may reduce risk of heart health issues as we age. One recent trial study supports this.

Current research shows that CoQ10 and selenium independently reinforce antioxidant activity within the body. As a natural antioxidant CoQ10 or coenzyme Q10 supports optimal mitochondrial functioning and cleanses oxidative stress resulting from natural energy production within the body. This activity is preventative of heart cell death and dysfunction. Selenium status affects the rate of glutathione peroxidase production and this supports the antioxidant ability of the glutathione complex.

CoQ10 and selenium may also support each other when supplemented through naturally formed thioredoxin reductase. This selenium based protein may regenerate active CoQ10. These are all means as to how CoQ10 and selenium could both preserve the health of the heart through elevated systemic antioxidant activities.

Higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation influence the risk of heart health issues such as cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease is currently increasing across the planet. Protecting heart health is also especially important as we age.

A trial with about 440 elderly people found that an antioxidant supportive supplement containing around 200µg of selenium and 200mg of CoQ10 per day reduced risk of cardiovascular disease over 10 years. This was linked to lower levels of oxidative stress. Other similar studies support this finding. They found similar results especially in elderly individuals who have low levels of blood selenium. The trial study also revealed improvements in markers of kidney functioning.

Taken together the overall research evidence shows that combined supplementation with CoQ10 and selenium could support more optimal heart health via reductions in oxidative stress.

For more interesting articles see the main articles page.

The post CoQ10 And Selenium Supplements Support The Heart As We Age appeared first on Revitalize My Health.

Is Air Pollution Making Us Age : Air Pollution And DNA Methylation

Unknown to many is an existing connection of excessive air pollution with accelerated biological aging through DNA methylation and telomere length. There are various air pollutants known to exist in our regular breathing space. Some of these include aerosolized heavy metals from industry such as cadmium and vehicle combustion particles.

Air pollution is an emerging health issue globally in the post industrial age and recent research continues to link excess air pollution with biological aging. Many studies have connected an excess exposure to air pollution with increased risks of DNA damage, epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, oxidative stress and inflammation.

DNA telomeres protect DNA from damage and are associated with cellular aging. Some studies have linked air pollution to abnormal changes in telomere length and accelerated aging. This may be an important means as to how air pollution may be influencing aging and our health.

Excessive air pollution is also heavily linked with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, thyroid dysfunction, cancer and cognitive changes including dementia. These health outcomes which are thought to be influenced by air pollution are also linked with aging. Improvements in air quality and pollution seem to be linked to healthy or exceptional aging. Some studies actually admit that air pollution may reduce lifespan very significantly.

Here the various ways in which air pollution may be influencing aging will be considered from DNA methylation to telomere length.

DNA Methylation And Aging

DNA methylation is an epigenetic change to your DNA. This means that your DNA is altered in a way that can be inherited by the next generation and generations after. DNA methylation is a natural process in small amounts. The methylation of DNA regions results in the switching off of genes within the body and the prevention of their production into matured proteins.

Environmental factors are able to increase this massively though and excessive DNA methylation of our genes is able to cause health issues within the body. Extent of DNA methylation is also thought to be an accurate measure of biological aging or lifespan alongside telomere length. Excess DNA methylation is also a possible cause of cancer if oncogenes or essential cancer regulation genes become effected.

The most popularised example of human induced DNA methylation at present is from smoking cigarettes. Various studies suggest that air pollution is able to significantly contribute to adverse DNA methylation. You could actually compare the effects of air pollution on DNA methylation to secondary smoking. Many countries have now banned public smoking partly because of the methylating effect on DNA.

Telomeres And Aging

Studies have identified consequential effects on telomere length because of air pollution in addition to DNA methylation. Like DNA methylation there are environmental factors which can influence telomere length.

Our telomeres are important parts of our DNA which protect our chromosomal genetics from damage. They actually form an entire structure at the ends of our DNA. This is a very fragile part of our DNA. Exposed telomeres are very vulnerable to oxidative stress and lasting damage.

Oxidative stress is a leading cause of telomere shortening and can result in losses in genetic material as well. Excessive oxidative stress damage to DNA could also increase risk of cancer from genetic alteration. Telomere shortening may also influence risks of cardiovascular disease.

Studies have shown that cellular lifespan reduces with reductions in telomere length. Under the right conditions for survival our telomerases rejuvenate the length of our DNA telomeres and may preserve cellular lifespan. Telomere length is therefore thought to be an accurate measure of age in addition to DNA methylation rate and is often used to measure biological age in research.

How Air Pollution Effects Aging Via DNA Methylation And Telomere Length

Accelerations in biological aging could have health consequences. Global industrialisation has raised health concerns because of how air pollution may influence important aging factors such as DNA methylation and telomere length.

One study found strong links between air particle pollution and accelerated aging. Other studies have analysed this association and found very strong links between regular exposure to air pollution and unusual genetic deviations. This includes things like telomere length and epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation.

Studies have confirmed that traffic pollutants or combustion particles such as soot, particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are linked with accelerated skin aging. Studies have found these to be prevalent air pollutants. Other studies have also found that telomere length shortens with regular exposure to air pollution. An important regulating factor for this telomere effect is thought to be increases in oxidative stress and inflammation from air pollution exposure.

Some studies show that city workers may experience a 10% reduction in DNA telomere length from regular exposure to air pollution. Further research suggests that regular exposure to city vehicle traffic pollution greatly influences telomere length. Lack of residential green space exposure is also linked to shorter telomeres. Residential traffic exposure may also reduce telomere lengths and during pregnancy this may affect the aging of unborn babies.

Studies have shown that mitochondrial DNA may also be vulnerable to air pollution via telomeres. Accelerated mitochondria aging could then also add to air pollution consequences. Heavy metal air pollutants from industry and resulting oxidative stress may also lead to telomere shortening. This is another important dynamic as to how air pollution could influence biological aging.

Overall the research is showing that air pollution could have a massive influence on measures of biological aging.

Summary

There seems to be an underlying connection between exposure to excessive air pollution and accelerated biological aging. This seems to be mediated through important influencers on aging such as DNA methylation and telomere length.

Air pollution is becoming a global health issue because of negative influences on aging. Excessive air pollution is heavily linked with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, thyroid dysfunction, cancer and cognitive dysfunctions.

Various pollutants are found in our regular breathing space and many of these originate from intensive industry or vehicle combustion. These include aerosolised heavy metals like cadmium and nitrogen dioxide. Pollutants may change levels of oxidative stress and inflammation which increases the risks of consequential genetic effects. This includes epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and also telomere shortening. Increases in these factors are recognised as measures of biological aging.

Various studies have linked air pollution with increased aging through DNA methylation events and telomere shortening. Studies have consistently linked DNA methylation as an important mediator of air pollution influenced aging. One study found that regular exposure to air pollution could reduce telomere length by 10%. Vehicle traffic pollutants are thought to be a main contributing factor to this. Telomere lengths in unborn babies may also be affected by air pollution according to one study.

Other studies have found that regular traffic pollution exposure could accelerate skin aging. A lack of green space exposure is linked to shorter telomeres and aging of mitochondrial DNA may also be influenced by air pollution. Heavy metal air pollutants are also a source of oxidative stress which could influence telomere length.

Overall the research shows that air pollution may have a massive influence on two very important measures of biological aging.

The post Is Air Pollution Making Us Age : Air Pollution And DNA Methylation appeared first on Revitalize My Health.

Folic Acid And Energy : How Folic Acid Supports Our Mitochondria

Folic acid is fundamental to our overall wellbeing and emerging evidence from research shows that this vitamin could support mitochondria health and energy production.

Vitamin B9 or folic acid is part of the group of water soluble vitamins. You can find this vitamin in large amounts in collard greens, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, meats and melons. Many of these foods are able to directly feed our daily needs of folic acid. Our gut bacteria also produce folic acid. Once eaten conversion to the active form is thought to be dependent on vitamin C levels.

The recommended RDA of folic acid is 400µg a day. Supplemental folic acid is used to support some diseases such as anaemia. Chronic deficiency could increase risks of some cancers such as breast or colorectal cancer.

The main role of folic acid is thought be as an important part of DNA production and a regulator of genetic stability. Because of this folic acid may directly influence different mitochondrial genes and mitochondrial performance in energy production. Studies have reported that deficiencies in folic acid occur in some clinical cases of mitochondria disorders.

Here the emerging connection between folic acid or folate levels and mitochondria health will be considered with special attention to influences of folic acid on our energy levels.

Folic Acid And Mitochondria

Our mitochondria are the energy producing elements of our cells and are found throughout the body. They were once a separate lifeform but have grown naturally within our body to exclusively produce energy for us to use. Mitochondria are a core part of our cells and also have their own DNA.

Folic acid is considered to have an important part in DNA production alongside some other vitamins such as vitamin B12. Other DNA related roles of folic acid include support of DNA repair, cell growth support during normal cell division and healthy epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Folic acid also influences red blood cell production. Folic acid is thought to be used completely independently within our mitochondria relative to other important elements of our cells.

Recent research shows that folate may also influence mitochondrial DNA stability and so folic acid may support the optimal health of our mitochondria. Because of the important role of folic acid in DNA production our mitochondria may experience disruptions to essential genes which are needed for their wellness when deficient in folic acid.

These factors show how important folic acid is in supporting the optimal health of our mitochondria. Various studies have found that low brain folate or folic acid levels are implicated in mitochondrial disorders. Research suggests that supplementing with folic acid may be beneficial for some patients with these disorders.

Does Folic Acid Increase Energy Levels

Our mitochondria are really important for optimal energy production and folic acid may therefore support our overall energy levels by protecting the health of our mitochondria. This is how energy levels may be dependent in part on folic acid.

Research seems to suggest that low folate or folic acid levels disrupt essential genes such as cytochrome c oxidase or other really vital elements of the mitochondrial electron transport chain system. Our mitochondria use an electron transport chain system to produce energy for our body and so folic acid could directly influence our energy levels. This may be because of the role of folic acid in healthy DNA production and folic acid deficiency could also result in mitochondrial DNA deletions. Healthy folic acid levels may also encourage mitochondrial replication and growth which could support energy levels.

Disruptions in methionine levels as a result of folic acid deficiency could result in low glutathione peroxidase and glutathione levels. Glutathione peroxidase and glutathione have antioxidant qualities in the right conditions. This means they also support mitochondrial survival and energy production.

Glutathione is particularly important for the elimination of toxins from the body and works as an independent antioxidant. Mitochondrial antioxidant levels are highly important for energy production and sustainability.

Folic acid may also improve production of the amino acid methionine from homocysteine which is essential for protein production. Lower homocysteine levels are associated with improved mitochondria health and lower risk of mental fatigue. High homocysteine levels are linked to reduced telomere length and oxidative stress. Without enough methionine the body does not produce antioxidant gene products such as glutathione very quickly.

Folic Acid Supplements For Fatigue

Various studies support the use of folic acid supplements and maintaining optimal folic acid levels to prevent fatigue. One clinical study showed that most patients with viral caused chronic fatigue had remarkable improvements in symptoms after treatment with folic acid.

Research shows that patients with chronic fatigue syndrome are often deficient in folic acid. Another study showed that a supplement complex containing folic acid could also reduce physical fatigue after exercise.

Many studies point out that folic acid seems to improve red blood cell production and could therefore also support fatigue reduction this way. Improved circulation and red blood cell counts naturally increase nutrient or oxygen supply to cells which may reduce feelings of fatigue.

Emerging research shows folic acid could increase levels of important genes needed to support healthy mitochondrial energy production and that this may reduce cognitive decline during Alzheimer’s disease. Other studies support this and show that folic acid reduces mitochondria oxidative stress during toxin stress.

Antioxidant superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels are thought to be influenced by folic acid and may be how this effect is achieved. These could be very important means as to how folic acid may enhance overall ATP or energy production from our mitochondria and prevent disfunction.

Overall the research suggests that our mitochondria may be influenced by levels of folic acid and folic acid could therefore support health energy levels.

Summary

Folic acid has been shown by emerging research to be implicated in energy production and mitochondria health.

Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin found in collard greens, spinach, meats and asparagus. Our bodies need around 400µg of folic acid a day and chronic deficiency may increase risk of some cancers.

Folic acid is an important B vitamin which plays a role in DNA synthesis within the body. Our energy producing mitochondria use folic acid independently within our cells. The body also used folic acid to make methionine which is needed for protein synthesis. Folic acid influences the production of mitochondrial DNA and proteins. Folic acid may therefore affect mitochondrial performance in energy production.

Low folic acid levels could disrupt important elements of the electron transport chain system which are needed for energy production. Folic acid promotes improved levels of important energy production supporting genes include glutathione. Glutathione is an antioxidant which also supports mitochondrial health.

This B vitamin supports genetic stability and folic acid deficiencies may cause mitochondrial DNA losses. Folic acid is very important for mitochondrial growth and replication. These processes may also support healthy energy production.

Clinical studies and research show that supplements containing folic acid may reduce or prevent fatigue. This includes viral induced fatigue. Many studies highlight the role of folic acid in fatigue prevention through the production of oxygen carrying red blood cells.

Overall the research shows that our mitochondria may be influenced by levels of folic acid and folic acid could therefore support optimal energy levels.

For more interesting articles see the main articles page below.

The post Folic Acid And Energy : How Folic Acid Supports Our Mitochondria appeared first on Revitalize My Health.

Diets Rich In Polyphenols And Telomere Length

Telomere length is linked to healthy cellular aging and one recent study has found that diets rich in polyphenols may protect telomere length.

Telomeres are at the end of our DNA and protect the nucleic acid code from external breakdown. Our DNA is very susceptible to changes which is harmful for our body in most cases. DNA is important as our proteins form from the coded sequences within each of our cells. DNA is the basis of most of the life on Earth and the protection of DNA forms a massive part of sustaining life. Both antioxidants and telomerases are thought to be able to provide our DNA with protection from degradation or changes.

Exposed telomeres accelerate cellular aging. Telomere length issues are also linked to cardiovascular issues and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Oxidative stress from lifestyle habits such as smoking or may also reduce telomerase activity and telomere length. Polyphenols are strong antioxidants which are thought to be able to improve telomerase activity and therefore telomere length. This could have an overall effect of protecting lifespan.

Here the recent research on how polyphenol rich diets could influence telomere length will be considered to show why you may want to include more of these in your diet.

Telomere Length And Health

Telomeres are specific areas located at the ends of your chromosomal DNA sequences. They do not code for proteins and hang over the end of chromosomal DNA. Telomeres form a physical loop of DNA which attracts protective telomere proteins.

They have developed to protect or stabilize chromosomal DNA as exposed DNA ends are a target for serious DNA changes. This includes oxidative stress damage which are a main cause of telomere shortening. Shortened telomeres cause accelerated aging of cells and in some cases may also result in the loss of genetic material. Oxidative stress and telomere length are very much correlated.

Research has found links between telomere length and health issues such as cardiovascular problems, obesity, insulin resistance or degenerative disorders. Oxidative stress inducing lifestyle habits such as smoking, pollution and stress may also influence telomere length. This emphasizes the importance of protecting telomere length for supporting optimal wellness and health throughout our lives.

How Antioxidant Polyphenols Affect Telomere Length

Changes in both diet and lifestyle are influential on telomerase activity. Studies show that high antioxidant levels reduce the shortening of telomeres and release of protective telomerases. Increases in oxidative stress produce the opposite effect.

Polyphenols are plant antioxidant compounds which are found in various fruits and vegetables. There are many different sorts of polyphenols and some are more powerful antioxidants than others. They have been recognised by researchers as being essential for lifespan and may have significant impacts on our health.

Antioxidant polyphenols protect the body from oxidative stress damage and may also influence telomere length. Some polyphenols have a much greater antioxidant capacity than vitamins C or E. This could be up to 50 times greater antioxidant power. As strong antioxidants they could stimulate telomerase release which preserves telomere length.

Research shows that polyphenolic catechins, quercetin and resveratrol for example could encourage greater antioxidant activities within the body. These compounds could also improve telomerase activities and therefore lengthen chromosomal telomeres. Because of this they could influence life expectancy. You can find these compounds in apples, cherries, coffee and cold pressed olive oils.

Polyphenol Rich Supplements Or Foods And Telomeres

Some nutritional health researchers recommend a diet rich in local edible plants which are rich in high antioxidant capacity polyphenols as a possible means of protecting lifespan. Reductions in oxidative stress could slow the shortening of telomeres to shift the body into a more anti ageing and anti inflammatory state.

Polyphenols are also capable of improving the overall antioxidant state of the body because of their step in antioxidant action. They improve levels of core antioxidants produced by the body such as superoxide dismutase.

Research also suggests that Bergamot fruit consumption could influence cell signalling pathways shared with anti aging responses which may improve activity of telomerases. Bergamot fruit is rich in polyphenols. There is also some evidence that polyphenols interact with gut microbes or microbiota to further influence telomere length. Bee products such as honey could also influence telomere length as they are rich in specific polyphenols.

Regular pistachio consumption may also improve telomerase production to conserve telomere length. Preclinical research found a similar result but for walnut consumption. Other studies have found that nuts and seeds in general could possibly improve telomere length when eaten regularly.

Various studies have found that supplements rich in polyphenols may improve telomere length. Supplemental polyphenols could improve telomerase activity and reduce telomere shortening.

Resveratrol And Catechins

Research assessing the effects of polyphenols on telomere length has mostly been with resveratrol and catechins.

So far the research shows that resveratrol shows potential as being able to assist with telomere maintenance. Grape seeds are rich in resveratrol. Resveratrol may also stimulate a specific pathway which protects mitochondrial generation within our cells. There is a strong association between mitochondrial DNA health and telomere length. Overall research with this compound shows impressive telomere protective and antiaging potential as a supplement.

Green tea is rich in polyphenols such as catechins which could protect heart tissue from oxidative stress. These are powerful antioxidant polyphenols which are able to cleanse the body of various reactive compounds or molecules. There are some studies that have linked green tea consumption with improved telomerase activity and telomere length. Coffee is also rich in polyphenols and similar studies have found that regular coffee consumption could protect telomeres against DNA damage.

Epigallocatechin gallate is the most abundant catechin polyphenol in green tea. One in depth study found that a combination of quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate may directly influence telomere shortening activity which would improve cellular lifespan. Based on the research at present a supplement rich in the polyphenols resveratrol and catechins could be well placed to support telomere length.

Overall polyphenols are strong antioxidants which could be preventative of telomere shortening and may preserve lifespan.

Summary

Polyphenol rich diets may influence and preserve telomere length. Telomeres are a region at the end of our DNA which protects the whole DNA strand from degradation. DNA is susceptible to changes and is very important for sustaining life. Exposed telomeres accelerate cellular aging and are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Oxidative stress could reduce the activity of protective telomerases and shorten telomere length. This would also reduce lifespan. Daily activities and diet influence telomerase activity through oxidative stress.

Diets rich in antioxidants are thought to promote healthy telomerase activity. Plant polyphenols are very strong antioxidants and protect our bodies from systemic oxidative stress. Supplemental polyphenols could improve telomerase activity and reduce telomere shortening as they are strong antioxidants.

Polyphenolic catechins, quercetin and resveratrol have been shown to influence telomerase activity. Some foods such as honey or nuts like pistachio could assist with supporting telomere length too.

Most research has been done with resveratrol and catechins. These two polyphenols have many research outcomes backing telomerase activity or telomere lengthening. You can find catechins in green tea and resveratrol in grape seeds.

Overall the research shows that polyphenols are strong antioxidants which may prevent telomere shortening and preserve cellular lifespan through telomerases.

For more interesting articles see the main articles page.

The post Diets Rich In Polyphenols And Telomere Length appeared first on Revitalize My Health.

How Do Telomeres Affect Ageing : Telomerases And Cell Ageing

How telomeres and telomerases do affect cellular aging is of high interest to the wellness community because of their links to an improved lifespan. DNA forms the basis of most lifeforms on planet Earth. Our DNA is made of a certain number of nucleic acids in various combinations. DNA forms the core basis from which the body develops.

DNA is susceptible to damages from external influences and this is harmful for the body in most cases. For these reasons our bodies have developed various means of protecting our DNA. This includes the production of antioxidant enzymes and corrective DNA processes.

Another way the cells within the body can protect DNA and prevent accelerated cellular aging is through the use of protective telomerases. These are enzymes that protect chromosomal telomeres from degradation and affect their overall length.

Exposed telomeres can cause various issues within cells and also accelerate cellular aging. Telomerase enzymes are widespread and found in various lifeforms. Telomere length issues are linked to cardiovascular health problems, cancer and degenerative diseases.

In this article the ways in which telomeres and telomerases do have an influence on our health or how they may affect aging will be considered.

How Does Telomere Length Affect Aging

Your telomeres are specific areas located at the ends of your chromosomal DNA sequences. They are intermittent repeats of DNA that do not code for proteins and are usually repeats of the same DNA bases. They hang over the end of chromosomal DNA. Telomeres by nature are lengthy sequences of DNA and form a physical loop that attracts protective telomere proteins.

They have developed to protect chromosomal DNA from unusual degradation or combination. Without a telomere loop at the end of chromosomal DNA some damage can occur to essential coding pieces of DNA.

As you can imagine the ends of DNA are very susceptible to problematic variations or changes. Highly exposed chromosomal telomere ends are a target for serious DNA changes and oxidative damage. Oxidative stress damage and accumulated mistakes in DNA replication are the leading causes for telomere shortening. These changes to telomeres can affect or cause very accelerated cellular aging and cell death in some cases. Telomere shortening may also result in the loss of genetic material during cell division.

The length of chromosomal telomeres is therefore an indication of accumulated oxidative stress or DNA replication errors and how these affect or are influencing the overall aging of cells. Telomere length is a very complex thing and there are other influences on cellular aging too. Studies have linked the reduced length of telomere DNA to an accelerated aging affect within cells.

How Does Telomerase Affect Aging

Current research suggests that the ends of our chromosomal DNA require telomerases to complete proper DNA replication or to fully protect DNA following replication. This is because DNA replication leaves the ends open during each cycle of cell division.

Because telomerase enzymes interact with telomeres they may affect cell aging. Without telomerases our telomeres or large end portions of DNA are exposed and this can affect or lead to the acceleration of the cell death or aging processes. The prevention of the shortening of telomeres or their extension by telomerase is protective of cellular DNA and may affect the aging of cells. Telomerase restabilises DNA via this action and may preserve cellular lifespan.

Studies have found that restoring telomerase activity may actually affect ageing by reversing the process of aging in some animals. This nicely backs up evidence from studies showing that reduced telomeres contribute to accelerated cell aging. More recent studies show that human telomerase may preserve cellular lifespan and reduce aging. This would improve the functioning and efficiency of cells over time.

How Do Telomeres Affect Cancer

Without DNA telomeres you are more prone to oxidative damage to coding DNA. This can be problematic and increases in high energy molecule damage to exposed DNA can also affect risk of cancer. Exposed DNA can accumulate DNA changes and this can lead to cancer.

For optimal cancer prevention you ideally need to ensure that your telomeres are protected by antioxidants and are also in optimal health themselves. This includes healthy levels of telomerase activity that can also protect coding DNA through telomere extension. Telomerase DNA extension reduces risk of oxidative damage to coding DNA and may affect cancer risk.

Many human tumor cells have short telomeres but high activity of lengthening telomerases. Most non malignant cells have more regulated telomerase levels and also more lengthy telomeres. Excessive oxidative stress may activate a telomerase DNA lengthening response which provides a counteracting or DNA conserving activity to preserve lifespan.

How Does Stress Affect Telomeres

Levels of stress or perceived stress in modern society have reached extraordinary levels and is linked to various diseases. Research suggests that stress and telomere damage may also be linked.

Accumulated stress or perceived stress in our lives can promote oxidative cell stress. A parallel accumulation of stress and causative oxidative cell stress can lead to increases in cancer risk. Studies have found that cancer risk can increase with individuals who are stressed in their lives. Perceived stress and parallel increases in oxidative stress could also accelerate aging.

Oxidative stress may affect telomeres and their length which may influence increased risks of cancer. Stress could therefore affect the telomeres and cancer risk via a parallel accumulation of oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, unhealthy lifestyles and environmental influences may accelerate telomere shortening. Studies have found there is a link between psychosocial stress, shortened telomers and chronic disease risk. This includes suffers of depression, anxiety and stressed people with the cortisol stress response linked to telomere shortening.  

People with higher perceived stress levels seem to have shortened telomers too and this can occur in early life. This includes caregivers who are under high levels of perceived stress with smokers being more vulnerable too.

Sleep Stress And Telomere Length

Other studies have found that sleep stress can affect telomeres. Sleep deprived workers showed shortened telomeres within leukocytes which are important immune cells. Similar research has linked sleep disturbances with shortened telomeres. Enhancing the activity of telomerase may also benefit T cell functioning during aging.

Excessive stress can lead to neuroinflammation via oxidative stress. Healthy telomerase activity and telomere length may also be important in neuroinflammatory or degenerative conditions as this may influence nerve cell survival under different stresses. Cognitive diseases such as dementia are linked with telomere shortening.

Telomerase Activity And Oxidative Stress

There seems to be a strong link between the telomerase and oxidative stress theories of cellular aging. Low telomerase activity with shortened telomeres and high oxidative stress levels are linked with accelerations in aging.

Studies have shown that high antioxidant levels reduce the shortening of telomeres and may improve release of telomerases. Stress proteins in the body might moderate this and release telomerases when they are needed. High levels of oxidative stress produce the opposite effect and reduce telomerase activity.

DNA methylation could be harmful for our wellbeing in many cases. This is because methylated DNA can prevent genes from producing their corresponding protein or proteins. Activities such as smoking can accumulate large clusters of methylated of DNA. DNA methylation is epigenetic or inheritable and is also associated with increased telomerase activity.

Incredibly strong antioxidant compounds like sulforaphane are able to demethylate DNA and is a powerful tumor preventative compound. Strong antioxidant compounds like sulforaphane may reset oxidative stress signals in the body and reduce need for telomerase activity.

Nutrients such as manganese may upregulate telomerase activity via superoxide dismutase production. Some very manganese rich foods include cashew nuts and spirulina. You can find our article on manganese rich foods here.

Healthy telomerase activity is essential for optimal wellness and may promote reductions in overall body aging. The shortening of telomeres may affect aging and could also be influential in the development of cancer. Stress could have a role in this to and could affect aging and cancer risk via telomeres and telomerase.

Summary

If you are into anti aging you may have asked yourself how do telomeres and telomerases affect cellular aging. Recent research into telomeres has popularised their relevance with aging. This is mainly because of the ability of telomeres to preserve cells from aging.

Your telomeres are located at the end of chromosomal DNA sequences and are a loop of DNA sequences and bound proteins. Telomeres protect the coding part of your DNA from damage. This can come from oxidative stress or replication errors. The ends of the DNA are very problematic and when exposed they are prone to oxidative stress. This can actually cause accelerated cellular aging and cell death.

Telomerase protects DNA from damage via extending the ends of the telomeres. This means that telomerase and length of telomeres could positively affect cell aging. Telomerase restabilises DNA and could preserve cellular lifespan or functioning.

Without telomeres and optimal telomerase activity you could be more prone to oxidative stress damage. This would increase cancer risk.

Excessive oxidative stress may activate telomerase with stress crisis signalling proteins to counteract the stress and preserve cellular lifespan via DNA conservation.

Perceived or psychosocial stress may influence oxidative stress and cause telomere damage. Studies have linked the cortisol stress response and unhealthy lifestyles to reductions in telomere length. Sleep stress also seems to shorten telomeres in leukocytes. Cognitive diseases such as dementia are also linked with telomere shortening.

Healthy telomerase activity or length of telomeres is essential for optimal wellness and may have an affect on overall body aging.

For more interesting articles see the main articles page.

The post How Do Telomeres Affect Aging : Telomerases And Cell Aging appeared first on Revitalize My Health.