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Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences analyzed proteins in tissue samples from about 70 individuals aged 14 to 68. According to their study published on July 25 in the journal Cell, aging may start earlier than previously thought.
Proteins are manufactured in cells following instructions from messenger RNA. A key sign of aging is when cells lose their ability to produce proteins correctly and efficiently. By examining tissues from various organs including the heart, liver, pancreas, spleen, lung, skin, and muscles, researchers found that significant changes begin between 45 and 55 years old.
Interestingly, different organs age at varying rates. For instance, the spleen, aorta (the body’s main artery), and adrenal gland show signs of aging around age 30. The aorta also experiences notable protein level changes around ages 45 and 55.
“This is a beautiful roadmap that gives us an initial overview of organ aging,” said Neville Sanjana, associate professor at New York University and faculty member at the New York Genome Center.
The study’s findings could have significant implications for future research into treatments for age-related chronic conditions. This could not only extend patients’ lifespan but also their health span—the period spent in good health.
Sanjana emphasized that this type of data generation is powerful for those interested in bioengineering and creating new therapies to restore healthy aging.
For Dr. Thomas Blackwell, associate dean for graduate medical education at the University of Texas Medical Branch, the study highlights that patients can still alter their aging trajectory later in life, though the window is short.
The best ways to add healthy years are maintaining a healthy blood pressure, sugar levels, and cholesterol; not smoking; and drinking very little. Research shows that diet, exercise, genetics, and sometimes luck impact longevity. However, this study suggests that even later changes can yield significant benefits—potentially adding up to 10 years of healthy life starting at age 45 to 50.
Adrianna Rodriguez
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