Scientists at Harvard Medical School have concluded that biological aging due to stress can be reversible. Data on the relevant study is published in the publication Cell Metabolism.
As the researchers found, biological aging accelerated after stressful events: major operations, pregnancy, infections. However, after recovery from stress, markers of biological age returned to their original state. According to biologists, this was especially clearly demonstrated by the analysis of changes in biological age in response to a major operation.
Scientists studied blood samples from elderly trauma patients who had undergone emergency surgery. Studies have shown spikes in biological age markers that return to baseline a week after surgery. Notably, patients who opted for elective surgery showed no signs of accelerated aging.
Experts also studied epigenetic changes in DNA – special marks in DNA that can activate or block the work of genes. This process is influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle. In addition, scientists can estimate biological age by measuring the length of telomeres, the protective “caps” at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division.
Early studies on longevity typically looked at ways to lengthen telomeres to extend the lifespan of animals. Not only does the new study show that the body is able to reverse the biological processes of aging, it could draw attention to drugs that target epigenetic changes rather than telomeres.
Source: Rosbalt
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