Scientists have identified two stages of life when the body ages more quickly.
- According to a recent study, aging is not a linear process, contrary to what one might think.
- To reach this conclusion, the molecular activity of 108 individuals was examined for almost two years.
- The ages of 44 and 60 are particularly marked by an acceleration of aging.
A physiological process, aging occurs by changing the structure and functions of the body from middle age. American and Singaporean researchers recently revealed that two ages are characterized by faster-than-usual waves of aging. This work was published in the journal Nature Aging.
Two periods marked by an acceleration of aging
Nearly 108 participants, aged 25 to 75 and living in California, were recruited for this research. These subjects had no clinical history of chronic diseases, including anemia, cardiovascular disease, cancer, psychiatric illness, or bariatric surgery.
During the follow-up, which lasted almost two years, the scientists determined the molecular activity of the subjects by studying microorganisms present in the skin, nose, blood, mouth and intestinal samples. The samples were taken every three to six months from the volunteers.
Around 135,000 molecules and microbes were studied by the team, in particular metabolites, lipids, proteins or ribonucleic acid molecules, which participate in the proper functioning of the immune system, metabolism or renal function.
The impact of molecular changes on aging
Following the analysis of molecular markers, scientists observed that human aging is not a linear process. Nearly 81% of molecules do not evolve continuously, but are transformed, especially at the ages of 44 and 60.
As we age, we tolerate alcohol and coffee less and less well. After a boozy night out, for example, it takes us much longer to recover than before. This change could be explained by a change in metabolic cells from the age of 44. The team also noticed a change in adipose tissue proteins during this period. According to the researchers, this change could be the factor responsible for the increase in cholesterol levels and weight gain associated with age.
From the age of 60, molecular changes are more marked. In addition, new fluctuations in molecules correlated with kidney function and immune health have been identified by the researchers. In an interview with at National Geographic, Michael Snyder, co-author of the study and head of the department of genetic studies at Stanford Medicine, said these variations could explain why older adults are more vulnerable to infections, such as Covid-19, or are more likely to suffer from serious diseases, such as cancers or cardiovascular diseases.
