DNA, Genetics and the Ageing Process
When our bodies are in a youthful state, our cells communicate in a healthy manner, as determined by our genes. These are the functioning part of our DNA, and they map everything about us.
Our genes can be considered as our working manuals, they determine the enzymes, the growth factors and the hormones such as growth hormone, thyroid hormones, insulin, and sex hormones (testosterone and oestrogen), which we need in order to grow, to develop and to maintain stable health.
However, whilst the core structure of our DNA and genes generally remains unchanged during our lifetime, our DNA coding is not entirely fixed. Changes in our DNA code can change due to mis-transcription during DNA repair, and are known as ‘specific nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs’. Nature has devised this process for a good reason. SNPs change the genetic code, which can lead to changes that may be advantageous , detrimental, or have no bearing on our health. Study of these SNPs have shown a predictive use to predict health challenges in the future for individuals. This enables us to preemptively reduce the chances of getting them through an integrative approach.
Individual and groups of genes can also be switched on or off during our lifetime, and experience epigenetic change through interaction with our external environment. If our genes were unable to adapt in this way, we would not be able to survive as well as a species. However, this type of gene modification can result in a disadvantageous phenotype, or outcome, with the symptoms of ageing and disease processes. Fortunately, with better knowledge of how these modifiable changes can be affected, we can revert them to a younger and healthier expression through lifestyle modification and intervention. Our genes can become damaged and as we get older and the ability of our cells to communicate can deteriorate.
Factors such genomic instability, altered cellular communication, and stem cell exhaustion have been identified as among the ‘Hallmarks of Ageing,’ alongside a number of other biological changes.
DNA and the Ageing Process
Around 80% of cellular degradation and ageing is typically caused by environment and lifestyle, and changes in gene expression (epigenetic), with the remaining 20% being determined by our DNA and genes. This explains why some of us age faster than others. Hence, if we can improve cellular communication, research suggests that we can improve our wellbeing.
"A person's true biological age is invariably different from their chronological age. It is possible to estimate the rate at which an individual's cells are ageing by testing for DNA methylation, which affects the expression of their genes."
-Dr Aamer Khan-
THE POWER OF PRE-EMPTIVE MEDICINE
A major step forward has been to combine regenerative techniques with pre-emptive medicine so that these two highly effective approaches can work hand in hand. Pre-emptive medicine starts with an examination of an individual’s DNA, genetic and epigenetic make-up. This can tell us which medical conditions and diseases that a particular person may be prone to in future.
We can then formulate a tailored approach to change the epigenetic balance through lifestyle and nutritional modification. We know for example that environmental factors, such as pollution, diet, nutrition, education, movement and exercise, and recreation, all have an impact on the risks we face in later life.
A study published in 2021 the Institute of Functional Medicine in Washington, found that men aged between 50 and 72 who ate a diet rich in leafy greens and received exercise and relaxation advice were able turn back their biological clock by three years.
By combining DNA testing with regenerative techniques, scientists are developing new approaches that aim to restore the body’s natural ability to heal and rejuvenate.
1 – Source: Medical Express
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-05-years-younger-weeks.html