"Preventing longevity"
"Aging is like a married couple - when they are both young, they communicate very well with each other. But, in the course of time, as they live in close proximity for many years, communication gets worse until it's completely disintegrated," the head of the certified Anti-Aging Clinic A2C, MUDr. Monika Golková says.
And just as in marriage the problem will be solved through communication, in this case the communicating is inside the cell," adds the doctor, who attended the Healthy Aging Congress at Harvard University. A joint study conducted by Harvard Medical School, the National Institute on Aging, and the University of New South Wales in Sydney has brought about very revolutionary discoveries. The communication inside the cell works especially between its core and the mitochondria. As soon as this communication slows down, we begin to grow old. By completing the molecule which is naturally found in the human body (scientists call it NAD), it became possible to restore the communication inside the cell in the body of an older mouse, which then showed signs of an animal many years younger its actual age.
Scientists until recently have been sceptical that aging can be reversed. There are many mutations and mitochondrial changes at the DNA level that can no longer be changed in the aging process.
Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, David Sinclair, focused on a group of longevity genes called sirtuins years ago. He was able to activate them using the polyphenol resveratrol which is naturally found in red wine. Our cells remain young when the communication between SIRT1 (the human longevity gene) and the mitochondrial genome is maintained. For this, the substance called NAD is needed. With age, however, its level decreases and the communication is disrupted. The cell loses energy and ages.
Scientists added an endogenous substance that in cells transforms itself into NAD and re-establishes the communication within the cell. If we do this in time, before mass damage can multiply, can we reverse the aging process? How much can we set our biological clock back? These questions now need to be resolved and we have a long way to go.
The source of energy for each cell is formed by the mitochondria. These are small structures within the cells that function as our power plants. Scientists have recently discovered that they can communicate with the cell. This communication keeps the cell healthy, functional and non-aging...
Resveratrol is a bioactive substance belonging to the grou of polyphenols and bioflavonids. It activates sirtuins. Sirtuins are responsible for the protection of cells. In a simple way, it can be said that it is a group of enzymes that have the potential to protect the organism from disease and the DNA from damage. They void the DNA of some pendent protein molecules (they deacetylate the histones) to allow the helix to pack itself more tightly. Such "tightened" DNA is less susceptible to damage. Enzymes called sirtuins exist in every cell, but they are less active in middle age. Scientists assume sirtuins support the regeneration of our DNA, prolong cell life, promote fat burning, and positively influence sugar metabolism. People taking resveratrol feel more energy, have a better metabolism and a markedly better concentration. Another positive thing about resveratrol is that it can stop or slow the growth of certain tumor cells. This has already been demonstrated in mice. Human clinical trials are in progress. Studies also show that resveratrol suppresses inflammation and has an anti-wrinkle effect.
Resveratrol activates the SIRT1 sirtuin and as a result of this, our body thinks that it is healthy and does exercise, even if it is not true.
Unfortunately, the human body cannot produce vitamin C. Current studies show that the current amount of vitamin C in food is constantly decreasing, and supplementing vitamin C with food is therefore very difficult. This vitamin is absolutely indispensable for our body. It is important for the proper functioning of the immune system, it contributes to the formation of collagen and elastin, and it has a strong antioxidant effect. The highest quality products are characterized by bio-activity (the excellent usability of all micronutrients), high tolerance and the absence of additional chemicals.
The trace element selenium contributes to protecting cells from oxidative stress and is essential for maintaining the normal functioning of the immune system, as well as supporting the normal activity of the thyroid gland. In addition, selenium helps maintain skin, nail and hair health, but also contributes to normal spermatogenesis (sperm formation in the testes).
Source: The journal Moje zdraví (My Health) / November 2014
"Preventing longevity"