Internet buzzwords such as "appearance anxiety" and "anti-aging" have always attracted much attention. So, why do people age, and what are the factors that affect aging?
Elderly people playing drums in the Olympic Park Photo by Ning Ying.
Recently, Liu Guanghui's research group, Qu Jing's research group of the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Zhang Weiqi's research group of the Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, found that this may be related to the "resurrection" of ancient viruses in the human genome.
Scientists reveal new mechanisms of aging.
Aging is the biggest risk factor for chronic diseases in human beings, and cellular senescence is an important cause of the occurrence and development of body aging and various aging-related diseases.
Through joint research, Guanghui Liu's research group, Qu Jing's research group, and Zhang Weiqi's research group of the Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, revealed for the first time that by inhibiting the "resurrection" of ERV ancient viruses in human genome sequences, the aging of cells, tissues and organs can be delayed to a certain extent, and a series of multi-dimensional intervention strategies to delay aging have been developed. The results were published in the international academic journal Cell** on January 7.
Studies have found that as we age, ERVs escape surveillance, transcription and resurrection, and translate viral proteins into viral particles. When they appear in the cytoplasm of the host cell, they stimulate the cell's innate immune stress response mechanism, which is intended to be antiviral, but triggers chronic inflammation, which in turn drives cellular senescence.
Source: CCTV News.
Through the establishment of different aging research systems, the use of single-molecule imaging, immunology, chemical biology, genome manipulation and other cutting-edge cross-cutting technologies, researchers have successfully mapped the life cycle trajectory of ERV in the aging body, and developed a series of diversified aging intervention technologies for different links, such as the use of CRISPR gene silencing, small molecule drugs, neutralizing antibodies and other technologies to block the transcription, reverse transcription and cell-to-cell transmission of ancient viruses, respectively, thereby delaying the aging of cells, tissues and organisms. These findings will help deepen people's understanding of the biological mechanism of aging, the measurement of the degree of aging, and the medical intervention of aging, and provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of aging-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.
This study is just the beginning. Liu Guanghui said that more scientific questions will emerge around the activation of ERV ancient viruses that accompany aging, such as whether ERV is related to the health of the elderly? Does it selectively drive the development of specific aging-related diseases? Can ERV detection in body fluids be applied to the assessment and early warning of aging and geriatric diseases? "Hopefully, with the deepening of scientific research and the increasing innovation of technical means, these puzzles can be solved one by one," Liu said. ”
Anti-aging: Achieve healthy aging.
According to the results of the seventh national census, the population aged 60 and above in China has reached 26.4 billion people. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the number of elderly people aged 60 and above in China is expected to exceed 300 million, accounting for more than 20% of the total population.
Professor Ju Zhenyu, Dean of the Institute of Aging and Regenerative Medicine at Southern University, said that aging is an inevitable and natural process, that is, the aging and death of people. The intervention angle of anti-aging is to achieve healthy aging in the process of aging, and the ultimate goal is not to live a long life without aging, but to truly achieve healthy aging, and to achieve a disease-free death, that is, there will not be too many chronic diseases, and the last 10 or 20 years of life will not be painfully passed, but will always maintain a healthy and balanced state, and finally die without disease.
In fact, aging itself is not terrible, what is terrible is that aging can cause a series of diseases. Studies have shown that aging will cause the gradual decline of physiological and metabolic functions and immune functions of various tissues and organs, and the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and type 2 diabetes will increase. and ** Assessing the condition of aging and conducting scientific intervention is essential for health. Dr. Ou Junwen, vice president of Guangdong Clifford Hospital and director of the Anti-Aging Medical Center, said at the opening of the anti-aging medical center of the hospital a few days ago.
Face aging and "live in peace" with it
As we age, we all inevitably age. Hair loss, graying, increased wrinkles, sagging, tarnishing, dizziness, back of the ears, hunched back, decreased physical fitness, memory decline, etc., and even various tissues and organs will have reduced function.
Of course, while aging is irresistible, there are proactive steps we can take to delay and mitigate its effects and help slow down the aging process.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. It's important to eat a sensible diet and choose nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins**. At the same time, reducing your intake of foods high in sugar and fat, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking can help you stay healthy. Moderate exercise is also crucial, with aerobic exercise and strength training strengthening muscles and bones, as well as improving cardiovascular health. In addition, getting enough sleep and coping with stress can also help fight aging.
Mental health. Mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, are associated with the risks associated with aging. A positive mindset, maintaining social connections, and pursuing personal interests can help people maintain a positive mindset and mental health. Staying connected to the outside world and finding favorite hobbies and activities can promote psychological well-being and the ability to resist aging.
Advances in science and technology. Over the past few decades, considerable progress has been made in the science of anti-aging, including the development of genes, cells, and anti-aging drugs. These new technologies and methods may slow down the aging process, improve physical performance, and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
China Xiaokang Network Comprehensive CCTV News, Finance Associated Press, Guangming**, Popular Science China, etc.).
Author: Fenghua.
Review: Gong Zimo.