Unlocking Longevity: The Blood Secrets Of Centenarians

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Unlocking Longevity: The Blood Secrets of Centenarians

9th Feb 2024 by Admin 246

Discover the key biomarkers that set centenarians apart. Our groundbreaking study reveals how inflammation, glucose, and liver function play a role in exceptional longevity.

Centenarians, once considered rare, have become commonplace. Indeed, they are the fastest-growing demographic group of the world’s population, with numbers roughly doubling every ten years since the 1970s. How long humans can live, and what determines a long and healthy life, have been of interest for as long as we know. Plato and Aristotle discussed and wrote about the ageing process over 2,300 years ago. The pursuit of understanding the secrets behind exceptional longevity isn’t easy, however. It involves unravelling the complex interplay of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors and how they interact throughout a person’s life.

Unveiling the Biomarkers

Now our recent study, published in GeroScience, has unveiled some common biomarkers, including levels of cholesterol and glucose, in people who live past 90. Nonagenarians and centenarians have long been of intense interest to scientists as they may help us understand how to live longer, and perhaps also how to age in better health. So far, studies of centenarians have often been small scale and focused on a selected group, for example, excluding centenarians who live in care homes. However, our research breaks new ground.

The Largest Study Yet

Ours is the largest study comparing biomarker profiles measured throughout life among exceptionally long-lived people and their shorter-lived peers to date. We compared the biomarker profiles of people who went on to live past the age of 100, and their shorter-lived peers, and investigated the link between the profiles and the chance of becoming a centenarian. Our research included data from 44,000 Swedes who underwent health assessments at ages 64-99 - they were a sample of the so-called Amoris cohort. These participants were then followed through Swedish register data for up to 35 years. Of these people, 1,224, or 2.7%, lived to be 100 years old. The vast majority (85%) of the centenarians were female.

Key Biomarkers

Our study focused on twelve blood-based biomarkers related to inflammation, metabolism, liver and kidney function, as well as potential malnutrition and anaemia. All of these have been associated with ageing or mortality in previous studies. Let’s delve into some of the key findings:

Uric Acid: A waste product in the body caused by the digestion of certain foods, uric acid was linked to inflammation. Those who made it to their hundredth birthday tended to have lower levels of uric acid from their sixties onwards.
Glucose and Creatinine: Centenarians had lower levels of glucose and creatinine. These biomarkers are related to metabolic status and kidney function.
Liver Function Markers: Levels of alanine aminotransferase (Alat), aspartate aminotransferase (Asat), albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (Alp), and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) were also examined. Those with higher levels of these markers had a lower chance of becoming centenarians.
Iron and Nutrition: Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) linked to anaemia, and albumin associated with nutrition, were also part of our investigation.

Implications for Longevity

While these differences are generally quite small, they show that there could be a link between nutrition, metabolic health, and remarkable longevity. Our study provides valuable insights into the intricate web of factors that contribute to living beyond a century. As we continue to unlock the secrets of exceptional longevity, these biomarkers may guide us toward healthier lives and perhaps even the elusive fountain of youth.

Remember, it’s not just about adding years to life; it’s about adding life to years. So, let’s raise a toast to the centenarians and their extraordinary blood – a roadmap to a healthier, longer life.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.