The 9 biological signals indicating that you are getting older

The sentence is told at BBC World by Dr. Manuel Serrano, from Spain's National Cancer Research Center, and although this sounds daunting is the starting point for finding a way to cope


the deterioration that we all face with the years
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Serrano, along with other researchers, is co-author of the study "Signs of Aging", in which they list the main processes that occur in our body over time.

"These are inevitable factors," says Serrano. "They may be more or less accused in some people because of their lifestyle or their genetics, but to a greater or lesser extent they still occur."

These are the 9 factors that highlight age in mammals, including humans. humans.

1. The damage accumulates in our DNA

DNA is like a code transmitted cells.

With age, errors that can occur during the transfer of information are multiplied. And these "mistakes" accumulate in the cells.

This phenomenon, called "genomic instability", is particularly important when DNA damage affects stem cell functions, jeopardizing their role in renewing tissues.

2. Chromosomes use

The DNA strands have at their ends a protective layer called "telomeres". As they age, these telomeres wear out, leaving the chromosomes unprotected.

Chromosomes do not replicate properly, which is problematic.

Research has linked the deterioration of telomeres to development. of diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and aplastic anemia, which causes the loss of regenerative capacity of different tissues.

3. Gene expression is impaired

Our body develops epigenetic processes dictating how to express DNA.

According to this process, he indicates to each cell his behavior, cell of the skin or brain, for example.

Years and lifestyles they can change the way epigenetic instructions are given, which can cause cells to behave differently than they should.

4. We lose the ability to renew cells

Our body has the ability to prevent the accumulation of "damaged" components and to ensure the continuous renewal of our cells.

This capacity decreases, however, with age. Thus, cells accumulate unusable or toxic proteins that in some cases are linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and cataracts.

The pbadage of time causes cells to lose the ability to treat substances such as fats and sugars.

Diseases such as diabetes can develop because the person can not properly metabolize the nutrients that reach the cells.

6. Mitochondria stop working

Mitochondria provide energy to cells, but lose their effectiveness over time.

When mitochondria do not work optimally, they can cause DNA damage

Some studies suggest that they repair the functions of mitochondria. could increase the life expectancy of mammals.

7. Cells become zombies

When a cell accumulates a lot of damage, it stops its cycles, which avoids producing other defective cells, but at the same time speeds up its own aging.

This aging can in turn cause other damage. linked to the pbadage of years at the cellular level.

8. Stem cells get tired

Decreasing tissue regeneration potential is one of the most obvious features of aging.

Stem cells deplete over time and no longer fulfill their regenerative function.

Recent studies suggest that stem cell rejuvenation could reverse how old age manifests itself in the body.

Cells stop communicating

The cells are in constant communication with each other, but over time. this capacity decreases.

This causes an increase in inflammation, which prevents other cells from communicating.

Lack of communication also means that there are fewer alerts on the presence of pathogens and malignant cells.

Although Serrano maintains that ideals such as eternal youth are still "too far apart," this type of research can be used to "delay the general deterioration of tissues and organs, with the aim of delaying the badociated diseases. ". 19659014] Also, although these signs are inevitable, Serrano points out that "they can be reduced through healthy lifestyles".

"Today, the lives of the elderly are good, are rich and healthy for decades.It is better to think that we can enjoy life even if we are old enough."