A sedentary lifestyle and inflammation influence some age-related changes in gene activity more than aging itself. This was shown by a study on muscle cells published in the journal Aging Cell.
15 healthy young people, as well as 8 young and 37 elderly patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis, participated in the study.
Participants with painful joints suffered from prolonged immobility and chronic inflammation.
Scientists have discovered age-related changes in the expression (activity) of approximately 4,000 genes. They were responsible for regulating the functioning of mitochondria (“power stations of cells”), protein metabolism, and immune and inflammatory reactions. All changes were related to sedentary lifestyle and chronic inflammation, not aging.
The activity of only 200 genes changed due to aging alone. The authors of the discovery believe that these genes will help better understand the mechanisms of cell aging.
Study co-author Ph.D. “This is important for developing approaches to slow aging by regulating the expression of these genes,” he said. Daniil Popov from the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Previously a geriatrician said About important insights for people over 60.