CosBeauty Magazine #101

Molecular
signatures
‘indicators
of ageing’
In the new study, the researchers have identified their 12
indicators of ageing: molecular signatures which mark
the progress of a particular process – and on which it
was possible to act to prolong life.
In addition, they highlight four primary causes of
ageing: genomic instability, shortening of telomeres,
epigenetic alterations, and imbalance between protein
synthesis and degradation.
These are strongly inter-connected processes and
ageing results from their joint action – potentially
providing multiple ways to act on the physiologic
process of ageing.
And currently, diet is the most accessible form of
intervention.
Dietary interventions are related to a key indicator
of ageing: the dysregulation of the ‘nutrient sensing
mechanism’ – the network of molecular signals that alert
all mammals that food is available.
The researchers noted: ‘Nutrient sensors are
therapeutic targets for potential anti-longevity drugs,
but health benefits and lifespan extension could also be
achieved through dietary interventions.
‘However the results obtained in this line in our
species are still unclear; clinical trials based on dietary
restrictions in humans become complicated due to poor
compliance, although they suggest positive effects on
immunity and inflammation.’
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