Summary
- They examined 172 health factors including body weight cholesterol blood sugar and other blood markers. Using this information they developed an “aging clock” to identify when the body goes through its biggest changes.
- Researchers also identified blood sugar fats uric acid and certain biomarkers linked to tumors as factors associated with biological aging.
- Researchers said that improving diet and keeping blood sugar under control may help reduce metabolic stress and could support healthier aging.
A new study from China has found that men and women may go through major aging changes at different stages of life. Researchers say these changes can be seen in common blood tests and medical checkups.
The research was conducted by scientists from several Chinese institutions and was published in the journal Nature Aging. Researchers studied health data from more than 104,000 people in China between the ages of 18 and 98.
They examined 172 health factors including body weight cholesterol blood sugar and other blood markers. Using this information they developed an “aging clock” to identify when the body goes through its biggest changes.
The study found that men showed major changes between ages 35 and 45. During this period changes in metabolism were linked with increases in body weight triglycerides and cholesterol.
For women, the major changes appeared later, mainly between 55 and 65. This period is close to menopause, when hormonal changes can affect body fat and cholesterol levels.
Researchers also identified blood sugar fats uric acid and certain biomarkers linked to tumors as factors associated with biological aging.
In laboratory tests human blood vessel cells exposed to high levels of some of these substances showed signs of aging. This suggests that these factors may play a role in the aging process, rather than simply being signs of aging.
The study also found some encouraging results. Researchers reported that certain effects of aging may be partly reversible. In one experiment the diabetes medicine metformin helped protect cells from damage linked to high blood sugar.
Another experiment found that mice fed a high-fat diet showed improvements in their livers after returning to a normal diet.
Researchers said that improving diet and keeping blood sugar under control may help reduce metabolic stress and could support healthier aging.
The findings also highlight the importance of considering age and sex when planning health checkups and strategies for healthy aging.
We welcome your contributions! Submit your blogs, opinion pieces, press releases, news story pitches, and news features to opinion@minutemirror.com.pk and minutemirrormail@gmail.com
