Blood proteins could be the key to a long and healthy life, study finds


Date:
January 24, 2022
Source:
University of Edinburgh
Summary:
Two blood proteins have been shown by scientists to influence how
long and healthy a life we live, research suggests.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
Two blood proteins have been shown by scientists to influence how long
and healthy a life we live, research suggests.


========================================================================== Developing drugs that target these proteins could be one way of slowing
the ageing process, according to the largest genetic study of ageing.

As we age, our bodies begin to decline after we reach adulthood,
which results in age-related diseases and death. This latest research investigates which proteins could influence the ageing process.

Many complex and related factors determine the rate at which we age and
die, and these include genetics, lifestyle, environment and chance. The
study sheds light on the part proteins play in this process.

Some people naturally have higher or lower levels of certain proteins
because of the DNA they inherit from their parents. These protein levels
can, in turn, affect a person's health.

University of Edinburgh researchers combined the results of six large
genetic studies into human ageing -- each containing genetic information
on hundreds of thousands of people, Among 857 proteins studied,
researchers identified two that had significant negative effects across
various ageing measures.



========================================================================== People who inherited DNA that causes raised levels of these proteins
were frailer, had poorer self-rated health and were less likely to live
an exceptionally long life than those who did not. .

The first protein, called apolipoprotein(a) (LPA), is made in the liver
and thought to play a role in clotting. High levels of LPA can increase
the risk of atherosclerosis -- a condition in which arteries become
clogged with fatty substances. Heart disease and stroke is a possible
outcome.

The second protein, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), is
primarily found on the surfaces of endothelial cells -- a single-cell
layer that lines blood vessels. The protein controls vessels' expansion
and retraction -- and function in blood clotting and the immune response.

Levels of VCAM1 increase when the body sends signals to indicate it
has detected an infection, VCAM1 then allows immune cells to cross the endothelial layer, as seen for people who have naturally low levels of
these proteins.

The researchers say that drugs used to treat diseases by reducing levels
of LPA and VCAM1 could have the added benefit of improving quality and
length of life.



==========================================================================
One such example is a clinical trial that is testing a drug to lower
LPA as a way of reducing the risk of heart disease.

There are currently no clinical trials involving VCAM1, but studies in
mice have shown how antibodies lowering this protein's level improved
cognition during old age.

The findings have been published in the journal Nature Aging.

Dr Paul Timmers, lead researcher at the MRC Human Genetics Unit at
University of Edinburgh, said: "The identification of these two key
proteins could help extend the healthy years of life. Drugs that lower
these protein levels in our blood could allow the average person to live
as healthy and as long as individuals who have won the genetic lottery
and are born with genetically low LPA and VCAM1 levels." Professor Jim
Wilson, Chair of Human Genetics at the University of Edinburgh's Usher Institute, said: "This study showcases the power of modern genetics
to identify two potential targets for future drugs to extend lifespan." ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Edinburgh. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Paul R. H. J. Timmers, Evgeny S. Tiys, Saori Sakaue, Masato Akiyama,
Tuomo T. J. Kiiskinen, Wei Zhou, Shih-Jen Hwang, Chen Yao,
Yoichiro Kamatani, Wei Zhou, Joris Deelen, Daniel Levy, Andrea
Ganna, Yoichiro Kamatani, Yukinori Okada, Peter K. Joshi, James
F. Wilson, Yakov A.

Tsepilov. Mendelian randomization of genetically independent aging
phenotypes identifies LPA and VCAM1 as biological targets for human
aging. Nature Aging, 2022; 2 (1): 19 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00159-8 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220124203745.htm

--- up 7 weeks, 2 days, 7 hours, 13 minutes
* Origin: -=> Castle Rock BBS <=- Now Husky HPT Powered! (1:317/3)