Scientists from China analyzed tissue samples from 76 people aged 14 to 68 who died in accidents. The samples were obtained from organs and tissues that make up eight major body systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, immune, and other systems. It turned out that the turning point in aging occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, reports Nature.
Around age 50, the most dramatic changes in the expression of proteins associated with disease development are observed. For example, the most pronounced changes were in the aorta—the body's main artery delivering oxygenated blood from the heart. When scientists modeled similar protein changes in mice, they induced signs of accelerated aging.
"Blood vessels likely act as conduits, transporting aging molecules to distant areas of the body," the authors stated. While they don't yet understand what exactly triggers the transition to accelerated aging, it's clear that the human body is like a car—some parts wear out faster than others.
Other early signs of aging were identified in the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing certain hormones. These findings are consistent with other studies showing that different organs age at different rates. It is now necessary to thoroughly study all the mechanisms of tissue aging to develop a guide for preventative measures. These measures could be targeted at specific organs and systems that age first.
In this context, studying changes in proteins truly plays an important role. For example, other scientists previously discovered a protein that regenerates old bones and muscles.
