Centenarian Blood Reveals Longevity Proteins
Swiss scientists have identified 37 proteins in centenarian blood linked to slower aging. The study compared blood samples from people over 100 with healthy younger adults, revealing distinct protein patterns that correlate with longevity and resilience to age-related diseases. Researchers believe these proteins could eventually help develop anti-aging therapies, though lifestyle remains key for now.
The research, part of the "SWISS100" project, was a collaboration between the University of Geneva and the University of Lausanne. This initiative is the first large-scale Swiss research project specifically dedicated to studying the nation's centenarian population, which makes up about 0.02% of its citizens. Scientists analyzed 724 proteins in blood samples from three distinct groups: 39 centenarians (aged 100-105), 59 octogenarians, and 40 younger individuals between 30 and 60 years old. The inclusion of the octogenarian group allowed for a more detailed comparison to distinguish between normal aging and the exceptional longevity seen in the centenarians. A key finding involved five proteins related to oxidative stress, a process that damages cells and is thought to drive aging. Counterintuitively, centenarians had significantly lower levels of antioxidant proteins, suggesting their bodies produce fewer harmful free radicals to begin with, rather than simply being better at fighting them off. The study, published in the journal *Aging Cell*, also identified proteins crucial for maintaining the extracellular matrix, which provides structural support to cells. Other identified proteins are involved in regulating fat metabolism and may play a role in defending against tumors. Researchers noted the protein DPP-4, which is involved in insulin regulation, remained well-preserved in the 100-plus group. This may help them maintain good glucose balance without producing large amounts of insulin, protecting against metabolic syndrome. The biological component of the study was led by Karl-Heinz Krause, a professor at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Medicine. First author on the paper, Flavien Delhaes, noted that the 37 proteins represent about 5% of those measured, indicating that while centenarians don't escape aging entirely, key mechanisms are significantly slowed.
