Bones will tell you how soon a person will grow old

Scientists at Tel Aviv University have developed a new biological marker – an osteographic indicator indicating the age of human bones, as well as that the rate of physical aging of the body is determined mainly by genetic factors.

The new marker, called the osseographic score (OSS), can be used to predict the life expectancy and normal functioning of the human body. For example, if a doctor determines that the biological aging of the human body proceeds faster than its genotype provides, this process can be slowed down with the help of certain preventive measures, such as exercise, as well as taking vitamins and dietary supplements.

While various biomarkers, such as gray hair, wrinkles and the degree of elasticity of the skin, can help determine a person's biological age, the severity of these parameters is very difficult to assess. The authors believe that with a new biomarker and the opportunity to start preventing aging at an earlier age at 90, people will be able to feel almost the same as at 30.

The authors analyzed the bone condition of members of almost 400 families with Russian roots: 787 men aged 18-89 years and 723 women aged 18-90 years. The results of the study showed that men and women inherit different models of aging. The genes expressed by the bone cells of men have a greater influence on the rate of aging. In women, the expressed genes are rather an indicator of the age at which visible changes associated with aging processes will begin to appear in the bones.

The new marker will add to the arsenal of researchers engaged in the study of aging and methods to combat it. According to one of the authors of the work, Dr. Leonid Kalichman, the ultimate goal of scientists is to provide a person with the opportunity to function better than is typical for his calendar age.

Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of ScienceDaily

14.04.2008