The "longevity gene" was discovered by scientists from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. To study the genetic basis of longevity, they chose Ashkenazi Jews, because they lead a rather isolated way of life, which contributes to the preservation of genetic uniformity.

The study involved long-livers, whose average age was 98 years, while about half of them were over 100 years old. It turned out that in this group more often than usual, there is a genetic mutation, as a result of which the size of cholesterol particles increases and the level of "good" cholesterol rises. A survey of the children of centenarians showed that more than half of them inherited this mutation.

Despite the age of the study participants, they very rarely suffered from diabetes, coronary heart disease and strokes.

Scientists suggest that the larger size of cholesterol particles prevents the penetration of cholesterol into the vessel wall and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

However, the exact mechanisms linking the detected genetic variation and longevity are yet to be studied. Perhaps this will allow us to find new approaches to the treatment of atherosclerosis for "mere mortals" who do not possess the much-needed genetic feature.

medicus. en.

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