A new study conducted by McGill University in Canada casts doubt on the theory that oxidative stress to our tissues shortens the lifespan, thus possibly debunking the theory that taking antioxidants through red wine and vitamins is anti-aging.
The study published in the latest issue of the journal Genetics claims that the researchers have identified mutations in 10 different genes of worms; it is believed that the genes have counterparts in humans, which extend their lifespan without reducing the level of oxidative stress the worms suffer. The results contradict the popular theory that production of toxic reactive oxygen species in tissues is responsible for ageing.
"We hope that our study will help in tempering the undue emphasis put on the notion that oxidative stress causes ageing and thus that antioxidants could combat ageing," says Dr Siegfried Hekimi, senior author of the study, according to the ANI. news reported by DNA
"We also hope that the genes we have discovered can be used in the future to modulate energy metabolism in a way that can help delay the health issues linked to ageing, and possibly increase lifespan itself,” he adds.
The study suggests that a slow rate of living and reduced energy metabolism is sufficient to increase longevity, even when oxidative stress is not reduced.
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