The essential role of telomeres in the aging process

Since it is now known that telomeres occupy an inescapable place in the processes of aging and thus in maintaining a youthful population or rejuvenation, let's see exactly what their role is.

From birth, every cell in our body contains a nucleus. Each nucleus contains our genetic heritage. This heritage is inscribed in the chromosomes, which are themselves made up of a double branch of DNA, each branch being composed of units called "protein bases". You have to imagine that each strand of DNA contains about 100 million bases. The successive bases resemble the rungs of a spiral ladder. It is at the ends of these strands (at the bottom of the ladder) that the telomeres are located, which are themselves made up of several protein bases (about 15,000).

From the earliest moments of embryonic development, cells (mothers) begin to divide
and already at this point telomeres begin to shorten.

At different rates, all cells in all tissues divide throughout life. With each cell division, telomeres shorten a little. When the latter contain only 5000 bases, old age death occurs.

Like a protective cap, they ensure the integrity and maintenance of the DNA ladder. When this cap becomes too small, it becomes unable to perform this role and the cells that constitute it die in turn.

Many factors can accelerate telomere shrinkage and death. Among them are, for example: overweight or obesity, lack of exercise, emotional and psychological stress, smoking, alcoholism, junk food, etc. these are all factors that generate free radicals. These molecules attack them and cause a premature shortening and death of these protective elements.

This phenomenon is far from inevitable. The latest scientific research shows with certainty that we can act on this degenerative process and slow down the wear of these telomeres.

HBE Diffusion, PANNE Carol 15 September, 2015
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