The Fountain of Youth: How Sirtuins Affect Aging
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The Link Between Sirtuins and Longevity
Sirtuins are a family of proteins often called the "longevity genes" due to their role in health and lifespan. First discovered in a species of yeast, researchers found that increasing production of the sirtuin gene SIR2 extended the yeast's lifespan. This sparked interest in understanding human longevity through our sirtuin genes.
In humans, variants of certain sirtuin genes like SIRT1, SIRT3 and SIRT6 have been associated with lifespan and age-related diseases. One 2020 study of Italian centenarians revealed a SIRT6 gene variant tied to a longer life. Another study in a Chinese population linked SIRT3 variants to 1.3 year increased lifespan on average for the 589 women possessing one SIRT3 variant genotype.
By regulating inflammation, metabolism, stress response and even gene activity, sirtuins help maintain biological balance. This contributes to their longevity effects. As we age, cellular processes like DNA repair slow while inflammation increases - things sirtuins help control. Boosting sirtuins may aid healthy aging.
Increasing Sirtuin Activity
The activity level of sirtuins relies partially on available NAD+, an essential cellular coenzyme that declines with age. Researchers are exploring compounds that boost NAD+ as a way to enhance sirtuin function. One candidate is NMN, a precursor that converts to NAD+ in the body.
Lifestyle changes can also stimulate sirtuins. Calorie restriction activates sirtuins, increasing lifespan in lab models. Regular exercise also elevates NAD+ to provide more fuel for sirtuins. While early evidence suggested the compound resveratrol may stimulate sirtuins, results from human trials are still mixed regarding efficacy and required dosing.
The Future of Longevity Research
We've only scratched the surface of fully understanding sirtuins' longevity impacts. Sirtuins provide clues, but human aging involves complex interactions between genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Ongoing advances in genetics offer hope of extending health span by delaying age-related chronic disease.
The quest for longevity has deep roots in human history. And while we don't expect a magic anti-aging breakthrough, unraveling the biology of aging - including the sirtuin story that originated in yeast - puts that goal within science's reach.
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Resveratrol
This polyphenol compound found in grape skins and red wine has been shown to activate SIRT1 in cellular studies. However, required dosing to reach pharmacologically active doses in humans remains unclear.
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Quercetin
This flavonoid in some fruits and vegetables may activate SIRT1 similar to resveratrol while also having strong anti-inflammatory effects that could promote healthy aging.
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Nicotinamide Riboside
This NAD+ precursor supplement showed promising results in a small 2020 human trial, increasing NAD+ levels and SIRT1 gene expression after just 2 weeks. Larger trials are still needed.
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Astragalus
Used in traditional Chinese medicine, extracts of this herb have exhibited ability to induce SIRT1 activity in rodent studies. The main bioactive compounds appear to be saponins and polysaccharides.
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Curcumin
Major constituent of turmeric spice. Has exhibited sirtuin-activating properties in lab studies, potentially through enzyme inhibition related to inflammatory pathways. Also boosts antioxidant capacity.
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EGCG
Abbreviation for epigallocatechin gallate, a compound in green tea. Has shown significant lifespan extension in studies of yeast, roundworms and fruit flies, perhaps partially by mimicking effects of calorie restriction on sirtuin genes.
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Ginsenosides (from ginseng)
Compounds found in ginseng root, such as Rb1, Rg1, Re, and Rg3 ginsenosides have exhibited an ability to induce SIRT1 expression in animal and cell studies. This may contribute to reported anti-aging effects.
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Piceatannol
Natural stilbenoid compound found in passionfruit peel, sugarcane, and grapes. Shown to activate SIRT1 at lower concentrations than resveratrol in one lab study with human cell cultures.
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Omega-3 fatty acids
DHA omega-3s in particular may activate sirtuins and downregulate inflammatory genes involved in the aging process. Found primarily in fatty fish. Fish oil supplements may provide anti-aging benefits.
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Theanine
Abundant amino acid in green tea linked to increased lifespan in nematodes. Thought to act as a natural SIRT1 activator, at least in mouse studies. Could contribute to tea's anti-aging effects.
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Glucoraphanin
Phytochemical found prominently in broccoli sprouts that enhances NAD+ bioavailability for sirtuin activation through metabolic pathways. Also boosts production of antioxidants.
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Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)
Compound found in plant foods that has shown ability to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis - creation of new mitochondria. This aligns with sirtuin function and protection against aging.
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