As we know, oxygen is one of the most important elements for life on Earth. However, new research has shown that oxygen oversaturation can lead to negative consequences for the human body and other mammals.
An international team of scientists conducted a study to find ways to increase the average lifespan of humans. The study examined different species of mammals and the effects of the internal and external environment on them. As a result, scientists found that chronic hypoxia, that is, lack of oxygen, can positively affect the life span of mice. In this way, genes associated with longevity are activated.
However, increased oxygenation can be harmful for humans and other mammals. Excess oxygen leads to so-called oxidative stress and cell damage, which can accelerate the aging process.
Alexander Tyshkovsky, the lead author of the study, a senior researcher at the Laboratory of Systems Biology of Aging at Moscow State University and Harvard Medical School, notes that one month of hypoxia was enough to activate genes associated with longevity in experimental rodents.
In addition, scientists have found that vitamin C can have a positive effect on longevity. The greatest benefit, according to scientists, is one of the components of vitamin C – ascorbic acid palmitate.
Although human longevity has its limits, scientist believe that there is no biological limit to longevity. There are organisms on Earth that live for hundreds of years, or even longer – for example, mollusks. Aging processes, it is believed, can be controlled. This requires similar research, including in the field of gene therapy.
Excess oxygen is the cause of many diseases
Excess oxygen can lead to negative consequences for the human body. This can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to high oxygen concentrations (e.g., using oxygen therapy), or breathing air with a high oxygen content.
Oxidative stress is a major cause of many diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Excess oxygen can accelerate the body’s aging process, which can also lead to various diseases.
Some scientists believe that excess oxygen may be linked to the occurrence of some neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This is because excess oxygen can cause damage to brain cells.
Vitamin C and longevity
Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants that helps protect cells from damage. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to various diseases like scurvy, scurvy and others.
Recent studies have shown that vitamin C can have a positive effect on longevity. One of the constituents of vitamin C, ascorbic acid palmitate, can increase the lifespan of mice.
However, scientists warn that you should not get carried away with taking vitamin C in high doses. An excess of vitamin C can lead to negative effects on the body.
Control of aging processes
The aging processes of the body can be controlled. This requires similar research, including in the field of gene therapy. Some scientists believe that it is possible to create drugs that can slow down aging processes.
However, scientists warn that one should not expect instant results. The aging process is a complex and multifaceted process that depends on many factors. But new research gives hope that in the future a way to increase human longevity will be found.
