Balihow – Maria Branyas Morera passed away in August 2024 at the remarkable age of 117. Yet, her biological makeup suggested a much younger age, prompting experts to investigate the secrets behind her exceptional longevity.
Before her death at a nursing home in Catalonia, Spain, Branyas held the title of the world’s oldest living person for approximately a year and a half.
Now, a groundbreaking study analyzing urine, blood, stool, and saliva samples collected from Branyas during her final year reveals potential factors that shielded her from disease.
These protective elements included genes associated with robust immune function, exceptionally healthy cholesterol levels, and a high abundance of inflammation-fighting bacteria in her gut.
Lead researcher Manel Esteller, a renowned expert in cancer epigenetics, stated that a primary objective of the study was to understand why certain individuals maintain excellent health well into extreme old age.
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“Our aim is to shed light on the discrepancy between extreme longevity and aging without suffering from the diseases typically associated with old age,” Esteller explained to Live Science.
However, it’s worth noting that not all researchers are convinced that studying individuals over 110 years old is necessarily the most effective approach to unlocking the secrets of longevity.
This skepticism partly stems from concerns about the accuracy of age verification for individuals born over a century ago, given the often-inconsistent record-keeping systems of the time.
The Biology of Longevity
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Branyas was born in San Francisco in 1907, spent her childhood in Texas, and moved to Spain in 1915. In her later years, despite experiencing hearing loss and mobility issues, she remained in relatively good health with sharp cognitive abilities until her passing.
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In this study, Esteller and his team analyzed Branyas’ genes, immune cells, blood lipid levels, and tissue proteins, comparing the results with those of younger individuals who had undergone similar testing.
For example, Branyas’ genetic data was compared to that of 75 other Iberian women from the 1000 Genomes Project, a large-scale effort to map variations in the human genome.
These comparisons identified seven rare genetic variants in Branyas’ genome that had never been detected in the European population.
These variants, or different versions of genes, are linked to cognitive function, immune system function, lung function, heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Scientists theorize that these variants may have provided protection against these diseases while enhancing organ function.
The researchers also discovered that Branyas possessed remarkably efficient mitochondria, the energy centers of cells, which functioned better than those of younger women.
Furthermore, she exhibited healthy cholesterol levels and a high production of proteins beneficial for immune function.
Another fascinating finding was the discrepancy between the molecular markers of aging in Branyas’ body and her chronological age.
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As people age, the structures at the ends of their chromosomes, called telomeres, gradually shorten. Telomeres help prevent DNA from unraveling, which can lead to cellular aging and cancer.
“As expected for someone of her advanced age, Branyas’ telomeres were almost non-existent. She also had a large population of specific types of immune cells, commonly found in elderly individuals,” Esteller noted.
In these aspects, Branyas’ biology appeared very old. However, other aging markers on her DNA appeared surprisingly young, according to the team’s findings.
Esteller suggests that this research highlights how both genetic factors and lifestyle choices can contribute to healthy aging.
This knowledge can pave the way for considering interventions, including medications, that could potentially extend healthy lifespans.
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Ringkasan
A recent study delved into the biological secrets of Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to the remarkable age of 117, to understand her exceptional longevity. Researchers analyzed samples collected during her final year, revealing protective elements such as genes associated with robust immune function, healthy cholesterol levels, and beneficial gut bacteria. The study aimed to identify factors that shielded her from diseases typically associated with old age.
The analysis identified several rare genetic variants linked to cognitive function, immune system, and organ function, potentially offering protection against diseases like heart disease and cancer. Branyas also exhibited efficient mitochondria, healthy cholesterol, and a high production of immune-boosting proteins. Interestingly, while some aging markers like telomere length indicated her advanced age, other DNA markers appeared surprisingly young, suggesting a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle contributed to her healthy aging.