For example, several studies once again using identical twins—having the same genetic makeup but because of lifestyle choices can influence the expression in their genes. These studies found that some of the variation in perceived age among twins can be explained by inherited genetic factors but that personal habits and lifestyle play a significant role in aging rates and even appearance(3; 4; 5; 6). These ‘environmental’ influences impact the gene expression of different aging mechanisms. It appears that aging is an interaction of the variation in the genes we are born with and the accumulation of different life choices and experiences impact on gene expression which ultimately affects aging.
A great deal of research remains to be done in the exciting anti-aging field to understand what happens when we age and to identify interventions designed to slow the aging process. ■
Written by:
Shelly Hester, Ph.D.
Associate Senior Scientist
Pharmanex Global Product Research
References
1. Christensen K, Iachina M, Rexbye H et al. (2004) "Looking old for your age": genetics and mortality. Epidemiology 15, 251-252.
2. Borkan GA, Bachman SS, Norris AH (1982) Comparison of visually estimated age with physiologically predicted age as indicators of rates of aging. Social science & medicine 16, 197-204.
3. Robert L, Labat-Robert J (2014) Longevity and aging: role of genes and of the extracellular matrix. Biogerontology.
4. Ichibori R, Fujiwara T, Tanigawa T et al. (2014) Objective assessment of facial skin aging and the associated environmental factors in Japanese monozygotic twins. Journal of cosmetic dermatology 13, 158-163.
5. Granic A, Andel R, Dahl AK et al. (2013) Midlife dietary patterns and mortality in the population-based study of Swedish twins. Journal of epidemiology and community health 67, 578-586.
6. Moayyeri A, Hammond CJ, Valdes AM et al. (2013) Cohort Profile: TwinsUK and healthy ageing twin study. International journal of epidemiology 42, 76-85.