Longevity

# The fascination of long life The search for the secret of a long and healthy life fascinates scientists, researchers and medical experts alike. In recent decades, genetic research has made enormous progress and taken the determination of longevity to a new level. Genetic predisposition plays a decisive role in determining lifespan and whether age-related diseases may occur. Specific genes or gene variants have been identified that play an essential role in longevity. Despite these genetic aspects, it is important to emphasize that longevity is not exclusively determined by genes. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking and stress management play an essential role in living a long and healthy life. A healthy lifestyle can help to maximize the potential of genetic predisposition for a longer life. > ## The island of the centenarians > > Okinawa, Japan, known as the island of centenarians, was for decades considered the region with the highest life expectancy in the world. > According to studies, this is due to the diet, social cohesion and life in large families and regular exercise. > Traditional Okinawan cuisine is low in calories but high in antioxidants and fiber. The menu consists mainly of vegetables, sweet potatoes and bitter melons, but little meat and dairy products, hardly any white flour, little saturated fat, little salt, sugar and hardly any convenience products. # Lifestyle factors that influence longevity Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking and stress management play a key role in living a long and healthy life. A healthy lifestyle can help to maximize the potential of genetic predisposition for a longer life. > ## Good to know > > Regardless of your genetic predisposition, you can positively influence your life expectancy through a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle, sufficient sleep and social contacts. # What do genetics have to do with it? We are investigating five genes that influence the longevity of cells: The FOXO3 gene (forkhead box O3 gene) controls the activity of other genes and is involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, DNA repair, stress response and apoptosis (programmed cell death), among other things. - Variation rs2802292 of the FOXO3 gene: The G/G and G/T genotypes generally show a longer life expectancy, combined with better resistance to age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The G/G genotype has a slightly higher life expectancy compared to the G/T genotype, although both variants are favored. The T/T genotype has a normal life expectancy. - Variation rs1935949 of the FOXO3 gene: Genotypes A/A and G/A generally show a longer life expectancy, combined with better resistance to age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The G/G genotype shows a normal life expectancy. The SIRT1 gene (sirtuin-1 gene) carries the blueprint for the enzyme sirtuin 1 in the cells, which is associated with a slowing down of the ageing process. Sirtuin 1 activates fat burning in the cells, reduces apoptosis (programmed cell death) and increases the resistance of the cells. - Variant rs3758391 of the SIRT1 gene: Genotypes C/T and T/T show a longer life expectancy and can look forward to less age-related mental decline. The IGF1R gene (insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor gene) carries the blueprint for a receptor on the cell surface, which transmits the information of the so-called IGF1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) into the cells. IGF1 has an anabolic and growth-promoting effect. The entire cascade, including the receptor and IGF1, has the same effect on the lifespan of the cell, whereby a low IGF1 level correlates with a longer life expectancy. - Variant rs2229765 of the IGF1R gene: The genotype A/A is associated with a lower IGF1 level and a higher life expectancy. Genotypes A/G and G/G show a normal life expectancy. The CETP gene (cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene) carries the blueprint for a transport protein of the same name in the cells, which regulates the metabolism of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream. - Variant rs5882 of the CETP gene: The genotypes G/G and A/G show a low LDL and triglyceride level and a high HDL level. This is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and other age-related diseases as well as increased life expectancy. The BPIFB4 gene (Bactericidal/Permeability-increasing Fold-containing Family B Member 4 gene) carries the blueprint for an enzyme of the same name in the cells, which is involved in the immune response. The enzyme produces an antimicrobial protein (protein directed against pathogens) to efficiently fight infections. Due to its immunomodulatory function, the BPIFB4 gene is important for general health and as a prophylaxis against age-related diseases - Variant rs2070325 of the BPIFB4 gene: The genotype G/G shows a longer life expectancy, combined with good immune function and a lower risk of infections and inflammation. Genotypes A/A and A/G show a normal life expectancy.