Khaberni - A recent scientific study revealed that Italians who have reached the age of 100 or more have a higher proportion of DNA inherited from ancient hunters and gatherers compared to the rest of the population, which may contribute to increased chances of living a longer life, alongside environmental impacts and lifestyle.
The research team conducted an analysis of the genomes of 333 centenarians, compared to about 700 people with good health and an average age of 50 years.
The results were compared with the DNA of 4 ancient groups that contributed to the genetic makeup of contemporary Italian residents, including Western European hunters and gatherers, Neolithic farmers from Anatolia, nomadic groups from the Bronze Age, and groups from Iran and the Caucasus, according to the Metro website.
Genetic Origins Linked to Longevity
The results showed that the centenarians carry a higher portion of genetics from Western European hunters and gatherers (WHG), while no similar correlation was found with other genetic groups. The study explained that each minor increase in this genetic component could raise the probability of reaching the age of 100 by up to 38%.
Differences Between Women and Men
The study pointed out that women who possess a higher proportion of these genetic origins were more than twice as likely as men to reach the age of 100. Scientists believe that these genes evolved during the last ice age, where they helped humans adapt to harsh conditions and food scarcity, which later reflected on metabolic efficiency and the ability to handle age-related stresses.
Post-Ice Age Roots
The origins of the Western European hunters and gatherers date back to just after the last ice age, approximately 9 to 14 thousand years ago, while no link to longevity was found with the rest of the ancient genetic origins.
Multiple Factors Determine Lifespan
The study was published in the GeroScience journal specializing in aging research, where the researchers emphasized that the relationship between these genetic variants and lifespan is associative and not a direct causality. They further explained that genetic factors do not operate in isolation from lifestyle and environment, and possessing this genetic component does not necessarily guarantee a longer lifespan.
