Aging is an inevitable process, but studies indicate a close connection between it and a decrease in the ability to repair DNA. As a result, DNA damage accumulates over time, which contributes to the development of age-related diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and degenerative diseases.
The good news is: DNA repair capacity can be improved!
Innovative approaches, both medicinal and through lifestyle changes, offer hope for slowing down the aging process and preventing diseases.
Medicinal approaches:
- Antioxidant drugs: These drugs help protect DNA from damage caused by free radicals.
Examples: vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene. A study found that supplementing with vitamin E and vitamin C for a year improved the ability to repair DNA in older people. - Drugs that promote DNA repair: These drugs help cells repair DNA damage more effectively. Examples: Olaparib, Niraparib. One study found that Olaparib treatment for 12 weeks improved DNA repair capacity in patients with ovarian cancer.
- Gene therapy: This treatment focuses on introducing healthy genes into damaged cells. Preliminary studies have shown that gene therapy in children with Werner syndrome, a genetic syndrome that causes accelerated aging, improved the ability to repair DNA.
Lifestyle changes:
- Healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help protect DNA from damage. A study found that people who ate a diet rich in fruits and vegetables for 10 years had less DNA damage compared to people who ate a less healthy diet.
- Regular physical activity: Regular physical activity can help improve DNA repair capacity. A study found that regular physical activity for 12 weeks improved the ability to repair DNA in older people.
- Reducing stress: Chronic stress can damage DNA.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and thus prevent DNA damage.
A study found that practicing meditation for 8 weeks reduced stress levels and improved the ability to repair DNA in older people.
Important to note:
- The information presented in this article does not constitute medical advice.
- Before making decisions regarding innovative treatments, a qualified doctor should be consulted.
- The risks and benefits of each treatment approach must be weighed.
The future:
Intensive research in the field of DNA repair continues, and innovative developments are expected to lead to even more effective treatments.
Cooperation between researchers, doctors and patients will bring about a significant change in our ability to slow down the aging process and improve the quality of our lives over time.
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References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9844150/
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/dna-repair-phenotype-and-dietary-antioxidant-supplementation/ABF9CA9B94170E1F7D2C33DFDBAED00D
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170615213301.htm
