Geneticist: ‘Latinos Age More Slowly At The Molecular Level’
- 8 years ago
A new UCLA study has found that Latinos age more slowly based on blood biomarkers and epigenetics.
New research from UCLA has identified a major ethnic group which appears to age more slowly than others.
As the paper’s lead author, Steve Horvath, states in a press release, “Latinos live longer than Caucasians, despite experiencing higher rates of diabetes and other diseases…”
He goes on to say this study helps to explain the phenomenon “by demonstrating that Latinos age more slowly at the molecular level.”
For the research, he and his team analyzed the DNA of almost 6,000 people across seven different ethnic categories.
They focused on various biomarkers in addition to epigenetics which involves a shift in DNA at the molecular level.
The researchers eventually found slower aging in the blood of Latinos which they believe “helps neutralize their higher health risks, particularly those related to obesity and inflammation.”
Only one group performed better in their analysis--an indigenous population based in Bolivia called the Tsimane.
Researchers believe their lack of chronic diseases could be due to a similar molecular advantage.
Overall, Horvath says, “Our findings strongly suggest that genetic or environmental factors linked to ethnicity may influence how quickly a person ages and how long they live.”
New research from UCLA has identified a major ethnic group which appears to age more slowly than others.
As the paper’s lead author, Steve Horvath, states in a press release, “Latinos live longer than Caucasians, despite experiencing higher rates of diabetes and other diseases…”
He goes on to say this study helps to explain the phenomenon “by demonstrating that Latinos age more slowly at the molecular level.”
For the research, he and his team analyzed the DNA of almost 6,000 people across seven different ethnic categories.
They focused on various biomarkers in addition to epigenetics which involves a shift in DNA at the molecular level.
The researchers eventually found slower aging in the blood of Latinos which they believe “helps neutralize their higher health risks, particularly those related to obesity and inflammation.”
Only one group performed better in their analysis--an indigenous population based in Bolivia called the Tsimane.
Researchers believe their lack of chronic diseases could be due to a similar molecular advantage.
Overall, Horvath says, “Our findings strongly suggest that genetic or environmental factors linked to ethnicity may influence how quickly a person ages and how long they live.”