Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 12: A recent study into the molecular biology of aging suggests that human aging is not always gradual; instead, it occurs in two sharp bursts—around age 44 and again near age 60. Researchers tracking 108 adults over several years found that these abrupt changes affect a wide range of biomolecules, including RNA, proteins, lipids, and microbiome taxa from the gut, skin, nasal, and oral regions.

Geneticist Michael Snyder of Stanford University explained that these two peaks represent dramatic molecular shifts rather than steady progression. The mid-40s surge primarily involves changes linked to lipid, caffeine, and alcohol metabolism, cardiovascular health, and skin and muscle function. The early 60s peak is associated with carbohydrate and caffeine metabolism, cardiovascular disease, skin and muscle health, immune regulation, and kidney function.

While menopause may play a role in women’s mid-40s changes, the study found that men experience similar molecular shifts at the same age, indicating broader underlying biological factors.

The research highlights the complexity of aging, with implications for understanding age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular conditions. The scientists emphasize that more extensive studies across larger populations are needed to unravel the mechanisms driving these sudden accelerations in human aging.