We live in an age of incredible scientific discovery, especially in the human biological sciences. Although new research into the field of anti-aging appears in scientific journals on a regular basis, we find ourselves on the cutting edge of a new understanding that may unlock the keys to life extension. In fact, the integration of this new research is the foundation of a new understanding we call: “Extended Longevity”.

 

Aging is a universal feature of life, ranging from unicellular micro-organisms to humans. Longevity depends on the maintenance of cellular functionality, and on the organism’s ability to respond to stress.  Lifespan is also regulated by genes controlling the activity of metabolism, antioxidant systems, DNA repair, cellular senescence, and cell death. Their functions gradually decline due to random errors in DNA replication and damage to macromolecules, which leads to the accumulation of senescent cells and damaged tissue with age. Various signs of aging have also been linked to genomic instability, and have indicated the role of DNA damage accumulation in the aging process and the development of age-related diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and the auto-immune diseases.

 

Although aging is common among almost all multicellular organisms, there are exceptions. The existence of species with an observable extended time-dependent functional decline, termed ‘negligible senescence’, suggests that the aging process can be affected by both internal and external conditions, which may lead to a modification of the aging process. 

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There is now a broad scientific consensus that aging is primarily a degenerative process that is controlled by time-sequenced internal biological clocks, whose effects are felt as we age, across the human organism, and by systemic and cellular reactions to internal conditions. For instance, amongst the known biological aging clocks whose organism-wide functionality diminishes with age are:

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• Pineal gland/ Hypothalamus/ Pituitary/ SCN axis; 

• Production of NAD (essential in the production of     ATP, the energy-releasing molecule);

• Thymic involution; 

• Blood transcription signaling,

• Telomere attrition; and 

• Epigenetic cytosine methylation.

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Systemic mechanisms indicated as sources in the regulation of aging include:

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• Cellular senescence;

• Stem cell exhaustion; and

• Inflammation (and its effect on aging, the so-called "inflammaging" process).

 

The role of cellular and systemic mechanisms in aging-associated diseases can be defined as a state of progressive functional decline accompanied by an increase in mortality.

 

Evidence shows the contribution of cellular senescence to age-related tissue dysfunction. Eliminating senescent cells has shown potential in resolving age-related disorders, which may increase lifespan. Because of a senescent associated secretory phenotype (SASP), senescent cells are capable of coordinating distinct non-cell systemic responses that disrupt tissue homeostasis. The links between cellular senescence, inflammation and stem cell exhaustion reflect the link between different determinant factors of human longevity and how multiple physiological factors coordinate the onset of age-related functional decline.

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Inflammation is a defense response of our body to hazardous stimuli. The inflammatory response is the main cause of a vast continuum of age-related disorders. Chronic inflammation, caused by low-grade persistent inflammation, leads to tissue degeneration and is a contributor to various age-related pathologies and natural processes in aging tissue. One of the major changes that occur during aging is the dis-regulation of the immune response, leading to a chronic systemic inflammatory state. Among pro-inflammatory mediators, cytokines and chemokines are major targets in the development of chronic inflammation and the immunosenescence process.

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Research has determined that a "resting" of the Pineal gland function by supplementation of melatonin, rejuvenates the Pineal.  The pineal gland regulates the cyclic production of the hormones of our body by producing melatonin, and as we age it produces less and less. Melatonin has been known to significantly reduce the oxidative stress burden of aging cells or cells exposed to toxins. As melatonin levels drop, we begin to exhibit signs of aging, because the pineal gland aging clock breaks down. When this happens, it signals other parts of the body that it is time to age.

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It is scientifically well known that from the age of thirty our Thymus gland, which is responsible for producing immune resistant T-cells, begins to involute and by the age of 65, most of the Thymus has been replaced by adipose fat, with consequent loss of immune function.

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Telomeres are the protective caps found at the ends of your chromosomes that protect our genetic information during cellular division. For our bodies to heal and function properly, cells must divide to produce new cells to replace old, worn-out cells. Telomeres allow our cells to divide without damaging or scrambling the cells’ genetic information. Telomeres are like the plastic tips on shoelaces, as they keep the chromosome ends from tangling and fraying. When we are born, our telomeres are at their longest. With every cell division throughout the course of our life, our telomeres lose a bit of their DNA. With age and accumulated exposures to various sources of oxidative stress throughout our lifetimes, telomeres gradually shorten, until the cell cannot replicate. This shortening process acts as an aging clock counting down the remaining life of the cell. At a certain point, chromosomes in the cell reach a critical length and can no longer be replicated. This can now be reversed. The longer the Telomere, the longer the cell life.

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In other research, through experimentation with heterochronic parabiosis, a young and old animal are surgically connected to share a common blood circulation, it was discovered that there were age-related signaling molecules circulating in the blood that told all of the body's 100 trillion cells to age.  It was also discovered that this process can be reversed.

 

Aging is a continuation of a timed growth development program evolving into a phase of late-life self-annihilation. The body adapts to a variety of environmental stresses.  These stresses may affect the adaptive responses of specific cellular processes and create resistive strengthening leading to increased longevity.  The tendency of the organism to rebalance toward homeostasis is a biological response to both environmental and internal organic conditions that are determined by behavioral processes such as diet, stress, and activity, but can also be affected by certain drugs and/or herbal interventions.

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*None of these statements have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are the opinion of Extended Longevity, Inc.  They are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and they are not intended as medical advice.  They are intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Extended Longevity, Inc.  Extended Longevity, Inc. encourages you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

 

All material provided from Extended Longevity is for informational or educational purposes only. Consult a physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition. The instructions and advice presented from Extended Longevity are in no way intended as medical advice or a substitute for medical counseling. The information should be used in conjunction with the guidance and care of your physician. Consult your physician before beginning this program. Your physician should be aware of all medical conditions you may have, as well as medications and supplements you are taking. If you are on diuretics or diabetes medication, have liver or gallbladder disease, take medications, or have other health concerns, please proceed only under a doctor’s supervision. This program should not be used by patients on dialysis or by women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive.