Aging and Anti-Aging Research

1. Thank you for Attending! Aging and Anti-Aging Research - An overview of the physiological effects of aging, current anti-aging products & research and population dynamics Dr. Breanna Ryan, Professor of Gerontology, Weston Collegiate Institute

8. "Everyone has assumed we age by rust. But how do you explain animals that don't age? Some tortoises lay eggs at the age of 100, there are whales that live to be 200 and clams that make it past 400 years.“ -Stuart Kim, PhD, Stanford University professor of developmental biology and genetics

9. Physiological Effects Aging is defined as ‘the accumulation of changes in an organism over time.’ Some examples of aging in humans are: decrease in skin elasticity (wrinkling), hair loss, greying of the hair and rate of growth of hair, lower hormone levels, lower immune system capability, relative increase in fat, change in height, changes in body weight, lean body mass decrease and decrease in seeing and hearing. Also, humans, and every cell in the body rely on oxygen to survive. Yet, paradoxically, oxygen also wreaks havoc in the body and may be a primary catalyst for much of the damage we associate with aging.

10. What products/techniques do people use to slow down the aging process? -Caloric Restriction- HGH injections - Botox

11. Caloric Restriction Caloric restriction is agreed by most to be the most effective way to slow aging and to expand life span. In caloric restriction, or fasting, caloric intake is restricted to alternative day fasting, reduced portions, a combination, or a single daily meal.

12. The biochemical reactions in the body that take place when a person is fasting are summarized here: Lowering of body temperatureLowering of protein glycationEnhancement of free radical neutralisation – freeing up more cellular resources forEnhancement of gene reparation – making the cell more efficient for Enhance elimination of damaged cells, andEnhancement of protein turnover [regeneration]Enhancement of immune responseActivation of mono-oxygenase systemsOptimisation of neuroendocrine functions - the hormonal changes are of particular significance to longevity. An increase in the production by the pituitary gland of Growth Hormone (GH) – except in very overweight people, can trigger many anti-aging properties.

13. HGH – Human Growth Hormone InjectionsThe growth hormone is the most abundant hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. According to Anti-Aging Research Laboratories, a 20 year old creates 10 times more HGH than a 60 year old. Also, this decline of hormones accelerates rapidly after the age of 40. The growth hormone impacts body composition, muscle strength and bone strength so a lack of this hormone has serious consequences for elderly people. A supplement of HGH stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor, which comes mainly from the liver. The main benefits of HGH are that it will reduce signs of aging by increasing muscle, decreasing fat and giving people a feeling of well-being and energy

14. Other benefits include: Increased Energy - returning normal levels of hGH can reinvigorate the mind, attitudes, concentration and thinking power, and has an anti-depressive action on the brain. Overall, HGH can have a profound effect in increasing energy and a sense of well-being. Reduce Fat / Cellulite - HGH may be the most effective anti-obesity "agent" ever discovered, GH helps boost metabolism to youthful highs; reducing fat and increasing muscle mass. Gain Strength - Medical studies have proven that positive strength gains occur only while growth hormone is being secreted. Supporting a normal hGH level significantly increases the effects of exercise and muscle building, including energy, muscle strength and endurance. Improve Memory - normal hGH levels stimulate the repair and rejuvenation of brain cells affecting both long- and short-term memory as well as intelligence and hand-eye coordination. Re-Hydrate Skin - retain the glow of youth beyond that achievable with diet and exercise alone. The skin regains thickness and youthful contours, becoming more elastic and hydrated to look visibly younger, usually within a few weeks. Regulate Sleep - normal hGH levels help deep sleep, making you feel more rested in the morning Some find they need less sleep, yet have more energy.Heighten Mood - normal hGH levels act like an antidepressant, raising B-endorphin levels and owering dopamine which causes agitation. hGH can reduce stress, improve concentration and focus, and help to build self-confidence.Supporting normal hGH levels can also strengthen bones, thicken hair, re-color the gray, improve vision, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve digestion, increase oxygen uptake, reverse shrinking of major organs, and help heal wounds.

15. Botox ! Botox is a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridia; one of the most powerful poisons known. When used as a therapeutic tool, however, it becomes relatively benign and is an effective treatment for deep lines. Botox binds irreversibly to neurons in the skin. After this has occurred, acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering muscle contractions, cannot be released. This causes muscle paralysis and over time produces muscle atrophy (a decrease in the mass of the muscle). Complications are generally only minor and include bruising, swelling and in some instances, headaches, neck pain, nausea and eyelid drooping may occur.

16. Telomeres ! Inside the nucleus of a cell, our genes are located on twisted, double-stranded molecules of DNA called chromosomes. At the ends of the chromosomes are stretches of DNA called telomeres, which protect our genetic data, make it possible for cells to divide, and hold some secrets to how we age and get cancer. Every time a cell goes through cell division, though, the telomeres get shorter. When the telomeres get too short, the cells can no longer divide and becomes inactive, or dies. When the cell becomes inactive, it no longer functions and does the job it was supposed to do. This explains why there are many health complications that one goes through with aging, such as dementia. Causal or Effect? Some scientists think that aged chromosomes with shorter telomeres may be associated with symptoms of aging such as wrinkled skin and immune system decline. One example of this is that researchers have found exceptionally short telomeres in people with progeria, a disease that causes young children to age rapidly. There are countless examples of studies that have supported the correlation between short telomeres and short lives, but scientists are not yet sure whether the telomeres are a cause of aging or an effect, like grey hair. There is still some criticism of telomere research. This is because studies have shown that animals like mice and monkeys have longer telomeres than humans but a far shorter life span, which confirms that there is still a lot of research that has to be done in this field. As well, in a study conducted by Dr. Richard Cawthorn it was concluded that telomere length only accounted for 4% of the difference in life spans, and that other important factors play a part in aging, such as oxidative stress and glycation "The data is not there one way or another. Aging results from the interaction of many factors, of which telomeres are only one. Though researchers don't believe in a fountain of youth, the search for clues about aging (and cancer) continues.” - Sheila Stewart, a cancer biologist and telomere researcher at the Whitehead Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

17. Guest Speaker – Dr. Sally Lieu, professor of Population Dynamics Population Dynamics - Overpopulation can lead to: Ø  resources get used up faster than they can be replaced Ø  creating enormous economic pressures at home while the standard of living plummets throughout the rest of the world Ø  depleting our natural resources; our forests, fisheries, range, lands, croplands, and plant and animal species Ø  Destroying biological diversity on which evolution thrives, this is called the sixth great wave of extinction in the history of life on earth, different from the others in that it is not caused by external events, but by us. Ø  Draining our aquifers and lowering our water tables Ø  Systematically polluting the air, water and soul and consequently our food chain Ø  We are depleting the stratospheric ozone that shields us from the harmful ultraviolet radiation Ø  Thus making us experience symptoms of global warming: heat waves, devastating droughts, dying forests, accelerated species extinction, dying coral reefs, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and intense storms and more rapid spread of diseases

18. Another Viewpoint • Since we’ve been discussing the importance of factors in aging and the scientific concepts, it is beneficial to consider one more viewpoint. In the New England Centenian Study led by Dr.Perls, it was found that more important that telomere length or oxidative stress, lifestyle was the most important factor. He said that one of the most important factors of longevity is “a diet low in fats and salt and high in fruits and vegetables, as well as getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily...” So, to increase your longevity, • Look under your seats!!!!!!