Aging: the long road to longevity

The first way: what to do with the help of the health personnel

Genetic tests

The mapping of the human genome has recently been completed, leading to the identification of about 35,000 genes. Thanks to the work of geneticists it has been found that in many cases there are no specific genes for certain diseases. For example, there is no gene that causes cancer. breast, just as there is no one responsible for Alzheimer's disease.

Instead, there are genes that increase the risk of developing these diseases, especially when leading the wrong lifestyles. To understand on which modifiable risk factor it is necessary to intervene, it is necessary to know the gene involved in the predisposition to the disease. The assistance of a geneticist is essential to identify this gene and establish the most suitable therapeutic and behavioral strategies. Let's see some examples.
The cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genes encode a number of proteins that help neutralize toxins in the liver. The mutation of one of these genes, called C17, in a female individual, is accompanied by an increased risk of developing breast cancer or osteoporosis. Since high levels of estrogen promote the development of breast cancer, a A woman with a C17 gene mutation should avoid estrogen therapy. At the same time, to prevent osteoporosis she should participate in sports such as dancing or jogging, take calcium and vitamin D supplements and increase exposure to sunlight. .
Some mutations in the 1A1 gene, also belonging to the CYP450 gene family, can make people more susceptible to developing lung cancer. Obviously, individuals diagnosed with this alteration should stay particularly away from active and passive smoking.

Early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and cancers

In many industrialized countries, cardiovascular diseases are a social scourge of primary importance, so much so that they represent the main cause of death. Early diagnosis plays a vital role in the prevention of these disorders.

To identify patients at risk, traditional blood tests, based on the control of total cholesterol, of the various lipoproteins, triglycerides, etc. they are often insufficient. For this reason they should be accompanied by the monitoring of other substances, such as homocysteine, C reactive protein (CRP) and apolipoprotein A1. It must also be considered that many reference values used by the testing laboratories are inadequate. Total cholesterol levels , for example, they are considered acceptable if lower than 200 mg / dl, when to be optimal they should be between 130 and 160 mg / dl.
Atherosclerosis - a disease caused by the formation of plaques of lipid, protein and fibrous material in the arteries - until a few years ago was mainly investigated through arterial catheterization, ie by introducing a small catheter into a main vessel until reaching the desired district. Today it is possible to carry out these investigations using non-invasive tests (they do not involve the insertion of the catheter) which make use of magnetic resonance or particular ultrasound techniques.
Cancers are the second leading cause of death and therefore represent one of the greatest challenges in recent years. But even before therapeutic interventions, today more than ever, prevention plays a fundamental role to say the least. In fact, there are several specific tests capable of identifying tumors at an early stage, that is, when they are easily removable. Among the many, the DR-70 test should be noted, which is able to identify different types of cancer early with a small blood sample.

Hormonal therapies

High hormone levels are the prerogative of youth, just as a decline in these values is a characteristic sign of "aging. The decline begins around thirty", initially almost imperceptibly, then, with the passing of the years, more and more evident . By restoring the high hormone levels that characterize their youth years, many in their 50s can enjoy extensive benefits in their work, social and sexual spheres. The best known anti-aging hormones are estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and growth hormone (hGH).
The efficacy and safety of hormonal therapies involves the administration of only the hormones for which a real deficiency has been demonstrated. The indiscriminate use of these substances, common in many athletes, would in fact have rather serious long-term side effects.