Factors Which Correlate with Natural Longevity III

interfere with PAH activation and/or binding to DNA, thereby reducing the amount of DNA damage done. Rate and accuracy of repair of ultraviolet (UV) light damage to DNA in seven mammalian species’ cultured fibroblasts correlates with maximum species life span. Repair of damage to DNA plays a vital role in retarding aging, although the importance […]

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Our Subversive Free Radicals I

… Spontaneous mutations, cancer, and aging can be looked upon as a result of continuous “internal radiation” while these same processes produced by external radiation are largely the result of an increment in the amount of total “radiation” to which the organism is exposed. —Dr. Denham Harman, originator of the free radical theory of aging […]

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Our Subversive Free Radicals III

Free radicals are intermediates in many normal and necessary metabolic reactions. Thus, all oxygen-using organisms have had to evolve defensive mechanisms against free radicals: The enzymes catalase and peroxidase break down hydrogen peroxide and other peroxides, superoxide dismutase (called SOD) controls the superoxide free radical, and glutathione peroxidase also controls peroxides. Antioxidants such as vitamins […]

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Aging and the Immune System III

Selenium, a mineral, is an important trace element in immune system function. It has been found in experimental animals to act as an anti-carcinogen and anti-mutagen (can prevent DNA mutations—undesired alterations of your DNA master blueprint in the presence of some mutagenic agents). Selenium is an essential part of your enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, which […]

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Molecules of Life and Life Extension: An Introduction to the Cast II

Most vitamins are soluble in either the watery or the fatty tissues of our bodies, but not in both. Vitamins C and B are water soluble; vitamins A, E, D, and K are fat soluble. Both types of vitamins are necessary for health and long life. We have different storage capacities for different vitamins. For […]

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