Researchers from the University of Virginia have made a groundbreaking discovery that might explain why men often have shorter lifespans compared to women.
Their study found that as many men age, they lose the male sex chromosome (Y chromosome) in some of their cells, which can lead to heart muscle scarring and potentially fatal heart failure.
This chromosome loss could be a key reason why, on average, men die several years earlier than women.
In the United States, for instance, women tend to live about five years longer than men. The researchers believe that the loss of the Y chromosome might account for almost four of these five years.
While women have two X chromosomes, men have one X and one Y chromosome. The loss of the Y chromosome in a percentage of their cells as they age, especially among smokers, has been linked to earlier deaths and diseases like Alzheimer’s.
This new research provides the first solid evidence that losing the Y chromosome directly impacts men’s health.
The team used advanced CRISPR gene-editing technology to create a special mouse model. This helped them understand how losing the Y chromosome in the blood affects health.
They found that this loss speeds up age-related diseases, makes the mice more prone to heart scarring, and leads to earlier death.
The issue wasn’t just inflammation; it involved a complex immune system response causing fibrosis, or tissue scarring, throughout the body.
This internal battle within the immune system might hasten the development of diseases. The researchers also linked Y chromosome loss to heart disease and heart failure in men. As the loss of the chromosome increased, so did the risk of death.
Targeting the effects of Y chromosome loss could, therefore, be a promising strategy to help men live longer and healthier lives. One potential treatment option the team identified is a drug called pirfenidone.
This drug, already approved by the FDA for treating lung scarring, is also being tested for heart failure and chronic kidney disease, conditions characterized by tissue scarring.
The discovery opens up new avenues in understanding men’s health and longevity. For those interested in general health, other research has explored the best times to take vitamins to prevent heart disease and how vitamin D supplements can significantly reduce cancer death.
Additionally, studies have identified certain plant nutrients that could help lower blood pressure and antioxidants that might reduce the risk of dementia.
This significant research by Kenneth Walsh and his team, published in a scientific journal, could pave the way for better, more targeted treatments for men and a deeper understanding of the gender differences in health and lifespan.
If you care about wellness, please read studies about how ultra-processed foods and red meat influence your longevity, and why seafood may boost healthy aging.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
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