Scientists at the University of Virginia have discovered that as men age, they often lose the Y chromosome in some of their cells. This loss can lead to scarring in the heart, increasing the risk of heart failure.
This new research provides a deeper understanding of why men tend to have shorter lifespans than women. It also offers hope for treatments that could reduce the damage caused by losing this chromosome.
On average, men in the U.S. live about five years less than women. The key genetic difference between men and women is their chromosomes—women have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y. But as men get older, they start losing the Y chromosome in some of their blood cells. By age 70, about 40% of men experience this, with smokers being at higher risk.
Scientists have previously linked Y chromosome loss to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and a shorter lifespan. However, this study is the first to show direct evidence that it can cause harm to the heart.
To explore this, researchers, led by Kenneth Walsh, used advanced gene-editing technology to create mice that mimicked Y chromosome loss in humans. The results were alarming. These mice aged faster, developed more heart scarring (fibrosis), and died earlier than normal mice.
The researchers found that the damage wasn’t just due to inflammation. Instead, losing the Y chromosome triggered a chain reaction in the immune system, leading to widespread tissue scarring.
The same pattern was seen in men. Those with higher levels of Y chromosome loss had a greater risk of heart disease, heart failure, and early death. This suggests that the Y chromosome plays a vital role in protecting the heart and other organs as men age.
But there may be a way to slow down or prevent this damage. Scientists identified a drug called pirfenidone, already approved for treating lung scarring, as a possible treatment. It is also being tested for heart failure and kidney disease, which both involve tissue scarring. If effective, this drug could help reduce the impact of Y chromosome loss and improve men’s health as they age.
Beyond the heart, the researchers believe Y chromosome loss may also affect other organs and contribute to various age-related diseases. Walsh estimates that this genetic change could explain almost four of the five-year lifespan difference between men and women.
This discovery highlights the need to understand how aging-related genetic changes impact health. It also raises questions about how lifestyle choices, like smoking, may speed up Y chromosome loss and increase health risks.
With further research, doctors may be able to develop treatments that slow down this process and help men live longer, healthier lives.
If you care about wellness, please read studies about nutrients that could combat inflammation in older people, and essential foods for healthy aging.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the link between processed foods and chronic diseases, and a simple diet change for a healthier life after 65.
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