Research on the blood of exceptionally long-lived individuals, known as “superagers,” has uncovered intriguing differences that may hold the key to extending human lifespan. Centenarians, who live to be 100, and supercentenarians, who reach 110, possess unique blood profiles that set them apart from the general population. Understanding these distinctions could provide insights into how the rest of us might lead longer, healthier lives.
Emerging evidence indicates that favorable biomarkers in the blood of centenarians can begin appearing as early as the age of 65. While the precise mechanisms remain unclear, these blood signatures may offer protective benefits against age-related diseases. This suggests potential avenues for future research aimed at promoting longevity.
In a significant study conducted earlier this year, researchers in Spain analyzed the blood of Maria Branyas, a supercentenarian who celebrated her 117th birthday. The findings revealed several markers indicative of a healthy immune system and notably low levels of “bad” cholesterol. The researchers noted that her cells exhibited characteristics typical of much younger individuals.
Interestingly, the researchers observed a considerable erosion in Branyas’ telomeres—the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Shorter telomeres are often linked to an increased risk of mortality. However, recent investigations suggest that for the oldest individuals, telomeres may not serve as reliable indicators of aging. In Branyas’ case, her shortened telomeres might have actually provided a protective advantage, potentially hindering the proliferation of cancerous cells.
“The picture that emerges from our study, although derived only from this one exceptional individual, shows that extremely advanced age and poor health are not intrinsically linked,” wrote researchers Eloy Santos-Pujol and Aleix Noguera-Castells in their analysis.
As the world sees a growing number of individuals surpassing the age of 100, the scientific community is increasingly focusing on centenarians. Blood analysis has become a prominent area of research. A recent study from China, published in July, examined the blood profiles of 65 centenarians. The results showed that these individuals had lower levels of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and other metabolites when compared to older and middle-aged participants. The authors believe these differences could serve as vital clues for predicting human lifespan.
“Our findings will aid in understanding the metabolic regulation of longevity and may promote the clinical practice of gerontology in the future,” the researchers stated. They emphasized that the plasma metabolic profiles of centenarians diverged significantly from those of younger populations.
The bloodstream appears to be a crucial pathway for understanding health and longevity. Recent research has even explored how the transfusion of young blood can reverse aging in human skin cells. Despite the promising nature of blood metabolomics, the complexity of blood remains a challenge. While identifying biomarkers for healthy aging is valuable, interpreting these results is a nuanced task. Currently, no single blood test can reliably forecast an individual’s lifespan based solely on their blood composition.
Moreover, lifestyle, genetics, and unpredictable factors also play significant roles in determining longevity. Nevertheless, the blood of superagers may help identify individuals who are at risk for early mortality. A study set to be published in November 2024 analyzed hundreds of metabolites from blood samples collected from around 5,000 individuals aged between 18 and 110. The research highlighted a unique signature associated with extreme longevity, suggesting that essential fatty acids might connect lipids with other metabolic processes.
Many metabolites linked to aging are associated with nutrition, indicating that dietary choices could be pivotal in aging healthily. Branyas, for instance, maintained a Mediterranean diet rich in yogurt, which researchers speculate may have contributed to her exceptional longevity.
While genetic factors undeniably influence lifespan, they are not determinative. Environment and lifestyle choices also significantly impact how long individuals live. Researchers continue to express hope that studies focusing on centenarians and supercentenarians will eventually lead to drug or lifestyle interventions that could benefit a wider population, enhancing the quality and duration of life for many.
