New Study Links Stress-Induced DNA Damage to Accelerated Aging
A recent study from the University of Minnesota Medical School, published in Nature Aging, reveals a connection between social and psychological stress and accelerated aging, SciTech Daily reported yesterday.
Researchers found that exposure to social stressors damages DNA and induces cellular senescence in brain neurons, particularly in the hippocampus and cortex.
The study highlights how social stress can directly contribute to the aging process, providing crucial insights into the biological mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Senior author Alessandro Bartolomucci, PhD, emphasized the significance of understanding how life stress, particularly in low socioeconomic contexts, adversely affects health and aging.
This groundbreaking research marks a pivotal step in identifying the causal mechanisms linking stress to aging. Future investigations will delve deeper into the interconnected biological processes involved and explore potential protective strategies against the negative health impacts of stress on aging. The findings underscore the importance of addressing social determinants of health to mitigate their effects on aging.