Researchers discovered that as men grow older, they increasingly lose cells with the Y chromosome. This piece of genetic material plays an important role in the male body. The loss happens slowly in a growing number of cells and is linked to serious health problems.
Studies show that the disappearance of the Y chromosome is more common in men with heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's. Scientists suspect that these cells without a Y chromosome multiply more rapidly and thus disrupt the functioning of the body. As a result, diseases can develop more quickly and shorten life.
The Y chromosome is a small part of our genes, but turns out to be crucial for health at a later age. This provides a better insight into why men live shorter lives on average than women. It can also help in developing new treatments against age-related diseases.
For anyone who wants to age healthily, it is important to know that genetic changes such as the loss of the Y chromosome play a major role. Through further research, we may learn how to potentially slow down or counteract this process.
Source: Original article
