In men, the loss of the Y chromosome in an increasing number of body cells as they age may cause serious health problems. This phenomenon, whereby the Y chromosome slowly disappears, was previously seen mainly as a minor genetic abnormality. New research indicates that this loss is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and even Alzheimer's.
The Y chromosome plays an important role in how cells function in men. When cells without this chromosome begin to multiply more rapidly, this can disrupt the normal functioning of the body. This can contribute to the development of age-related diseases that shorten life.
Although the Y chromosome is often associated with sex characteristics, research shows that its loss also affects important biological processes. The research highlights that what first seemed like a harmless genetic alteration may actually be a major factor in age-related ailments.
For people interested in healthy ageing, this finding can help in understanding why some men are at greater risk of severe illnesses as they get older. It potentially offers tools for earlier detection and new treatment methods in the future.
Source: Original article
