A pilot study has revealed for the first time that comprehensive lifestyle changes increase the levels of the enzyme telomerase, vital for maintenance of the telomeres in cells that control cell ageing. These early findings are published in an Article early Online and in the November edition of The Lancet Oncology.
Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes at the end of chromosomes that directly affect how quickly cells age-they protect the ends of chromosomes and help them remain stable. As telomeres become shorter and their structural integrity weakens, cells age and die more quickly. As your telomeres get shorter, your life gets shorter. Telomerase is an enzyme that repairs and lengthens telomeres, which are also vital for maintenance of immune-system cells. Shortening of telomeres is emerging as a marker of disease risk and premature death in many types of cancer, including breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers. Poor lifestyle factors known to promote cancer and cardiovascular disease could also lower telomerase activity, but previous studies have not addressed this.
Dean Ornish and colleagues, from the University of California, carried out a pilot study of 30 men diagnosed with prostate cancer who were asked to make major changes to their lifestyles. These consisted of a 3-day intensive residential retreat, and a diet with only 10% of calories from fat, low in refined sugars, and rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. Their diet was further supplemented with vitamins and fish oil. They also did moderate aerobic exercise, stress management, relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises. Telomerase activity was measured at baseline and again at three months.
The researchers found that levels of telomerase in the blood increased by 29%. Increases in telomerase activity were also associated with decreases in 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol, and decreases in stress. The researchers do not think that these changes are limited to men with prostate cancer, but that these changes could occur in the general population with the same lifestyle changes.
