This article is reproduced from the "Medical Novi" WeChat public account.
As the pace of life accelerates, people's pressure is also getting bigger and bigger. Early studies have shown that stress can lead to hair loss, gray hair, obesity and other hazards. Long-term stress can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety. Not only that, but stress can also suppress immune function, weaken resistance, and even promote tumor growth.
Recently, researchers at Yale University in the United States published a research paper entitled "Psychological and biological resilience modulates the effects of stress on epigenetic aging" in translational Psychiatry.
The study shows that stress accelerates aging, however, these adverse consequences of stress can be minimized by strengthening mood regulation and self-control.
In recent years, scientists have found ways to measure the age of organisms by tracking chemical changes in DNA. Chemical changes in DNA occur naturally with age, but occur at different times in different populations. It turns out that these so-called "epigenetic clocks" predict longevity and health more than actual age.
The GrimAge clock, an epigenetic clock, is designed to predict an individual's remaining lifespan based on the methylation patterns of cells.
In the study, the researchers recruited 444 participants between the ages of 19-50, who provided blood samples used to assess age-related chemical changes captured by GrimAge, as well as other health markers, and also answered questions aimed at revealing stress levels and psychological resilience.
The study found that those who scored high on chronic stress-related indicators showed accelerated aging markers and physiological changes, such as increased insulin resistance.
Stress is associated with GrimAge acceleration
Surprisingly, stress doesn't have the same effect on everyone's health.
Participants who scored high on mood regulation and self-control were more resilient to the effects of stress on aging and insulin resistance, respectively.
Psychological resilience factors mitigate the effects of stress on GrimAge acceleration
The study suggests that stress does accelerate aging, but they also suggest a promising way to minimize these adverse consequences of stress by strengthening emotional regulation and self-control.
The researchers said the more psychologically resilient the participants were, the more likely they were to live longer and healthier lives.
So, just like taking control of your own destiny, it's still important to control your emotions.
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