Maria Branyas Morera: A Study of Longevity

Maria Branyas Morera, the woman who lived to the age of 117, has become the focus of a new study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine. Her life was marked by a combination of genetic luck and a healthy diet, making her a subject of interest for researchers in the field of aging biology.

Genetic Luck and Diet

Maria lived in a small town in the Catalonia region of Spain, where she enjoyed reading books, playing with dogs, and spending time with family and friends. Her diet included daily consumption of yogurt, which is believed to have contributed to her exceptional health. She maintained good health despite having short telomeres, which are parts of DNA that decrease with age.

The study on Maria showed that telomere loss is not necessarily linked to diseases but is merely a sign of aging. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding how aging can occur without disease.

Genes and Their Relation to Longevity

The study revealed that Maria had genes that protected her from heart disease, memory loss, and diabetes. Additionally, she did not have any genes associated with an increased risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s. This genetic luck played a significant role in her long and healthy life.

Analysis of her genes showed the presence of genetic variants similar to those found in other long-lived organisms, such as dogs, worms, and flies. This suggests that certain genes may be responsible for longevity across different species.

Inflammation and the Immune System

Maria had low levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol and high levels of ‘good’ cholesterol, indicating efficient fat metabolism. Her inflammation markers were low, suggesting a strong immune system. At the age of 113, Maria was the oldest person in Spain to contract and survive COVID-19.

Researchers believe that low inflammation levels may be linked to her good gut health, as she had high levels of beneficial Bifidobacterium bacteria, possibly increased by her daily yogurt intake.

Conclusion

This study highlights how genes and lifestyle impact longevity. While Maria was fortunate in the ‘genetic lottery,’ her healthy lifestyle played an important role. The findings suggest that longevity is not just a result of genetic luck but a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Future research could leverage these discoveries to help people live longer, healthier lives.