A paper published Thursday in the Journal of Science presents a new study that brings new discoveries to the table. Previously, scientists thought that when men lost their Y chromosomes it was just another sign of aging. However, scientists now know that the loss of Y chromosomes is much more significant than graying hair or wrinkled skin; it heightens a man’s risk for heart failure.
Scientists genetically modified mice to lose their Y chromosomes over time and closely monitored what happened afterward. When the Y chromosomes left the mice’s blood cells, scar tissue immediately built up around the heart resulting in a much higher chance of heart failure and a shorter life span.
Since losing Y chromosomes and the mice’s life spans had a direct association, scientists believe this happens to men, too. These new theories seem to align with previous studies on how increased risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer related to the loss of the Y chromosome. The loss of Y could even account for some of the difference between the life spans of men and women, the science study authors say.
Scientists and researchers worldwide were very impressed with the work this team of scientists has done. “The authors really nailed it here,” said Dr. Ross Levine, the deputy physician in chief for translational research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “It’s super important work.”
At least 40 percent of males lose the Y chromosome from some of their blood cells by age 70, and by age 93, at least 57 percent have lost some of it. Continuing to study this topic has the potential to revolutionize male healthcare.
Scientists genetically modified mice to lose their Y chromosomes over time and closely monitored what happened afterward. When the Y chromosomes left the mice’s blood cells, scar tissue immediately built up around the heart resulting in a much higher chance of heart failure and a shorter life span.
Since losing Y chromosomes and the mice’s life spans had a direct association, scientists believe this happens to men, too. These new theories seem to align with previous studies on how increased risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer related to the loss of the Y chromosome. The loss of Y could even account for some of the difference between the life spans of men and women, the science study authors say.
Scientists and researchers worldwide were very impressed with the work this team of scientists has done. “The authors really nailed it here,” said Dr. Ross Levine, the deputy physician in chief for translational research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “It’s super important work.”
At least 40 percent of males lose the Y chromosome from some of their blood cells by age 70, and by age 93, at least 57 percent have lost some of it. Continuing to study this topic has the potential to revolutionize male healthcare.
