20230928 Longevity Research Update; Stem Cell Improvement!

Cellular senescence

Cellular senescence is a state of permanent cell cycle arrest that occurs in response to a variety of stimuli, including DNA damage, telomere shortening, and oxidative stress. Senescent cells are metabolically active and can secrete a variety of pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic factors, which can contribute to aging and age-related diseases.

Stemness is the ability of a cell to self-renew and differentiate into different types of cells. Stem cells are essential for tissue development, repair, and regeneration. However, the ability of stem cells to self-renew and differentiate decreases with age.

Cellular senescence and stemness are interconnected in a number of ways.

• Senescent cells can inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells.
• Stem cells can differentiate into senescent cells.
• Senescent cells can accumulate in stem cell niches, displacing stem cells and impairing their function.
• The pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic factors secreted by senescent cells can damage stem cells and impair their function.

PubMed #PMC8323321 is a review article titled "Cellular Senescence and Stemness in Aging and Age-Related Diseases." This article discusses the relationship between cellular senescence and stemness in aging and age-related diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular disease.

The authors of the review article conclude that cellular senescence and stemness are two critical aging-related processes that are interconnected in a number of ways. They also conclude that targeting cellular senescence and/or stemness could be a promising therapeutic approach for age-related diseases.

Here are some specific examples of how cellular senescence and stemness are interconnected:

• Senescent cells can inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells by secreting pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic factors.
• Stem cells can differentiate into senescent cells in response to DNA damage, telomere shortening, and oxidative stress.
• Senescent cells can accumulate in stem cell niches, displacing stem cells and impairing their function.
• The pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic factors secreted by senescent cells can damage stem cells and impair their function.

This interconnectedness between cellular senescence and stemness can contribute to the decline in stem cell function and tissue regenerative capacity observed with aging.

Researchers are developing therapies targeting cellular senescence and/or stemness to improve tissue function and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.

Pterostilbene

Pterostilbene is a stilbene polyphenol found in grapes, blueberries, and other fruits and vegetables. It is also found in lower concentrations in olive oil and cacao.

Olive oil and cacao are both excellent sources of polyphenols, but pterostilbene has a higher concentration of polyphenols than either. Pterostilbene is one of the world's most concentrated sources of polyphenols.

Here is a comparison of the polyphenol content of pterostilbene, olive oil, and cacao:

| Food | Polyphenol content per 100 grams | |---|---|---| | Pterostilbene | 100-200 milligrams | | Olive oil | 20-50 milligrams | | Cacao | 50-100 milligrams |

Food	Polyphenol content (milligrams per 100 grams)
Pterostilbene	100-200
Olive oil	20-50
Cacao	50-100

It is important to note that the polyphenol content of foods can vary depending on the variety of food, the growing conditions, and the processing methods used. For example, extra virgin olive oil has a higher polyphenol content than refined olive oil.

Despite its high polyphenol content, pterostilbene is less well-known than olive oil and cacao. However, it is gaining popularity as a dietary supplement because of its potential health benefits.

Pterostilbene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. It is also being studied for its potential to improve cognitive function and protect against heart disease.

If you are looking for a good source of polyphenols, pterostilbene is a good option. However, talking to your doctor before taking any dietary supplements, including pterostilbene, is essential.

Stem cell's importance for longevity

Stem cells are essential for longevity because they have the potential to repair damaged tissues and organs. As we age, our cells become damaged and less efficient. This can lead to a variety of age-related diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Stem cells can be used to replace damaged cells and help to keep tissues and organs healthy.

There are two main types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos and have the potential to develop into any cell in the body. Adult stem cells are found in various tissues and organs throughout the body. They are more specialized than embryonic stem cells, but they can still develop into a variety of different cell types.

Stem cells are being used in a variety of ways to study and treat age-related diseases. For example, stem cells are being used to develop new drugs and therapies that can help to protect and repair cells from damage. Stem cells are also being used to develop new treatments for age-related diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Here are some specific examples of how stem cells are being used to promote longevity:

• Stem cells are being used to develop new drugs that can help to protect the heart from damage.
• Stem cells are being used to develop new therapies that can help to repair spinal cord injuries.
• Stem cells are being used to develop new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
• Stem cells are being used to develop new treatments for Parkinson's disease.
• Stem cells are being used to develop new treatments for cancer.

Stem cell research is still in its early stages, but it can potentially revolutionize how we treat age-related diseases. By understanding how to harness the power of stem cells, we can extend the human lifespan and improve the quality of life for older adults.

Bing Prompt: 
What research study was done to determine if a higher consumption of flavinoids will assist the renewal of stem cells in the brain? I heard a rumor. 

Response: I found a study published by Total Stem Cell on April 10, 2023, which suggests that cacao has the potential to positively impact stem cells and tissue regeneration ¹. The study explains that cacao contains compounds like epicatechin, which has been linked to increased angiogenesis - the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. The angiogenesis process stimulated by epicatechin is necessary for the regeneration of tissues and general well-being. A study conducted at California State Polytechnic University demonstrated that epicatechin-rich cocoa extract significantly increased capillary density in mice after just two weeks of treatment. The researchers found that this increase was due to a boost in stem cell production within the body, leading to an enhanced ability for tissues to repair themselves ¹. 

Another article by Dr. William Li on his website states that cacao has been shown to improve stem cell function ³. At the University of California, San Francisco, researchers explored whether a chocolate drink made with cocoa containing high levels of flavanols could influence stem cells and blood vessel health ³.

While these studies suggest that cacao may have a positive impact on stem cells, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between cacao and stem cells. If you have any other questions or if there is anything else I can help you with, please let me know.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 9/30/2023

(1) Cacao Stem Cells: Boost Your Healing with Chocolate Power. https://totalstemcell.com/news_posts/cacao-stem-cells/.

(2) Health Benefits of Cacao – Dr William Li. https://drwilliamli.com/health-benefits-of-cacao/.

(3) Dark Chocolate (Cacao) and Stem Cell Regeneration. https://www.brownleeglobal.com/dark-chocolate-cacoa-and-stem-cell-regeneration/.

(4) 6 Foods That Help Regenerate Stem Cells - OOTHY™. https://www.oothy.com/6-foods-will-help-regenerate-stems-cells/.

(5) Dark Chocolate and Stem Cells: The Hidden Truth Big Pharma Never Told .... https://althealthworks.com/holistic-doctor-shares-this-ancient-healing-food-helps-your-body-recruit-stem-cells-to-regenerate-itself-from-the-inside-out/.