Heat May Accelerate Skin Aging

SadaNews - It is well known that heat affects cognitive functions, cardiovascular health, and kidney functions. A growing body of research indicates that exposure to high temperatures also accelerates the aging process of the body, according to a publication by Live Science.

Results from a German study published in 2023 in the journal Environment International suggest that rising air temperatures are linked to faster aging at the cellular level. The study revealed that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the body to age faster than its chronological age, a phenomenon known as "epigenetic aging acceleration."

DNA Changes

When scientists talk about epigenetic age, they measure the body's age at the cellular level, which can differ from actual age by years. This relies on changes in DNA known as "epigenetic marks," which are chemical tags that activate or deactivate genes.

The environment, lifestyle, and stress impact these marks. As a person ages, the pattern of these chemical marks changes, and scientists use this information to create an epigenetic clock, a tool for estimating biological age.

The genes affected by these changes control many vital functions, such as repairing cells and tissues and protecting against toxins. When the wrong genes are activated or deactivated, it can make it difficult for the body to repair itself, combat diseases, or recover from stress.

Over time, these subtle changes can lead to external signs of aging, such as weakened bones or slow healing.

Mechanism of Accelerated Aging

Scientists are now also discovering the biological mechanisms that contribute to early aging. Winley Ni, a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the principal investigator of the German study, stated that exposure to heat can induce changes in DNA methylation, a biological process that affects gene expression and cell functions. She explained that this mechanism "can trigger harmful biological processes and accelerate aging."

Ni added that "exposure to heat can also lead to oxidative stress, causing DNA damage, which can alter DNA methylation patterns and impact aging."

Oxidative damage occurs when unstable molecules called "free radicals" attack the cells. These radicals can damage DNA, cell membranes, and proteins, contributing to aging and the risk of cancer and cardiovascular issues.