Speed of ageing can be determined by the quantity of birthmarks
The quantity of birthmarks on a body of the person can be the good indicator of organism ageing processes speed, believe British scientists.
According to their data, the number of birthmarks is proportional to telomeres’ length - fragments of chromosomes which are reduced with each cell division.
In the research conducted by the experts of the Royal College of London participated 900 pairs of twins. Scientists counted the birthmarks on bodies of the participants, and measured the length of chromosome telomeres in their cells.
Telomeres - are fragments of chromosomes which do not carry any hereditary information. Their main function is DNA protection from deformations and damages. The length of telomere has been recognized as the main indicator of ageing of an organism when scientists proved, that these parts of chromosomes are reduced with each cell division.
Conclusions of the scientists are rather unexpected, as until recently the main feature of the people with numerous birthmarks was their susceptibility to skin cancer - skin melanoma.
According to the leading author of the research, Doctor Veronik Batay, insignificant risk of malignant tumor growth connected to numerous birthmarks, is compensated by smaller susceptibility to age diseases - illnesses of heart, osteoporosis, etc. However, recognizes Batay, all these assumptions should be confirmed with additional researches.