Depression and Cellular Aging: What’s the Connection?
An exploding branch of research is looking increasingly for genetic implications to conditions like depression, and in so doing they are finding some fascinating links with drivers of cell aging.
A family of genes called the SIRT genes are known to drive cell health and aging by affecting cell metabolism and how the cell can respond to stress (environmental, toxic, mental/emotional stressors that affect downstream hormonal and cellular signalling). There are 7 genes in the SIRT family, called SIRT1-7.
SIRT-1 genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of depression through several pathways. For example, chronic stress has been shown to decrease SIRT-1 activity in specific areas of the brain which may lead to depression-like behaviors (1).
We also know that increases in cellular inflammatory levels are associated with more rapid cellular aging. LPS (lipopolysaccharides) are a group of molecules that are extremely inflammatory to human and animal biology (in fact, they are often used in research studies to induce high levels of inflammation in anti-inflammatory and autoimmune pharmaceutical drug trials). Increased levels of LPS have been found in people suffering from depression, indicating that the pathogenesis of depression extends far beyond our currently available treatment therapies, which only address serotonin (and sometimes dopamine and norepinephrine) neurotransmitter pathways. Elevated LPS will also drive early cellular aging by promoting chronic inflammation, which impairs cellular metabolism and further promotes chronic depression.
Furthermore, the increase in oxidative stress (reactive molecules which cause inflammation and cellular damage) commonly seen in aged cells has been correlated with depression and decreased tolerance to stress. In short, increased cellular damage that occurs with cellular aging, especially in parts of the brain, sets us up to be less resilient to the effects of stress and depression (2).
How Can Reversing Cellular Aging Support a Healthy Mood?
Research increasingly shows that several lifestyle factors including diet and exercise can upregulate SIRT genes, and other important genes relating to cellular health, and can protect against and even reverse cellular aging. Here are some examples:
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting has been shown to upregulate SIRT genes and promote reversal of cell aging. It’s thought that the stress of fasting for a period of time actually upregulates some repair genes and allows the cell to heal damage, rather than focusing on burning and storing energy.
Improving Blood Sugar Levels
The drug metformin has long been used as a relatively safe first-line intervention for type 2 diabetes as it supports the body’s utilization of excess blood glucose. High levels of blood sugar are extremely damaging to the body, especially to our delicate blood vessels, kidneys, and brain. New research and clinical use shows that metformin may actually help reverse cellular aging by upregulating SIRT genes.
Because metformin is available by prescription only it is critical that you discuss this with your doctor first. In the meantime, a healthy plan of diet and exercise is the gold standard for improving and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Plant Based Diet
Consuming high amounts of plants, which are naturally rich in anti-inflammatory and reparative antioxidant compounds, may also preserve cellular age. This is believed to be because these compounds combat inflammation levels and prevent and repair cell damage.
Exercise
Exercise has been shown to affect multiple genetic pathways to improve cellular health and reverse cellular aging. Weight-bearing exercise has been studied for its effects on skeletal muscle, and aerobic exercise for its effects on the cardiovascular system. Interestingly, increasing research is emerging around the effects of exercise on brain health especially in people living with Alzheimer’s disease, a modern hallmark of aging. Exercise is a simple intervention that shows profound benefits on brain health, especially in people living with Alzheimer’s.
In short: making healthy lifestyle choices pays off big time in the form of reversing cellular aging. The benefits here are many and include a happy, stable mood; increasing your energy, focus and clarity; boosting your metabolism; and enjoying a healthier body that looks and feels years younger. It’s not necessary to live with mood issues like depression. Treatment can and should start with the patient taking control back by getting on an individualized diet and lifestyle plan that puts her, and her hopes and goals, at the center of treatment.