Chinese researchers have discovered that men and women age differently, with major changes occurring at distinct ages

A study conducted in China shows that men and women age along different trajectories, with the most important changes observed in men between the ages of 35 and 45, and in women between 55 and 65, during menopause.

Researchers from the China National Center for Bioinformation, the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other institutions analyzed medical data from more than 104,000 people aged between 18 and 98. A total of 172 criteria, including weight, cholesterol and blood glucose, were assessed to build “aging clocks.”

In men, the critical stage was associated with increases in body mass index, triglycerides and cholesterol. In women, hormonal changes during menopause were accompanied by fat accumulation and increased cholesterol levels.

Glucose, lipids, uric acid and the CEA and HE4 markers accumulated with age and were correlated with accelerated biological aging. Cell experiments suggested that these factors may directly contribute to senescence.

However, the researchers observed that some effects can be reduced through blood glucose control and improved nutrition. Metformin protected vascular cells, while a lower-fat diet improved liver aging in mice.}