PEOPLE with lots of moles are genetically protected from many of the ravages of time, British scientists have discovered.
This means the secret of supermodel Cindy Crawford's ageless allure may be out.
New research suggests those with plenty of moles may not only develop fewer wrinkles in old age, but also have stronger bones and tauter muscles.
Moles or beauty spots -- for which Crawford is famous -- are formed by rapidly dividing cells that start producing dots of dark pigment on children as young as four, but which usually vanish from about the age of 40.
In some people, however, they continue to spread as they grow older, producing a smooth and wrinkle-free complexion that can make a woman look at least seven years younger than her age.
A study of 1200 identical and non-identical female twins, aged 18-79, showed that those with more than 100 moles on their bodies also had tougher bones and were therefore 50 per cent less likely to develop osteoporosis than women with fewer than 25 moles.
The findings, by a team at King's College London, were presented at a meeting of the Royal Society of Medicine last week.
Researchers are now examining whether people with many moles are also protected against other symptoms of ageing, including failing eyesight, and even heart disease. The new evidence contrasts with previous warnings about moles being linked to an increased risk of skin cancer.
People with lots of moles have been found to carry white blood cells with extra long "telomeres" -- the spare ends of chromosomes in each cell that carry the genetic material, allowing it to replicate. The more spare DNA, the greater the potential number of replications before the cell dies.
While the average person has 30-40 tiny moles, some have as many as 400. Those with at least 100 moles make up 10-15 per cent of the white population. Scientists at the department of twin research and genetic epidemiology at King's College believe that extended telomeres may protect not just skin and bones from the effects of ageing, but also muscles, the heart and eyes.
Three genes associated with telomere length and mole development have been identified, although others may be involved.
Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology and head of the twin research department, said the findings on moles had been replicated by a team studying the same phenomenon in Brisbane, and applied as much to men as to women.
"Until recently, everyone had ignored moles," he said. "Most people start losing them around the age of 40, but we now know people who don't age and are baby-faced at 60 are likely to have lots of them."
The link between moles and ageing runs counter to evidence that they cause an increased risk of skin cancer. However, Veronique Bataille, a senior dermatologist leading the King's College research, pointed out that malignant melanoma remains rare.
There is evidence elsewhere that telomere length and the rate of subsequent cell death are associated with well being.
from http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1225958009009
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Originally Posted by Jane Omorogbe from UK MSN on the KTM990SM
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