Mar 26, 2026
3 min read
In an article published in the journal Cell, a team of Chinese researchers analyzed the proteins found in the human body at different ages.Analyzing the components, they noticed that at the age of 50, tissues and organs begin to age.
We develop rapidly, go through a period of stability in adulthood, and around age fifty, we begin to age.According to a 2025 study published in the journal Cell and conducted by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this represents a turning point in the accelerated aging process in humans.The researchers analyzed the proteins present in the body of people of different ages and observed the rapid deterioration of tissues and organs.Blood vessels are also one of the fastest aging components.
We read in the article: "Based on protein changes associated with aging, we developed age-specific proteomic clocks and identified aging trajectories at the organ level."He continued: "Temporal analysis revealed an inflection point in aging at age 50, with blood vessels being a tissue that ages prematurely and is particularly susceptible to aging."
Humans certainly have a long lifespan compared to other mammals.However, this comes with some risks, including a greater likelihood of decreased organ function and chronic disease.The choice to study changes in proteins over time in organs stems from the fact that the mechanisms of aging in each organ are not yet fully understood.
Sample collection, analysis and results: how the research was conducted
For the research, blood and tissue samples were taken from 76 organ donors between the ages of 14 and 68 who died accidentally due to a head injury.The 516 samples analyzed - from 13 different tissues - covered seven body systems: cardiovascular (heart and aorta), digestive (liver, pancreas and intestine), immune system (spleen and lymph nodes), endocrine (adrenal and white adipose tissue), respiratory organs (lungs), internal organs (skin) and musculoskeletal system.
Experts list the proteins in each system, paying attention to the difference in their levels with the age of the donor."We identified proteins that were enriched and enriched in certain tissues - group transcription - and those that were common to all tissues, important for basic biological functions."The researchers compared the results to a database of diseases and their associated genes, and found that the expression of 48 proteins associated with certain diseases increases with age.
Among them were heart disease, muscle fibrosis, hepatic steatosis and liver tumors.A noticeable change was observed between the ages of 45 and 55: in this type, most tissues have a significant proteomic remodeling, a change that is more visible in the aorta level, which shows its sensitivity to aging.The nose also showed permanent changes, as did the pancreas, a digestive organ that produces enzymes and hormones needed to break down and absorb nutrients from food.
To confirm the findings, the researchers isolated the protein binding in the throats of aging mice and infused it into young samples to observe its effects.Treated animals showed impaired physical performance, with lower strength, endurance, and balance and coordination compared to untreated mice.Obvious signs of vascular aging also appeared.Evidence suggests that genetic factors play a role in healthy aging.
Compare with other studies and hope to improve the health of the elderly
The Chinese are not the first to attempt to scientifically explain human aging.Previous research by an American group identified two different peaks: around age 44 and around age 60.The first are molecular changes associated with fat, caffeine, and alcohol metabolism, as well as cardiovascular disease, skin, and muscle changes.Second, there are changes in the metabolism of carbohydrates and caffeine, changes in the cardiovascular system, skin and muscles, immune regulation, and kidney function related to vascular diseases.
"Our study - the scientists will explain - aims to build a comprehensive multi-tissue proteomic atlas spanning 50 years of the entire human aging process, elucidating the mechanisms underlying the imbalance of proteostasis in aging organs and revealing the universal and specific patterns of tissue aging."The hope is that they will facilitate "the development of targeted interventions for aging and age-related diseases, which paves the way for improving the health of older adults."
