Just imagine proteins, also known as building blocks of our body, are gender-specific and responsible for shorter lifespans in men if in excess of quantity. This makes us wonder how such a thing is possible, yet it does happen.
The two crucial amino acids responsible for the functioning of the brain, metabolism, and hormones are phenylalanine and tyrosine.
Phenylalanine is a precursor for the synthesis of tyrosine, which is then used to synthesize the neurotransmitters 'dopamine and norepinephrine’ by converting phenylalanine into tyrosine.
Neurotransmitter: A chemical messenger that transfers nerve signals from one nerve cell to the target cell via synapses.
Dopamine: regulates the reward center (mood, motivation, and happiness).
Norepinephrine: fight-or-flight response.
A huge-scale study led by scientists from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia, covering more than 270,000 people, has shown a shorter lifespan link with high phenylalanine and tyrosine protein, and elevated tyrosine levels potentially decrease the life expectancy of men by a couple of years while having no remarkable effects on women.
Study
They primarily focus on examining the links between the concentration of tyrosine and phenylalanine in the blood and predicted lifespan and death. They also measure genetic association to determine whether the investigation might go beyond hypothesis.
The study reveals that higher tyrosine alone is associated with the shortened lifespan in men by nearly one year; this pattern was not observed in female lifespan, and they also found tyrosine may be independently accountable for it.
Researchers also suggest males have a higher concentration of tyrosine than females. Additionally, the difference may lead to differences in longevity between genders. Although the finding did not make a specific claim, tyrosine alone is liable for the gap.
Tyrosine and lifespan
However, scientists could not pinpoint exactly why higher tyrosine levels are associated with a shorter lifespan. This may possibly be due to insulin resistance, which is a cause of many diseases associated with diabetes with age and provides a link between tyrosine and longevity.
Tyrosine also helps the body to make neurotransmitters known as catecholamines (dopamine and norepinephrine) that involve stress response; however, signaling pathways may function differently in men and women, which may help elucidate why apparent lifespan affects only men.
However, what the researchers are claiming might be a hypothesis and will require further investigation.
Impacts on tyrosine supplements
Tyrosine is sold as a dietary supplement and is a conditionally essential amino acid; however, recent studies warn about the consequences of high tyrosine levels, which can be managed through dietary changes.
However, the study focused on tyrosine concentrations in the blood; it does not confirm that reducing dietary tyrosine intake extends lifespan or improves health. More studies and evidence are require in this regards.
Note: This study also suggests that women’s bodies are less affected by tyrosine; although men and women differ significantly in biological, physical, and emotional terms, the male-biased nature of tyrosine presents an interesting new point of discussion.
What other unique differences are you aware regarding men and female?
MBH/PS