Research uncovers ageing secrets of world’s oldest woman

Scientists have discovered the genetic and lifestyle factors that helped Spanish woman Maria Branyas live to 117, making her the world’s oldest person until her death last year.

Researchers found Ms Branyas’s “exceptional” genes and a “frugal” Mediterranean diet – rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes and olive oil – were the most likely reasons for her longevity.

The study collected samples of blood, saliva and stool from Ms Branyas when she was 116. She showed no sign of dementia and had a biological age 23 years younger than her chronological age.

The research, involving academics from the University of Leicester, also included Prof Manel Esteller of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in Barcelona.

Prof Esteller, who led the team, noted that Ms Branyas did not drink alcohol or smoke and ate three servings of plain, sugar-free yoghurt every day.

“She had an exceptional genome enriched in variants in genes that are associated with enhanced lifespan in other species, such as dogs, worms and flies,” said Prof Esteller.

“At the same time, she was devoid of gene variants associated with the risk of pathologies such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and metabolic disorders.”

Prof Esteller said Ms Branyas carried many gene variants that kept blood lipid levels low, protecting her heart and cognition. Lipids are fat-like substances in blood and tissues that can cause high cholesterol.

Blood tests also revealed her lipid metabolism – how the body processes fats – was among the most efficient ever reported.

“This was related to her frugal diet and genes that quickly metabolised damaging molecules,” Prof Esteller added.

The team said they suspected her daily yoghurt also helped replenish levels of a probiotic called bifidobacterium, which can reduce inflammation and slow ageing.

Prof Esteller approached Prof Salvador Macip, from the division of molecular and cell biology at the University of Leicester, to contribute to the study.

Dr Thong Cao, from the university’s cardiovascular sciences department, worked on plasma samples from Ms Branyas.

He said: “Our role was to use advanced mass spectrometry to study thousands of proteins circulating in the blood of this exceptionally long-lived individual.

“Proteins are the molecular ‘workhorses’ of the body and provide important clues about health and disease.

“By comparing her protein profile with those of other women across different age groups, we could see what was unique about her biology.”

Analysis in Leicester found her blood proteins suggested “a very low level” of inflammation.

Data also showed she had enhanced detoxification and antioxidant responses, suggesting her body had strong mechanisms to counteract cellular stress – damage to cells that can lead to ageing and disease.