The Genetic Code of Centenarians: Brazilian Study on Three Sisters Over 100 Reveals Secrets of Protective Genes

Three Brazilian sisters have made history by earning the Guinness World Records title of the oldest living triplet sisters in the world. Residing in Rio de Janeiro, their combined age totals 316 years: Leovita de Deus Nunes, 109; Zoraide de Deus Mota, 104; and Zuleica de Deus Nunes, 103.

The sisters have become the focus of a major scientific study led by a research team from the University of São Paulo in Brazil, under the initiative known as the LongeVida DNA Project, headed by scientist Mayana Zatz. The project aims to examine the DNA of centenarians and identify specific protective genes that safeguard the heart, muscles, and cognitive abilities from age-related decline.

Through this ambitious project, which targets the study of 500 centenarians, researchers seek to conduct precise genetic comparisons between healthy elderly individuals and others suffering from frailty, cognitive decline, or chronic diseases, in order to identify biological traits associated with longevity.

In addition to genetic advantages, the sisters attribute their long lives to a healthy and active lifestyle that began in childhood, including swimming, fishing, and handicrafts, as well as a focus on healthy eating and breastfeeding.

In this context, Longevity Quest, the global organization responsible for verifying longevity records, confirmed that achieving such exceptional ages reflects a very strong genetic factor, which is closely integrated with a positive social environment and high levels of family and community support surrounding the three sisters.

Source: Reuters