Researchers at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology have found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with higher levels of two mitochondrial microproteins, humanin and SHMOOSE, which may contribute to better health and longevity. The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and fish, limits ultra-processed foods and refined sugars.
Read More
The study, led by Instructional Associate Professor Roberto Vicinanza, investigated blood samples from older adults with varying adherence levels to the Mediterranean diet. Those who adhered closely showed significantly higher concentrations of humanin and SHMOOSE, along with reduced markers of oxidative stress, a factor linked to aging and chronic diseases.
Specific foods, particularly olive oil, fish, and legumes, were correlated with elevated humanin levels, while higher SHMOOSE levels were associated with greater olive oil consumption and lower refined carbohydrate intake. Pinchas Cohen, Dean of the USC Leonard Davis School, noted that these microproteins could serve as biomarkers for diet adherence, possibly aiding in clinical assessments.
The study builds on over two decades of research into mitochondrial microproteins, which are unique as they originate from mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA. Humanin, identified in 2003, and SHMOOSE, a more recent discovery, have been linked to various health benefits, including cardiovascular protection and enhanced cognitive function.
Furthermore, humanin may influence the activity of Nox2, an enzyme responsible for producing harmful oxidative species. Higher humanin levels were associated with lower Nox2 activity, suggesting a protective role against oxidative stress.
Vicicanza has also advocated for the Mediterranean diet globally, collaborating with communities to establish the International Day of the Mediterranean Diet, to occur annually on November 16. This initiative aims to highlight the diet's health, cultural, and environmental significance.
While the study is observational and involves a small sample size, it opens avenues for precision nutrition, where biological markers like these microproteins could guide dietary recommendations to enhance health and longevity. Future research aims to determine whether specific dietary interventions can effectively increase the levels of these microproteins and subsequently reduce disease risk.