Hack your health : telomeres epigenetics and the science of longevity

Dr Agnes Shooshtarizadeh, MPharmS, PharmD, IP

Founder of Skin Boss Clinic

Dr Agnes Shooshtarizadeh is an independent pharmacist prescriber and master injector with special interest in longevity and holistic approach to aging and wellbeing through ( genetic )test based nutrition and bespoke supplements , holistic personalised aesthetic treatments, health optimisation and cancer prevention. She also passionate about latest research in genomics and formulation to improve targeted therapies. No guessing just science!

• https://www.instagram.com/skinbossclinics
• https://skinboss.co.uk/

Is ageing genetic destiny or epigenetic opportunity?

For decades ageing was considered an inevitable genetically programmed decline. Contemporary longevity science now presents a more precise model genetics provides the blueprint by epigenetics determines how that blueprint is expressed.

Epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylations, histone modification , dynamically influence gene expression in response to environment nutrition stress exposure sleep quality and metabolic health. This means biological ageing is not entirely fixed. It is, to measurable extent, modifiable.

A central biomarker in this discussion is telomere length.

Telomeres: a measurable marker of biological age.

Telomeres are repetitive DNA protein complexes located at the ends of chromosomes.

Their primary function is to maintain genomic stability by preventing chromosome oh degradation and end-to end fusion.

Each time a cell divides , telomeres shorten. When they reach a critically short length cells enter apoptosis.

Shorten telomeres have been associated with aging, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, neurogenerative disorders, certain cancers, Increased all – cause mortality.

Importantly telomere length correlates more closely with biological age then chronological age.

At Skin Boss Clinic we provide holistic approach to ageing and perform Telomere Genetic Test to measure your rate of aging. Unlike our other static genetic sequencing tests, telomere length can be reassessed longitudinally, allowing objective monitoring of lifestyle or therapeutic interventions.

Genetics vs Epigenetics in Ageing

While inherited genetics influence baseline telomere length and repair capacity, environmental exposures significantly affect the rate of telomere shortening.

Accelerating factors include chronic psychological stress, obesity and insulin resistance, sleep deprivation, pollution exposure, sedentary behaviour, chronic systemic inflammation. Similarly oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling are now recognised as central drivers of telomere attrition.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Core drivers of cellular ageing

Ageing is strongly associated with chronic low-grade inflammation “inflammageing” and excess if production of reactive oxygen species- ROS.

ROS damages lipid membranes , structural proteins, mitochondrial DNA, telomeric DNA. Then antioxidant defences are insufficient, oxidative damage accelerates cellular ageing and disease progression. Mitochondrial dysfunction further amplifies ROS production, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of degeneration.

Strategies to support Telomere Maintenance and Longevity

1. Sleep Optimisation

Sleep deprivation increases inflammatory cytokins and oxidative stress markers evidence supports 7-9 hours of high quality sleep nightly, consistency arcadian timing ,avoidance of blue light 60-90 minutes before bed, sleeping in a cool dark environment. Adequate sleep enhances DNA repair pathways and reduces inflammatory burden.

2. Caloric modulation andmetabolic health

Caloric moderation without malnutrition has been associated with improved mitochondrial efficacy and reduced oxidative stress in multiple models. Insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia accelerate telomere shortening. Improving metabolic flexibility may slow this process.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

Dietary patterns rich in polyphenols, carotenoids, and phytonutrients support endogenous antioxidant systems. Examples include curcumin ( turmeric), epigallocatechin gallate (green tea), sulforaphane ( broccoli), allicin (garlic), flavanol (dark chocolate).

Omega-3 fatty acids play a particularly important role in modulating inflammatory pathways. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production and cytokin expression. Balancing the Omega 6 omega-3 ratio supports membrane integrity and cellular signalling. We can now test our omega 3/6 balance and index with a simple home dry blood test and after using highly bioavailable supplements we can retest 4 month later to track our progress towards the ideal 1: 1 Omega 3/6 balance and optimal cell health.

Targeted Antioxidants and Mitochondrial Support

Bespoke genetic nutrition tests provide us with a wealth of information about our individual nutritional needs based on our genetics. It also formulates a tailor-made detox supplement protocol and maintenance vitamin and mineral complex based on what our body needs or likely to be deficient in. Specialist Pharmacies then produce our personalised vitamin complex in a small lab with high quality ingredients.

Examples of super antioxidants and mitochondrial longevity heroes :

1. Microalgae

Derived Antioxidants have demonstrated immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and skin-protective properties. These compounds support collagen synthesis, reduce UV-induced damage, and enhance cellular regeneration.

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid derived primarily from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae, over 500 times stronger than Vitamin E. It demonstrates potent antioxidant capacity due to its conjugated double-bond structure.

Studies suggest astaxanthin may reduce oxidative stress, improve insulin sensitivity, protects against UV-indices skin ageing and improves skin resilience, support muscle and neuronal function. May improve lipid profiles, reduce inflammation and supports insulin sensitivity.

Phycocyanin is a natural, water soluble, blue pigment-protein complex derived from blue-green algae Spirulina. Research suggest it supports the immune system, protects the liver and may aid in cancer treatment by inhibiting tumor cell growth. Neutralizes free radicals and inhibits enzymes involved in inflammation such COX-2.

2. Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in red grapes, berries, and peanuts. It activates sirtuin pathways which involved in cellular stress resistance and longevity regulation. Research suggest protective effects against UV-mediated oxidative damage, inflammatory signalling, metabolic dysfunction, may reduce blood clotting and improve blood vessel function.

3. Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 is A vital vitamin like nutrient naturally produced by the body that drives cellular energy production ( ATP) and act as a powerful antioxidant protecting cells from damage. Essential for mitochondria to convert food into energy, concentrated in organs with high energy needs like heart, liver, kidneys and skeletal muscles. CoQ10 decline with age, supplements are commonly used to support heart health, manage blood pressure, reduce migraines and counteract side effects of cholesterol lowering statin medication. It neutralises free radicals reduces inflammation and protects cell membrane. Supplementations has been shown to improve mitochondrial efficiency reduce pro-inflammatory markers, support cardiovascular and neurological health.

4. Vitamins and Telomere Stability

Adequate levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and B-complex vitamins are associated with improved antioxidant defence and reduced telomere shortening. These nutrients function synergistically within endogenous redox systems.

Precision Longevity Medicine

Advances in genetic and telomere testing allow clinicians to personalise nutritional interventions and tailor implementation strategies, monitor biological age longitudinally, optimise anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial pathways. This approach moves half optimization from estimation to measurable science.

From genetic and balancing test packages to personalised supplements which produced based on genetics and bespoke prescription produced by regulated specialist pharmacies made for the individual requirement.

Conclusion

Longevity is not purely inherited-it is influenced. Genetics sets the framework. Epigenetics shapes the outcome. By reducing inflammation, improving mitochondrial resilience, optimising metabolic health and supporting antioxidant defences it is possible to modulate biological ageing and support telomere integrity. Healthy ageing is measurable, it is modifiable, and with precision medicine it is increasingly actionable.