Vaccinul împotriva zonei zoster încetinește îmbătrânirea biologică – Studiu recent

Vaccines are increasingly understood to offer benefits extending far beyond the prevention of infectious diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that the way certain vaccines “train” the immune system may also reduce the risk of chronic conditions like cancer, stroke, and heart attack, and potentially even offer protection against dementia.

The Shingles Vaccine and Biological Aging

Recent research indicates a compelling link between the shingles vaccine and a slowing of biological aging. The benefits observed in a study appear to persist for several years after vaccination.

Study Details from the University of Southern California

Gerontologists Jung Ki Kim and Eileen Crimmins, from the University of Southern California, led the research. They state that their findings suggest the vaccine may have “substantial” and lasting effects on “processes associated with aging.”

The researchers analysed data from over 3,800 participants in the United States, all aged 70 or older. Those who received the shingles vaccine after the age of 60 demonstrated improved scores on composite measures of biological aging compared to those who were not vaccinated.

Vaccinated participants also exhibited biological markers associated with lower levels of inflammation and a slower rate of “molecular and biological aging,” according to the report.

Inflammation and Healthy Aging

These associations remained even after accounting for demographic differences and pre-existing health conditions between the two groups. While the study does not definitively prove that the shingles vaccine directly leads to healthier aging, the results align with other observational studies linking the vaccine to broader health benefits in older adults, particularly concerning heart and brain health.

“By contributing to the reduction of background inflammation – possibly by preventing reactivation of the virus that causes shingles – the vaccine could play a role in supporting healthier aging,” explains Jung Ki Kim.

Kim further notes that, “Although the exact biological mechanisms are not yet fully understood, the potential of vaccination to reduce inflammation makes it a promising component of broader strategies aimed at increasing the body’s resilience and slowing the decline associated with age.”

Understanding Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is triggered by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. Most people are infected with this virus during childhood, after which it remains dormant in the nervous system.

For a generally healthy individual, shingles typically doesn’t pose a significant risk until later in life. Here’s why the two-dose vaccine is generally recommended for people over 60 years of age. Approximately 30% of people who are not vaccinated will develop shingles during their lifetime.

A newer version of the shingles vaccine is currently available, and may offer even better long-term health outcomes. However, only future studies conducted over extended periods can confirm this with certainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is the shingles vaccine typically recommended?

The shingles vaccine is generally recommended for people over 60 years of age.

What virus causes shingles?

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.

Did the study prove the vaccine causes healthier aging?

The study did not definitively prove that the shingles vaccine directly leads to healthier aging, but it found associations between vaccination and improved markers of biological aging.

Could broader adoption of preventative vaccines reshape our understanding of long-term health and wellness?