Pria Bisa Kehilangan Kromosom Y Seiring Bertambahnya Usia: Dampaknya Terhadap Kesehatan

Men may lose the Y chromosome in some of their blood cells as they age, a condition known as mosaic loss of chromosome Y (mLOY), according to research cited by Kompas.com. This chromosomal loss is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cardiovascular diseases, which may contribute to a shorter overall lifespan for men.

Key Findings
• mLOY occurs when a subset of blood cells loses the Y chromosome while others retain it.
• The condition is more prevalent in older men.
• mLOY is linked to higher risks of neurodegenerative diseases and certain cancers.
• Loss of Y-linked genes may impair immune system regulation.

How does the loss of the Y chromosome occur?

The process is described as mosaicism, meaning the loss does not happen in every cell of the body. According to the research, the Y chromosome is lost specifically in some of the hematopoietic stem cells, which are the cells responsible for producing blood. Because only a portion of the blood cells are affected, the man remains biologically male, but a percentage of his circulating white blood cells lack the Y chromosome entirely.

Which health conditions are linked to mLOY?

Research indicates a strong correlation between the presence of mLOY and several age-related pathologies. According to the report, men with a higher percentage of Y chromosome loss in their blood cells face an increased risk of:

• Neurodegenerative diseases: Specifically Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Cardiovascular issues: An increased likelihood of heart-related complications.
• Cancer: A higher susceptibility to various types of malignancies.

These associations suggest that mLOY may serve as a biological marker for accelerated aging or increased vulnerability to chronic illness.

Why does the Y chromosome affect aging?

The Y chromosome contains essential genes that regulate cellular function and the immune response. When these genes are lost, the body’s ability to manage inflammation and fight off certain stressors may decline. According to the research, the absence of these Y-linked genes in blood cells can lead to systemic dysfunction, which contributes to the development of the aforementioned diseases and potentially reduces the total lifespan of the individual.

What are the limitations of these findings?

Scientists emphasize a critical distinction between association and causation. While mLOY is frequently found in men with these health conditions, it is not yet definitively proven that the loss of the chromosome directly causes the diseases. It remains possible that mLOY is a byproduct of the same aging processes that lead to Alzheimer’s or heart disease, rather than the primary trigger.