From the study of the teeth all the secrets of the centenarians of Ogliastra
A project to investigate longevity starting from DNA and the oral microbiota
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From the study of teeth, diseases, diet and lifestyles of Sardinians of the past. This is what the researchers of the Surgical Sciences Department of the University of Cagliari, led by Germano Orrù, have tried to highlight.
At the center of the scientific study, which concerned the DNA and the oral microbiota, that is the set of bacteria that populate the mouth, the centenarians and the Ogliastra populations of the "Blue zone".
Research was the focus of a meeting in Perdasdefogu.
"We are talking about the genetic imprint of the extensive microbial community present in the human body. The oral microbiota - explains Orrù, professor of Molecular Biology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari - can influence the state of health not only of the mouth, but, as confirmed by recent scientific acquisitions, of the whole organism ".
The bacteria of the oral cavity - the experts explain - through the saliva are continuously deposited in the dental plaque which mineralizes and keeps the DNA intact for millennia. The same is true for food residues. In this context - explained the researchers Alessandra Scano, Sara Fais and Cinzia Casu - dental calculus represents "a formidable time machine, capable of detecting the diseases and lifestyles of individuals who lived hundreds of years ago".
The path - which involves the researchers of the Surgical Sciences department of the University of Cagliari and the representatives of the municipalities of the Blue zone - was founded on the possibility of studying and comparing the plaques and dental calculations of recent centenarians and those who lived up to two centuries does.
"Retracing the eating habits and the state of health of our ancestors - relaunches Professor Orrù - evokes a strong identity value for our territory. A felt and prominent aspect for our University".
The meeting was organized by the Foundation for the protection of the Ogliastra and Barbagia identity. The Blue zone involves the centers and mountain communities of Ogliastra (Villagrande Strisaili, Arzana, Talana, Baunei, Urzulei, Ulassai and Perdasdefogu), and of Barbagia (Seulo, Tiana, Ovodda, Ollolai, Gavoi, Fonni, Mamoiada, Orgosolo, Oliena).
(Unioneonline / vl)
