329 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits mutations in telomerase. These mutations can lead to a reduced life expectancy due to premature loss of tissue regeneration. Smoking increases oxidative stress, accelerates telomere shortening, and may raise the overall rate of ageing. Obesity also has a negative impact on telomeres and can speed up the ageing process. It is associated with increased oxidative stress and DNA damage. Stress has likewise been linked to greater oxidative DNA damage and a faster rate of telomere shortening. Lifestyle factors can also influence telomere shortening and therefore affect both health and life expectancy. As already noted, stress and smoking have negative effects. Conversely, good nutrition and regular, moderate physical activity may positively affect telomeres, overall health, and longevity. In this respect, caloric restriction, dietary antioxidants, fibre, and healthy fats may help reduce the rate of telomere shortening or at least prevent excessive wear. Likewise, regular and moderate exercise is associated with higher telomerase activity and reduced telomere shortening compared to sedentary individuals. TERPENOIDS (See MINOR COMPOUNDS / Triterpenoids) THROMBOGENESIS (See THROMBOSIS) THROMBOSIS A condition caused by the formation of thrombi or blood clots in the veins or arteries of the circulatory system. Venous blood returns to the right side of the heart (venous return) and is then pumped to the lungs, where it is oxygenated through respiration. Once oxygenated, the blood flows to the left side of the heart, from where it is distributed through the aorta and the rest of the arterial system to supply the body. When a clot forms within a vein, it can obstruct or hinder the return of blood to the heart and lungs. As a result, blood may accumulate (typically in the legs) causing swelling and pain. Thrombosis usually occurs in the veins of the legs or pelvis. In clinical terms, venous thrombosis is classified according to whether it affects superficial veins (superficial vein thrombosis) or deep veins (deep vein thrombosis). If a venous thrombus becomes detached (embolism) from the vein wall, it can eventually travel to the lungs, block one or more blood vessels, and cause a pulmonary embolism or pulmonary thromboembolism. Arterial thrombosis affects the arteries that carry blood away from the heart. It may be caused by arterial hardening due to abnormal accumulations of cholesterol, other fats, or other substances in the arterial walls, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis that occurs in medium- and large-sized arteries. Arterial thrombosis is frequently associated with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, obesity, and heart rhythm disorders. In all cases, the arteries narrow and lose elasticity, reducing the delivery of blood and oxygen to tissues. When thrombosis affects the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, it can lead to a myocardial infarction. If it occurs in a cerebral blood vessel, it can result in a stroke. Clot detachment (thromboembolism) is less common in arteries than in veins.
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