Secrets of the Australian Echidna: How They Live 50 Years and Defy Aging
The Australian echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is a unique mammal found in Australia and some neighboring islands like Tasmania and New Guinea.
In appearance, the echidna is quite unusual, with its dense, spiky covering resembling quills, serving as protection against predators. They also have a long, sticky tongue that they use to capture ants and termites, their primary food source. Echidnas possess keen senses of smell and hearing, aiding them in locating prey.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Australian echidnas is their longevity. The maximum recorded lifespan of these creatures is around 50 years, which is quite impressive for mammals. Research has shown that the cell membrane structure of echidnas is resistant to peroxidation, which may be one of the reasons for their extended lifespan.
Cellular peroxidation, or oxidative stress, happens when excess free radicals and reactive oxygen species accumulate in the body, damaging cell components like DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to diseases, aging, and cancer.
Antioxidants, found in food and produced by the body, neutralize free radicals, acting as "firefighters" against oxidative damage. Well-known antioxidants include vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, selenium, coenzyme Q10, and glutathione.
Balancing antioxidants and free radicals is crucial for health, preventing diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. A diet rich in antioxidants and a healthy lifestyle help maintain this balance and reduce disease risk.
Researchers delved into the composition of echidnas' cellular membranes to uncover their secret to longevity. Like other long-living mammals such as naked mole-rats and humans, echidnas possess peroxidation-resistant membrane composition. Their membrane lipids contain fewer polyunsaturated fats and more monounsaturated fats than predicted for their size, making them less susceptible to peroxidation. This discovery aligns with the membrane pacemaker theory of aging, highlighting the role of membrane fatty acid composition in determining maximum lifespan across mammalian species.
