Alpha males are more prone to aging

A new study at Exeter University showed that an unequal burden in society cause individuals dominating disease and premature aging.

Scientists checked on the sparrows, unequal load distribution can cause oxidative stress from superiors and subordinates. Oxidative stress occurs from a lack of protective antioxidants, and is believed to cause a wide spectrum of diseases in humans, including cardiovascular, Alzheimer's disease and accelerates aging.

In order to assess how these unequal loads affect the health of the birds, the researchers measured the level of antioxidant protection in 93 sparrows before and after a long breeding season. The study showed that, while the dominant individuals and subordinates had comparable levels of antioxidant protection before the breeding season, when the six-month breeding period has passed, the dominant females were suffering from weakened antioxidant protection. It helps animals to protect themselves from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Co-author of the observations, Andrew Young, says: "Our results show that unequal distribution of workloads in societies of animals can supply the most industrious individuals at risk of oxidative stress, and this leads to poor health and accelerated aging".

This is one of the first studies of social vertebrates, suggested that social dominance may entail hidden physiological harm, with consequences for patterns of health and aging.

Source: nauka24news.ru/