This idea of High Initial Damage Load (the HIDL hypothesis) predicts that even a small progress in optimizing the early-developmental processes can potentially result in a remarkable prevention of many diseases in later life, postponement of aging-related morbidity and mortality, and significant extension of healthy lifespan (Gavrilov and Gavrilova, 2001, Journal of Theoretical Biology 213(4): 527-545; http://www.src.uchicago.edu/~gavr1/JTB-01.pdf). Thus, the idea of early-life programming of aging and longevity may have important practical implications for developing early-life interventions promoting health and longevity.
In this study we tested the predictions of High Initial Damage Load (HIDL) hypothesis. Specifically, the HIDL hypothesis predicts that early-life events may affect survival in later adult life through the level of initial damage. This prediction is confirmed for such early-life factors as paternal age at person's conception (Gavrilov and Gavrilova, 2003; http://www.src.uchicago.edu/~gavr1/Early-Life-Factors-2003.pdf) and the month of person's birth (Gavrilov and Gavrilova, 1999; http://www.src.uchicago.edu/~gavr1/Season-of-Birth.pdf).
Another testable prediction of the HIDL hypothesis is a prevision of an
unusual non-linear pattern of lifespan inheritance. This prediction is
tested and confirmed -- familial transmission of lifespan from parents
to children follows a non-linear (accelerating) pattern with steeper
slopes for offspring lifespan of longer-lived parents, as predicted
(Gavrilova and Gavrilov 2001;
http://www.src.uchicago.edu/~gavr1/JAAM-Boundaries-for-Human-Longevity.pdf).
Key words:
Aging Theory, Early-Life Programming, Parental Age, Season of Birth, Lifespan Inheritance
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