61 | id == 61
61 | category_id == 9
61 | category_order == 6
61 | category_name == Longevity
61 | category_color == #C47AC0
61 | slug == NOS2-Longevity
61 | title == Can this Gene Affect Your Lifespan? (NOS2)
61 | meta_description == NOS2 produces nitric oxide to fight diseases, but too much of it may reduce longevity. Learn more about the NOS2 gene here!
61 | summary == <p style="text-align:justify"><strong>The <em>NOS2</em> gene produces <em>nitric oxide</em> (NO), which helps fight infections and cancer. When a <em>NOS2</em> variant is too active, the excess NO can be transformed into free radicals that damage the body&rsquo;s cells and tissues. This may cause several diseases, and has even been hypothesized to lower your overall health, which could ultimately impact your longevity. Read below to learn about the potential effects of your <em>NOS2</em> variants on your overall life expectancy!</strong></p>
61 | overall_score_text == Longevity Score (based on NOS2 gene)
61 | image == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/background/NOS2_Longevity.jpg
61 | author_id == 12
61 | author_name == Carlos Tello
61 | author_title == PhD
61 | author_order == 55
61 | author_photo == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/author-photo/CarlosTello.webp
61 | author_intro == <p><strong>Carlos received his PhD and MS from the Universidad de Sevilla.</strong></p>    <p>Carlos spent 9 years in the laboratory investigating mineral transport in plants. He then started working as a freelancer, mainly in science writing, editing, and consulting. Carlos is passionate about learning the mechanisms behind biological processes and communicating science to both academic and non-academic audiences. He strongly believes that scientific literacy is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid falling for scams.</p>
61 | author_social_media_name == linkedin
61 | author_social_media_icon == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/social-icon/linkedin.png
61 | author_social_order == 1
61 | author_social_link == https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-tello-lacal-b946b4a7/
61 | reviewer_id == 4
61 | reviewer_name == Matt Carland
61 | reviewer_title == PhD
61 | medical_reviewer_id == 11
61 | medical_reviewer_name == Puya Yazdi
61 | medical_reviewer_title == MD
61 | publish_date == 2019
61 | publish_date == 10
61 | publish_date == 23
61 | avg_rating == 5.0
61 | tags_id == 172
61 | tags_name == Blood Pressure
61 | tags_id == 164
61 | tags_name == Cancer
61 | tags_id == 24
61 | tags_name == Inflammation
61 | tags_id == 101
61 | tags_name == Longevity
61 | tags_id == 173
61 | tags_name == NO
61 | tags_id == 189
61 | tags_name == NOS2 Gene
61 | tags_id == 39
61 | tags_name == Oxidative Stress
61 | permissions_favorite == False
61 | permissions_rate == False
61 | content_article == <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What Is the <em>NOS2 </em>Gene?</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="../../gene/nos2/"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">gene</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> codes for a protein also called NOS2, short for </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">nitric oxide synthase 2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. NOS2 produces the messenger molecule </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">nitric oxide</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (NO) from the amino acid </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/l-arginine/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">arginine</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, just like its two other close relatives (</span><a href="../../gene/nos1/"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS1</span></em></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="../../gene/nos3/?utm_source=seo&amp;#38;utm_medium=selfhacked&amp;#38;utm_campaign=id00002"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS3</span></em></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10320659/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is different from the other two in three main aspects [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15172174"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC508408/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is found in more cell types, including immune, liver, muscle, and lining tissue cells.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">While </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS1</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS3</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> production is permanently activated, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">expression needs to be triggered (hence its alternative name of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">inducible</span></em> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">nitric oxide synthase</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, or &ldquo;iNOS&rdquo;).</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> produces higher amounts of NO, and for longer periods.</span></li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Dual Role in Inflammation and Cancer</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is expressed in </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/how-to-increase-and-decrease-white-blood-cells/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">white blood cells</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and is activated by pro-inflammatory messengers (such as </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/supplements-lifestyle-factors-influence-tnf-interleukin-6-il-6/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">TNF-alpha</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/interleukin-1/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">IL-1beta</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/interferon-gamma-how-to-increase-decrease-high-low-levels/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">IFN-gamma</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">), infectious microbes, and </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/oxidative-stress-101/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">free radicals</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. At moderate levels, NOS2-derived NO acts as a messenger that promotes inflammation and the development of immune cells. NO also kills invading microbes and cancer cells [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4565017/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6320759/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1906415/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, excessive or uncontrolled release of NO by NOS2 can have several harmful effects that may trigger or worsen diseases and even reduce lifespan!</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">For instance, sustained NO production can cause chronic inflammation, and may contribute to the progression of inflammatory conditions such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, and COPD (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">chronic obstructive pulmonary disease</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19601787"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1906415/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Furthermore, excessive NO can lead to the build-up of free radicals (such as </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">peroxynitrite</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">superoxide</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) that damage the DNA and proteins of cells and tissues. This kills cells and impairs the function of several important enzymes, which can in turn speed up the aging process and may even contribute to the development of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer&rsquo;s, </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/causes-symptoms-diagnosis-risk-factors-of-multiple-sclerosis/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">multiple sclerosis</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and liver failure [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19601787"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11976187"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, both chronic inflammation and DNA damage by free radicals may stimulate the development and progression of several cancer types [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19601787"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866629/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> encodes a protein that produces </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">nitric oxide</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (NO). While NO protects from infections and cancer at moderate levels, having too much of it may speed up aging as well as contribute to the progression of cancer and age-related diseases.</span></span></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>NOS2 </em>and Lifespan</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most widely-studied </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">polymorphism is </span><a href="../../snp/rs2297518/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">rs2297518</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Its minor &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele causes the gene to produce a version of the NOS2 protein that is significantly more active. This variant also reduces the expression of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">arginase</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which competes with NOS proteins for the essential amino acid </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/l-arginine/"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">arginine</span></em></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3912315/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17513437/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a result, the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele increases NO production in several different ways, which may be why it has been associated with the negative effects of NO excess discussed above.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Indeed, one study in Italian populations found that this </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> variant was significantly less common among people living to 90 years of age or older. Although the association was not very strong, this study nonetheless provides some suggestive evidence linking the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele to reduced </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/lifestyle-diet-increase-longevity/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">longevity</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23572278"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The minor &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs2297518 encodes a version of the NOS2 protein that leads to significantly increased NO production. This variant has been associated with reduced longevity in at least one study.</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>How May this <em>NOS2 </em>Variant Affect Longevity?</strong></h2> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Associations with Blood Pressure</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although Nitric Oxide (NO) helps lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">vasodilation</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">), the free radicals formed when NO levels are too high can damage the inner lining of the blood vessels. This reduces their ability to widen, which may lead to an increase in the risk of heart disease and other chronic cardiovascular problems (such as elevated blood pressure, or </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">hypertension</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12721155"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19248829"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Two studies in Chinese and Brazilian populations found that the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs2297518 was significantly more common among people diagnosed with high blood pressure. The &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele was also associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">pre-eclampsia</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) in Brazilian women [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28685250"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23266817/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21716319"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, not all research on this SNP has found these associations. For example, a study in Finnish middle-aged people found no association between this polymorphism and blood pressure [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4652812/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs2297518 has been associated with high blood pressure in many &mdash; but not all &mdash; studies.</span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Associations with Cancer</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A few studies associated the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs2297518 with an increased frequency and severity of the following types of cancer:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stomach [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4572295/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4088147/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bladder [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21612325"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R]</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Colorectal [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3372651/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]&nbsp;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lymph nodes (non-Hodgkin and B cell lymphoma) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16543247"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3956729/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although these cancer types may differ in their underlying mechanisms, the authors of the studies have speculated that increased NO production could be involved &mdash; for example, by causing chronic inflammation and free radical damage in carriers of this allele.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nevertheless, remember that the studies only </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">associated </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">this </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">variant with some cancer types. Since an association doesn't imply causality, it doesn&rsquo;t necessarily mean that having the rs2297518 allele will make you more likely to develop these forms of cancer! More work is needed before we can establish what role (if any) this variant may play in actually </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">causing </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">cancer.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">A few studies have associated the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs2297518 with several types of cancer. However, more research will still be needed to know whether these associations imply a causal link.</span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Associations with Septic Shock Complications</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Septic shock is a severe reaction to infections that may damage the organs, and which can even lead to death if untreated. One of its main features is NO overproduction, which leads to a widespread widening of blood vessels throughout the entire body. As a result, blood pressure drops significantly, making it much harder for the heart to pump blood to supply oxygen to the body&rsquo;s tissues [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29149941"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The NO-overproducing &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs2297518 was associated with complications derived from septic shock in two different Chinese populations [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23192595"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, keep in mind that septic shock is a relatively rare condition that only occurs in response to very severe infections. The risk of septic shock and its complications can be greatly reduced by seeking medical attention immediately.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">One study in a Chinese population associated the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs2297518 with an increased susceptibility to medical complications during septic shock.</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Your <em>NOS2 </em>Results for Longevity</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>*7103570892745443*</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Primary SNP: <em>NOS2 </em><a href="../../snp/rs2297518/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rs2297518</a>:</strong></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;G&rsquo; = More common among longer-lived people.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;A&rsquo; = Less common among longer-lived people. This allele has been associated with high blood pressure, some cancer types, and septic shock complications.</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Population Frequency:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Almost 70% of the world population has the &lsquo;GG&rsquo; (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">homozygous major</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) genotype.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 'AA' (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">homozygous minor</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) genotype is relatively rare across all major ethnic groups, with a prevalence of ~1.5% to 3%, depending on the specific group.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">African-descended populations are slightly less likely to carry any 'A' alleles.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>*6730365240292939*</strong></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Strategies that May Extend Your Lifespan</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is important to keep in mind that the field of longevity research is complex and controversial. Although there are some strategies that may reduce NOS2 activity or counteract the effects of NO overproduction, these could have unexpected interactions with medications, existing health conditions, or other side effects. Therefore, always make sure to talk to your doctor before adopting any major lifestyle or dietary changes!</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">*3815987384056567*</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lifestyle</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to ensuring a long and healthy life, one of the best places to start is by giving up smoking, as this habit speeds up aging and contributes to the development of multiple diseases [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17686596"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">While avoiding smoking is a good idea for everyone, this may be even more beneficial to people with over-active </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">variants, since cigarette smoke increases </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">production in isolated lungs and blood vessels. While most </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">variants haven&rsquo;t been directly investigated with respect to longevity, a few of them have been associated with increased rates of stomach cancer and mortality from strokes in smokers [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12379773"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10462035"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17213480/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2906411/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18648197/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Similarly, it is advisable to reduce alcohol consumption. For example, in addition to its well-known harmful effects on health, some studies in rats have reported that drinking alcohol may increase </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">production. Additionally, some human studies associated drinking alcohol with an increased incidence of stomach cancer in people with some over-active </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">variants &mdash; including the minor &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs2297518 [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10791926"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22286266"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4572295/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2906411/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, it&rsquo;s also a good idea to reduce or minimize your exposure to pollution, as it damages the lungs and increases the risk of respiratory diseases &mdash; many of which can be deadly. For example, air pollution has been found to stimulate </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">expression in both human and cell studies [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3487398/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5968848/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Giving up smoking, drinking less, and reducing your exposure to air pollution may reduce <em>NOS2</em> activity and contribute to extending your lifespan.</span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Diet</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are several common dietary compounds that could potentially counteract elevated <em>NOS2</em> activity. For example, </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/top-22-science-based-health-benefits-of-fish-oil/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">omega-3</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> fatty acids (such as EPA and </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/top-22-science-based-health-benefits-of-fish-oil/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">DHA</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) have been reported to reduce the expression of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">and other inflammatory markers in white blood cells. Similarly, a compound from high-quality </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/olive-oil/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">olive oil</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">oleocanthal</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) has also been reported to reduce </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">and NO production in response to inflammation in cartilage cells [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4820929/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3896343/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30261513"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23044226"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20201078"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Across a large number of studies, many different researchers have concluded that the negative effects of high NO levels may likely stem from its ability to produce free radicals. Therefore, eating sufficient amounts of antioxidant vitamins (such as vitamins </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/importance-real-vitamin-retinol/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/need-know-vitamin-c-32-science-based-health-benefits/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">C</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/vitamin-e-deficiency/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">E</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) may prevent the harmful effects of NO-overproducing </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">variants. For instance, one study concluded that a diet rich in vitamin A was associated with lower rates of colorectal cancer in people with the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs2297518 [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3372651/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">People with over-active </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">variants may also benefit from incorporating more antioxidant foods into their diet. For example, one study reported that, for people with the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs2297518, eating sufficient </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/23-longevity-boosting-supplements-drugs-increase-lifespan/#18_Lutein"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">lutein</span></em></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (mainly found in green leafy vegetables) was associated with lower rates of colorectal cancer [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3372651/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Other antioxidant food compounds that may increase your lifespan include [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12512693"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19796704"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17545942"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566664/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22257724"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21617331"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15131058"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/top-15-scientific-health-benefits-of-resveratrol-with-references/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Resveratrol</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (found in grapes, </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/blueberries-health-benefits/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">blueberries</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, peanuts, pistachios, and dark </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/chocolate-health-benefits/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">chocolate</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/green-tea/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Epigallocatechin gallate</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (found mainly in </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/green-tea/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">green tea</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Genistein (in soybeans, broad beans, and lupins)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/chlorogenic-acid/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chlorogenic acid</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (in coffee and tea)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/quercetin-22-scientifically-proven-benefits-quercetin/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Quercetin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (in leafy vegetables, broccoli, apples, peppers, tea, and fruit juices)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kaempferol (in apples, grapes, tomatoes, green tea, and potatoes)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/rutin/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rutin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (in oranges, buckwheat, apricots, cherries, grapes, and plums)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/top-11-science-based-health-benefits-apigenin/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Apigenin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (in parsley, onions, oranges, </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/grapefruit/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">grapefruit</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and tea)</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Interestingly, many of these compounds have been reported to reduce </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">expression in response to inflammation and infections. However, the effects of these antioxidants on NOS2 function have only been tested in either animals or cells &mdash; and more research will be needed to know for sure if they have similar effects in humans as well.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">A number of promising studies suggest that diets rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants may help increase longevity in people with over-active <em>NOS2 </em>variants. However, additional research will be required to confirm whether these beneficial effects may translate directly to human users.</span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Supplements</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are a number of studies suggesting that certain supplements may also be useful for counteracting some of the negative effects of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> variants, thereby potentially promoting a longer overall lifespan. However, it should be kept in mind that most of these compounds have only been studied in animal or cell studies &mdash; and so we can&rsquo;t yet conclude for certain whether any of these benefits will apply to human users as well.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">These compounds have also not been officially approved by the FDA. Therefore, take the following findings with a grain of salt &mdash; and, as always, be sure to check with your doctor before embarking on any new supplement regimens!</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/bee-propolis/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Propolis</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a compound produced by bees that may contribute to an extended lifespan by helping fight infections and reducing </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/oxidative-stress-101/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">free radical</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> damage. In a study in rats, propolis lowered NO production by reducing </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">expression and activation, while also increasing </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">arginase</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> levels [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4034638/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5429932/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29752572"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/curcumin-cures-top-15-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-with-references/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Curcumin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is an antioxidant compound naturally found in turmeric, and has been reported to </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/lifestyle-diet-increase-longevity/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">increase lifespan</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in flies and roundworms. It also reduced inflammation and NOS2 production in animals and cells [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23063786"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3705117/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21855561"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21545828"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28040561"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/theaflavins/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Theaflavins</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> increased lifespan in flies by stimulating the production of antioxidant enzymes. These tea-derived compounds can also reduce NOS2 activity and break down NO and the free radicals derived from this molecule [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19770032"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11087552"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most of the antioxidant food ingredients listed in the previous section (such as resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, and quercetin) are also available as supplements. If you don&rsquo;t like their food sources or are intolerant to them, you can consider taking them as supplements.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A complex antioxidant formulation with milk proteins, </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/curcumin-cures-top-15-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-with-references/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">curcumin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/riboflavin/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">vitamin B2</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/top-18-science-based-health-effects-carnitine/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">carnitine</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/top-25-science-based-health-benefits-n-acetyl-cysteine-nac/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">N-acetyl-</span></a><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/nac-top-25-science-based-health-benefits-n-acetyl-cysteine-nac/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">cysteine</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> reduced the production of NOS2 and other inflammatory markers in lung cells [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29243793"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The following supplements also reduced </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">expression and inflammation:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/pomegranate/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pomegranate </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">extract [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6130474/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/pycnogenol-pine-bark-extract-health-benefits/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pycnogenol</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3604118/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/coenzyme-q10-ubiquinol/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ubiquinol</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30261465"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bergamot oil [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6024861/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/red-yeast-rice/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Red yeast rice</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22381257"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/garlic-health-benefits/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Garlic</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> extract [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3491620/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/whey-protein-health-benefits/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whey protein</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5619769/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Because they also lower blood pressure, they may be especially beneficial to people with <em>NOS2 </em>variants associated with high blood pressure such as the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele of rs2297518 [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27888156">R</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6077626/">R</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17287847">R</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19572741">R</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17196275">R</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25837272">R</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29087242">R</a>].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">There is suggestive evidence that certain supplements may potentially help counteract some of the negative effects of over-active <em>NOS2 </em>variants, such as by reducing <a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/oxidative-stress-101/">free radical</a> damage and lowering blood pressure. However, more research will be needed to confirm the exact effects of these supplements in human users.</span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Drugs</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aspirin has been reported to reduce NOS2 production in animal and cell studies [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28528204"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19730809"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, the effects of this drug on NOS2 may not be the same in humans.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Importantly, aspirin must only be taken for its specific, medically-intended purposes unrelated to life extension. It could also have unwanted adverse effects, especially if not used as indicated. It may help you counteract your over-active </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">NOS2 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">allele if you are already on this drug; but never add or change medications without talking to your doctor beforehand!</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Some anti-inflammatory and anticancer drugs reduced NOS2 production in animal and cell-based studies. Talk to your doctor before adding or changing medications.</span></p>
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61 | content_learn_more_6730365240292939_text == Based on the variants we looked at, your NOS2 gene makes you likely to have a relatively average lifespan. However, this doesn’t necessarily reflect your potential longevity — just one gene related to it. A healthy lifestyle and diet may help. Keep reading to find out more.
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rsIDs = rs2297518
rsStatus = rs2297518,NOS2,chr17,27769571,G,A,,,40,0,Normal
