Research(1) has shown that after a ’good fat’ Mediterranean-style meal, DNA repair of the p53 gene is activated. This held true for the Rainbow Diet on its own, but was heightened if supplementation with Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) was also provided. Conversely, a saturated fat meal was detrimental to the DNA repair mechanism.
Other studies(2) were conducted across a three-year period by the research team building to this conclusion. In particular, they were studying the oxidative stress and DNA-damaging effects of diet in the ageing process. One aspect of this is the p53 gene which acts as a cell growth regulator and a regulator of many genes and proteins. The studies have shown that oxidative stress increases with a saturated fat diet, impairing the p53 gene, whereas the good fats of the Rainbow Diet (Extra Virgin Olive Oil, fish oils, nut and seed oils) have a positive on p53 repair.
Chris Woollams, former Oxford University Biochemist and founder of CANCERactive added, “We know that the colourful Mediterranean diet reduces age-related stress in cells(3). It protects cells from senescence and cell death. What is important in this research is it shows how – via ’destressing’ the p53 control gene. The TP53 gene directs the production of a protein, which acts as a tumour suppressor keeping cells from growing or dividing too quickly. Thus it is important in cancer. The protein (p53) determines whether a cell damaged by oxidative stress will be repaired or killed off. Because of its widespread gene controlling function p53 is known as ‘The guardian of the genome’. p53 also affects telomere function and telomeres shorten as we age or, especially, if we get cancer.
It has also been known for a number of years that CoQ10 had a positive effect on the p53 gene. We know CoQ10 has a direct effect on ageing - for example, muscle decline can be reversed by CoQ10 supplementation. CoQ10 is involved in correct mitochondrial function and it has been shown(4) to reverse the early stages of Parkinson’s disease). It all fits together – a Rainbow Diet, cutting saturated fats, and supplementing with CoQ10”.
Go to: Details of a Mediterranean Diet
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Postprandial activation of p53-dependent DNA repair is modified by Mediterranean diet supplemented with coenzyme Q10 in elderly subjects. Gutierrez-Mariscal FM, Yubero-Serrano EM, Rangel-Zúñiga OA, Marín C, García-Rios A, Perez-Martinez P, Delgado-Lista J, Malagón MM, Tinahones FJ, Pérez-Jimenez F, López-Miranda J. (J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2014 Jul;69(7):886-93).
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Mediterranean diet supplemented with coenzyme Q10 modifies the expression of proinflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes in elderly men and women. Yubero-Serrano EM, Gonzalez-Guardia L, Rangel-Zuñiga O, Delgado-Lista J, Gutierrez-Mariscal FM, Perez-Martinez P, Delgado-Casado N, Cruz-Teno C, Tinahones FJ, Villalba JM, Perez-Jimenez F, Lopez-Miranda J
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Mediterranean diet reduces senescence-associated stress in endothelial cells. Marin C, Delgado-Lista J, Ramirez R, Carracedo J, Caballero J, Perez-Martinez P, Gutierrez-Mariscal FM, Garcia-Rios A, Delgado-Casado N, Cruz-Teno C, Yubero-Serrano EM, Tinahones F, Malagon Mdel M, Perez-Jimenez F, Lopez-Miranda J.
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Oakes D. and Kieburtz K. Effects of Coenzyme Q 10 in early Parkinson’s disease: Evidence of slowing the functional decline.