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What exactly were these visionary scientists looking for in those routine blood tests taken so long ago? They meticulously scrutinized 12 common blood markers, the kind you might find on your own annual check-up report. These weren’t exotic, cutting-edge biomarkers, but everyday indicators of your body’s most vital functions. They delved into metabolic health, analyzing glucose and total cholesterol levels. They assessed kidney function through creatinine, and explored liver health with enzymes like gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LD). Markers related to inflammation, such as iron and uric acid, also came under intense scrutiny. Even albumin, a marker for nutritional status, was carefully considered. The beauty of this approach lay in its simplicity: could the key to an exceptionally long life truly be found in these seemingly ordinary numbers? The hypothesis was bold: that within these routine values lay profound predictive power, a microscopic blueprint for future health. The team wasn’t just observing patterns; they were searching for a crystal ball, a way to glimpse decades into the future and identify those destined for true centenarian status. But what specific patterns emerged from this ocean of data, and what did it reveal about the delicate balance required for extreme longevity?
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