The thymus, the hidden key to longevity and the fight against disease

A small organ known as the thymus gland may be much more important to our health than previously thought. For decades, science considered the thymus to be largely inactive after puberty, but recent studies are challenging this belief.

Two new studies by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers, published in the journal Nature, suggest that a healthy thymus is directly linked to longevity and protection against serious diseases such as cancer and heart problems.

Analyzing over 27,000 medical scans with the help of artificial intelligence, researchers found that individuals with an active thymus had:

-50% less risk of premature death

-63% lower risk of death from heart disease

-36% lower risk of developing lung cancer

The thymus plays a key role in the immune system, as it is the "training ground" for T cells, which fight infections and cancer cells. Although it shrinks with age, research shows that this shrinkage varies from person to person and affects how we age.

Another important finding is the influence of lifestyle. Smoking, obesity, and chronic inflammation are associated with a weaker thymus, increasing the risk of disease.

Experts say these results are promising but need to be confirmed in further studies. However, they could change the way doctors assess patients' risk and treat diseases in the future./ CNA

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