A family with rare gene - Photo: CNN
They can freely eat cakes full of cream and greasy cold meat without having to worry about big waist or cardiovascular problems.The researchers call this "limone gene" - a gene that contains a special protein that destroys lipids and holds liquids in the blood.
The privilege of nature
Over the past 40 years, people in Limone Sul Garda village have undergone many tests under the supervision of scientists.Of the 1,000 residents living here, half of the Limone was born and raised in the village.And about 60 people have about 60 people with the limone gene.
"Gene Limone is inherited in my family. Me, my brother and my mother (96 years old) have this gene. And now the young children. Since the 1980s, we have been bloody and performed thePeriodic tests, ”said Gianni Segala, owner of a store in the village.
At the first time participating in the study, the doctors gave Mr. Gianni eating ice cream, every 2 hours to monitor his blood.
The strange thing is that despite eating a lot of sweets and fat, his blood immediately destroys fat and does not absorb them.However, due to his blood many times, he almost fainted.However, people like Mr. Gianni have never had to worry about vein obstruction or blood clotting.He said that his life was still very normal and he was not "superman" as people often think.
Cesare Sirtori - a clinical pharmacy professor at Università Degli Studi Di Milano, who leads the research team - identifying what Limone people call the "panacea" protein is A -1 Milano.
He said the limone has a particularly low HDL cholesterol level, only 7-15, while this normal index is 40-60.This seems to be the result of genetic mutations in protein carrier.
"Low HDL cholesterol is not good because people are at risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke. But people in the village are different, they consider this a positive opposite effect," he said.
Professor Sirtori is still studying the limone gene to assess the ability to fight atherosclerosis.In 2000, he and his team members synthesized limone protein and injected into rabbits.The results showed that the blood clots in the artery of the animal have decreased significantly.He also discovered that Limone people carry the dominant gene, often found in DNA of 5 -year -old children, young people and the elderly.
Doctors discovered the first gene carrier was a living ship in Limone, Gianni's ancestor.This person had an accident in Milan and was taken to the hospital.The doctors saved the patient's life and was extremely confused by his incredible blood results.They started a big screening campaign in the village of Limone Sul Garda.
Giuliano Segala, Mr. Gianni's son, said: "For the first time a blood test, I was just a child. The doctors often came to monitor our gene activity.The gene is like life insurance.
Giuliano feels that he is very healthy and can enjoy fat meat or Italian sausages and even lard.He shared that he never had abdominal pain and ate anything he liked."I like Cotolette (flour and fried meat), fried food, salami and I also like to drink. I also sleep well," he said.
Song Giuliano also regularly exercised, and his father climbed the mountain to admire the entire majestic scenery of Lake Garda nearby.
Mr. Sirtori said that this genetic mutation, and its relevant health benefits, only in Limone - and could not even be found in nearby villages.However, he is not interested in understanding why.
Antonio Girardi, owner of the local hotel, has studied the genealogy of Limone people since the 18th century. He believes that the surrounding environment, the climate and natural products also play an important role.
"It may be a warm climate all year round. We never have snow or ice. Or maybe thanks to the special pure olive oil that we all use as well as the dishes are fresh fishIn clean lake, bring good health to the people, "he said.
Since the Renaissance, the wealthy families have flocked to the Limone coast for relaxation, breathing the fresh air of the ALP range and enjoying the fresh fragrance of citrus and the privileges of the climate.This.
Previously, Limone people were mainly fishermen or woodcutter transporting timber to ships at the harbor.Today, they mainly work in tourism.Coming to this ancient village, visitors can walk along the picturesque harbor, visit the fishing village museum or explore the majestic high mountains.
"These mountains act as a natural shield to protect us from cold winds and welcome the sun, maintain warm temperatures. We have to thank the privileges that the climate has bestowed upon. That is a natural panacea, "Mr. Girardi said.