Science

Longevity glossary

Plain-language explanations of the terms used on our website and in our articles.

A

ApoB (Apolipoprotein B)

A protein found on every particle that carries cholesterol in the blood. Unlike the amount of LDL cholesterol, it reflects the number of particles that can carry cholesterol into the vessel wall. That is why it is increasingly used in assessing cardiovascular risk.

Biological age

An estimate, distinct from chronological age, of how much wear the cells and tissues have undergone. Epigenetic tests, telomere length and various laboratory parameters offer different windows on it; there is no single, definitive method of measurement.

Cellavia (Cella + Via)

Our name combines the Latin cella, meaning cell and the root of the biological term cell, with via, meaning path: a path of life that begins in the cell.

cPNI (Clinical psycho-neuro-immunology)

A holistic approach that studies the interaction between the nervous system, hormones, the immune system and metabolism, and brings this knowledge into clinical practice. Its founder is Dr. Leo Pruimboom.

Epigenetics

The branch of science that studies changes in how genes work that occur without any change in the DNA sequence. Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress and movement can influence these changes.

GETAT

The abbreviation of the Turkish Ministry of Health regulation on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices. In Türkiye, practices such as acupuncture may be carried out only by physicians certified under this regulation and at authorised centres.

HbA1c

A blood test reflecting the average blood sugar level over roughly the past three months. Because it is not affected by the fluctuations of a single day, it is used as a long-term indicator of metabolic health.

Hyperoxia

Raising the proportion of oxygen in inhaled air above normal. In IHHT sessions it alternates with periods of low oxygen.

Hyperthermia

The controlled raising of body temperature. In infrared hyperthermia, this is done with infrared rays in a cabin where the head remains outside.

Hypoxia

Lowering the proportion of oxygen in inhaled air below normal. Short, controlled periods of hypoxia under medical supervision invite the body to adapt the way it uses oxygen.

HOMA-IR

An index calculated from fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin values. It is used to estimate insulin resistance.

Hormesis

The ability of a stimulus that may be harmful at high doses to trigger adaptive and repair responses in the body at low, controlled doses. Cold, heat, short periods of hypoxia and exercise are well-known hormetic stimuli.

HRV (Heart rate variability)

The millisecond-level variation in the time between successive heartbeats. It is used as an indicator of autonomic nervous system balance and recovery capacity; higher variability generally points to a more flexible nervous system.

hs-CRP

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein. One of the markers of a low-grade, silent inflammatory load in the body.

IHHT

Intermittent Hypoxic-Hyperoxic Training. A method in which oxygen-reduced and oxygen-enriched air are breathed alternately while oxygen saturation is monitored.

Intermittent Living

A concept developed by Dr. Leo Pruimboom. It proposes bringing ancient stimuli such as cold, heat, hunger and movement back into modern life in a controlled, intermittent way.

Insulin resistance

A reduced response of the cells to the hormone insulin, so that more insulin is needed to balance blood sugar. In the long term it is an important indicator of metabolic health.

Dark-field microscopy

The examination of a living, unstained drop of blood using a special illumination technique in which light reaches the sample from the side. It is not a diagnostic tool; it is a complementary observation method.

Cryotherapy

Exposing the body briefly to very low temperatures. Whole-body cryotherapy takes place in a cryo chamber, under specialist supervision, in sessions lasting a few minutes.

Lipoprotein(a)

A cholesterol-carrying particle largely determined by genetics. Because it usually remains stable throughout life, a single measurement is generally recommended.

Longevity

Refers not only to a long life but to the span of life lived in good health. The aim is to add life to years.

Metabolic flexibility

The body’s ability to switch easily between carbohydrates and fat as an energy source, according to need.

Microcirculation

The flow of blood in the smallest vessels, the capillaries. Most of the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells, and the removal of waste, takes place here.

Mitochondria

Structures inside cells that produce energy. Known as the cell’s power plants, they also play a role in managing cellular health.

Osteopathy

A hands-on assessment and treatment approach that focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure and its function.

Autophagy

A natural process in which cells clean up and recycle their aged or malfunctioning components. The discovery of this mechanism was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Oxidative stress

A disturbance of the balance between the free radicals formed in cells and the body’s antioxidant defences.

Parasympathetic nervous system

The branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for rest, digestion and repair. Slow, deep breathing is one of the best-known ways to support it.

Circadian rhythm

The body’s internal clock of roughly 24 hours. Sleep, hormone release and body temperature are regulated by this rhythm; its most powerful regulator is daylight.

Spiroergometry

Measuring how the body uses oxygen by analysing inhaled and exhaled air during a controlled exercise test.

Telomere

Repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that protect genetic information. They shorten slightly each time a cell divides.

Thermoregulation

The body’s ability to keep its internal temperature in balance. Cold and heat applications exercise this system.

VO2max

The maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during intense exertion. It is regarded as one of the strongest indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness and is measured with spiroergometry.

This glossary is for general information only and does not replace medical advice.

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