For the North County Times

Until recently, Peter and Paul Berkos didn't know that their bodies might harbor the secrets to lifelong health.

Granted, at age 86, both men are still vigorous and have lived extraordinary lives. Peter of Rancho Bernardo won an Academy Award in 1976 for sound effects on the movie "The Hindenburg," and is writing his third book. His identical twin brother, Paul, who lives in San Marcos, is a decorated World War II veteran and career Army officer.

But last year, scientists began studying the tiniest details of the brothers' lives: their DNA, the basic physical units of their heredity.

The Berkos twins are part of the "Wellderly Study," groundbreaking research from Scripps Genomic Medicine in La Jolla, where scientists are testing the DNA of disease-free individuals more than 80 years old to discover the genetic secrets of living a long, healthy life.

"This is the only study we're aware of that looks at our healthiest individuals," said Sarah Topol, R.N., clinical trials coordinator for the study. She added that most research investigates properties of disease, not mechanisms specific to the DNA of healthy people.

Researchers at Scripps are enlisting at least 1,000 healthy octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians of all ethnic backgrounds from across the country. These individuals must be free of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes â€"-â€" conditions that typically afflict individuals as they age.

"The oldest participant so far is 105 years old," she said.

To date, she has signed up 657 seniors and counting.

"These people have proven they can live more than 80 years without disease, and are most likely to carry protection," she said.

The protection Scripps scientists are seeking comes in the form of "modifier genes."

"We know that in experimental models, such as mice, there may be genes that counter the influence of other genes," said Dr. Eric J. Topol, lead investigator. Topol, who is Sarah's father, is director of Scripps Translational Science Institute, the branch of Scripps Health that is performing lab work for the study.

"Because all healthy elderly carry genes that put them at risk for disease, we're postulating that they also carry modifier genes that cancel or pre-empt these risks. It's Mother Nature's way of protecting against disease," he said.

The Berkos brothers are prime candidates to help scientists find these "white-knight" genes. For starters, they look more than a decade younger than their chronological age. Quick to answer a question with a joke or self-deprecating humor, they walk without assistance, their hands are steady, and their waistlines are trim compared with those of many elderly men.

And neither suffers from cancer, diabetes, arthritis or heart disease.

The twins typify many of the participants Sarah Topol has enrolled. Like most, they're modest about their accomplishment. Reaching their senior years in good health never seemed remarkable to the brothers. According to Paul, "I just feel honored about being part of the study," which his wife, Nadene, 77, persuaded him to join.

Peter and Paul live independently, staying positive and active. Both work around the house and yard, and are involved with social groups.

"And you have to keep your creative juices flowing," said Peter. He leads a writers' group that meets weekly; Paul paints and writes poetry.

Like many of their fellow "wellderlies," the twins enjoy a glass of wine with evening meals, don't smoke and walk as much as possible. "I'm the only person who actually loses weight on a cruise," said Paul. He credits his wife's vigilance in the kitchen, too â€"â€" she watches over their cholesterol and sodium intake and the like.

The Berkoses' parents came to the United States from Greece. Pete and Paul were born in Cicero, Ill., grew up in an extended, close-knit family, and thrived on a Mediterranean diet of fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of olive oil. Their mother passed away at age 63; their father lived until he was 94.

Genes may have protected the Berkos children from the ravages of poor health, but they haven't proven to be infallible.

While most of their siblings are youthful-looking 80-year-olds, one of the twins' sisters uses a wheelchair because of diabetes, heart diseases and arthritis.

Peter and Paul realize that findings from the Scripps study can't help her now.

"We advise participants that because genetic research takes years, their children or grandchildren could benefit," Sarah Topol said.

Eric Topol offered this example of how the "wellderly" results might be translated to treatments that help future generations: Recently, scientists located a specific modifier gene.

It appears to protect against viruses that attack the pancreas, leading to Type I diabetes.

"Kids at risk may some day be able to take a vaccine or drug that knocks down the gene causing this disease, thus preventing it," he said.

It's possibilities like this that spurred the Berkoses to donate two tablespoons of their blood to the study. Other healthy elders interested in joining can see whether they qualify by calling 800-SCRIPPS (800-727-4777) or e-mailing wellderly@scrippshealth.org.

So just what is the twins' secret to a healthy long life?

"Don't die young!" said Peter.

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Peter and Paul Berkos are part of Scripps Genomic Medicine's "Wellderly Study" to find out how those over 80 manage to maintain good health. TERRY HARRIS

For the North County Times