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LightningSpec
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What are the causes of human aging?
Do we know all the causes of human aging?
Do we know all the causes of human aging?
LightningSpec said:What are the causes of human aging?
LightningSpec said:Do we know all the causes of human aging?
AGING THEORY
No one really knows how and why people change as they get older. Some theories claim that aging is caused by accumulated injuries from ultraviolet light, wear and tear on the body, by-products of metabolism, and so on. Other theories view aging as a predetermined, genetically-controlled process.
However, no theory sufficiently explains all the changes of the aging process. Aging is a complex and varied process that varies in how it affects different people and even different organs. Most gerontologists (people who study aging) feel that aging is the cumulative effect of the interaction of many lifelong influences. These influences include heredity, environment, cultural influences, diet, exercise and leisure, past illnesses, and many other factors.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004012.htm
A new study identifies the mutation that underlies a rare, inherited accelerated-aging disease and provides key insight into normal human aging. The research, published by Cell Press online May 5 in the American Journal of Human Genetics, highlights the importance of a cellular structure called the "nuclear envelope" in the process of aging.
"Aging is a very complex process which affects most biological functions of an organism but whose molecular basis remains largely unknown," explains Dr. Carlos López-Otín from the University of Oviedo in Spain. "Over the last few years, our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying human aging has benefited from studies of premature-aging syndromes, such as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome, that cause the early development of characteristics normally associated with advanced age."
Previous work has implicated defects in DNA repair systems in human progeria, and more recent studies have also implicated alterations in the nuclear envelope. The nuclear envelope is a structure that surrounds the nucleus of a cell. The nucleus houses the cell's genome, and the nuclear envelope interacts with DNA and regulates the exchange of materials, such as transcription factors that control gene expression, into and out of the nucleus. Mutations in genes for proteins called "lamins" that form major parts of the nuclear envelope have been linked with progeroid syndromes by this group and others. However, other patients do not exhibit mutations in known candidate genes, suggesting the existence of additional genes implicated in premature aging.
Please read on . . .
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-05/cp-mpn050411.php
The main causes of human aging are a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences. Some of the key factors that contribute to aging include oxidative stress, telomere shortening, DNA damage, and cellular senescence.
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues, leading to accelerated aging. Antioxidants help to neutralize these free radicals and protect against their harmful effects. As we age, our bodies may become less efficient at neutralizing free radicals, leading to increased oxidative stress and aging.
Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes that help maintain the stability and integrity of our DNA. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter, and eventually, the cell can no longer divide and dies. As we age, our telomeres naturally shorten, and this can lead to cellular dysfunction and contribute to the aging process.
Our DNA is constantly being damaged by various environmental factors, such as UV radiation, pollution, and toxins. As we age, our cells may become less efficient at repairing this damage, leading to an accumulation of DNA mutations. These mutations can impact the functioning of our cells and contribute to the aging process.
Yes, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management can greatly impact how we age. A healthy and balanced lifestyle can help to reduce oxidative stress, maintain the length of telomeres, and promote efficient DNA repair, all of which can contribute to healthy aging. On the other hand, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a poor diet can accelerate the aging process.