Aging—mechanisms, models, and translation

Excerpt

The physiological aging process is characterized by progressive structural and functional degenerative changes in many tissues and organs, with a consequent increased incidence of age-related diseases and probability of death [4]. Over the last 30 years it has become evident that genetic aberrations contribute to the onset of diseases and the aging processes. Several gene families and regulatory networks, which modulate the life spans of organisms independent of the environment they live in, have been identified. Thus, several intrinsic pathways that contribute to the aging process are known. However, the role of environmental factors in aging and disorders are still not well understood. There is an obvious correlation between life-style, disease, and aging; in addition, several exogenous factors that have a positive impact on our health status or accelerate aging processes, the onset, and/or progression of diseases have been identified (e.g., air pollution, caloric restriction, micronutrients, and physical exercise). However, the exact contribution of these extrinsic factors to diseases and aging are largely unknown. …