Aging in the Perspective of Integrative Medicine, Psychoneuroendocrineimmunology and Hormesis

Abstract

: Aging has been considered a progressive decrease of a living organism homeodynamics , which indicates a reduction of the psycho-biological resilience. This narrative review provides an overview on the available literature related to the holistic approach of integrative medicine, psychoneuroendocrineimmunology (PNEI) and hormesis in aging process. On the basis of pathophysiology of cell senescence and of chronic degenerative diseases, possible preventive/therapeutic pathways have been examined. Chronic low grade cellular inflammation and chronic stress have been shown as the general interlinked factors inducing aging, on the basis of complex biochemical, cell and multi-organ derangements. The main cell degenerative processes which have been related to aging are: altered mitochondria DNA/metabolism, excessive oxidative stress, glycation, alteration of autophagy and proteasome, genome alterations. Literature about longevity-targeting interventions, beyond conventional medicine, describes a spectrum of possible measures to improve psycho-biological resilience, based on PNEI paradigm, on hormesis and upon mitochondria-targeted interventions. Calorie restriction, exercising, fasting, nutraceuticals, sleep regulation, specific breathing, meditation and psychotherapy are discussed, among others.

Medicine and Phlebolymphology: Time to Change?

“…Biomedical science deals with the sum of all the psycho-biological changes that affect the individual in the course of life. Cell senescence features the lifelong negative effects on human beings’ efficiency, functional reserves, and psycho-physical homeodynamic adaptation to inner and outer/environmental changes [ 1 ].…”

“…The so-called “inflammaging” (aging and cell senescence caused by chronic low-grade cellular inflammation (CLGCI) [ 1 , 7 , 8 ]), is regarded as the core process of the molecular events at the root of human aging and of CDD. Basically, phlebolymphology includes a wide spectrum of CDD, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and LYM, where CLGCI plays a determinant role [ 1 , 9 ].…”

“…Besides conventional pharmacological and technological support, many validated interventions have been recognized as fundamental pillars in a framework of an integrative treatment of CLGCI and CDD. Most of these interventions are based on lifestyle, nutrition, and stress management [ 1 , 12 ].…”

“…The development of modern civilization has definitely impacted nutrition, lifestyle, and stress tolerance, which are the cornerstones in the health-disease processes of human beings [ 1 ]. Chronic stress and the progressive decrease of environment healthy challenges due to increasing comforts and easiness of life have significantly modified human lifestyle and resilience.…”

“…Besides conventional pharmacological and technological support, many validated interventions have been recognized as fundamental pillars in a framework of an integrative treatment of CLGCI and CDD. Most of these interventions are based on lifestyle, nutrition, and stress management [1,12]. Table 2 summarizes the most referenced integrative medicine interventions (beyond drugs and technologies), which may be of help in CDD, hence in several phlebolymphology syndromes.…”