Biogerontology: from here to where? The Lord Cohen Medal Lecture-2011

Abstract

Ageing is a progressive shrinkage of the homeodynamic space and, at the molecular level, it is associated with the stochastic occurrence and progressive accumulation of molecular damage. Imperfection of the maintenance and repair systems results in the failure of homeodynamics characterized by increased molecular heterogeneity, altered cellular functioning, reduced stress tolerance and reduced remodeling and adaptation, which lead to increased probability of diseases and eventual death. Although, several types of molecular damages have been shown to accumulate and increase molecular heterogeneity during ageing, its relevance and significance with respect to the physiology, survival and longevity remains to be determined. Such studies are essential for establishing biomarkers of health, frailty, remodeling and adaptation, and for developing effective methods for the prevention and reversion of age-related changes. A promising strategy for ageing intervention and modulation is that of strengthening the homeodynamics through repeated mild stress-induced hormesis by physical, biological and nutritional hormetins. Because a number of ethical, social, and personal implications emerge by the development and use of anti-ageing and life-extending technologies, biogerontologists should incorporate these elements while developing their research agenda in biogerontology.

Molecular Gerontology

“…This implies that the environment and the lifestyle (milieu) have more than 75% contribution in determining the lifespan of an individual. Thus a combination of genes, milieu, and chance determine the course and consequences of aging and the duration of survival of an individual, which could be modifiable (Rattan, 2007b;Rattan, 2012b). The aim of this article is to give a brief overview of the present state of knowledge with respect to the biological and molecular basis of aging, and the ongoing lines of research and strategies for slowing down aging, maintaining health, and extending health span and longevity.…”

“…However, recent enhanced understanding of the processes of biological growth, development, maturation, reproduction, and aging have led to the realization that the homeostasis model as an explanation is seriously incomplete. The main reason for the incompleteness of the homeostasis model is its defining principle of 'stability through constancy', which does not take into account the new themes, such as cybernetics, control theory, catastrophe theory, chaos theory, information and interaction networks, which comprise and underline the modern biology of complexity (Rattan, 2007a;Rattan, 2012b). Instead, the term homeodynamics is being increasingly used to account for the fact that, unlike machines, the internal milieu of complex biological systems is not permanently fixed, is not at equilibrium, and is a dynamic regulation and interaction among various levels of organization (Yates, 1994).…”

Hormesis-Based Anti-Aging Products: A Case Study of a Novel Cosmetic

“…One useful way of conceptualizing aging is the progressive shrinkage of the homeodynamic space during the period of survival beyond the natural lifespan termed essential lifespan (Carnes, 2011;Rattan, 2000aRattan, , 2000bRattan, 2011;Rattan and Clark, 2005). A critical component of the homeodynamic space is the SR.…”

Stress Response of Dietary Phytochemicals in a Hormetic Manner for Health and Longevity

“…Hemodynamic is the ability of live systems to provide protection against stress, and to maintain adaptation, survival, and continuity of health. Hemodynamic impairment, increased molecular heterogeneity, altered cellular function, and decreased adaptive stress responses are some factors that determine health status and lifespan [3,4]. The development of adaptive stress response with mild and periodic stress is hormetically related to the strengthening of the hemodynamic structure, the reduction of disease risks, and healthy aging.…”