MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Aging and anti-aging: a Combo-Endocrinology overview

Abstract

Aging and its underlying pathophysiological background has always attracted the attention of the scientific society. Defined as the gradual, time-dependent, heterogeneous decline of physiological functions, aging is orchestrated by a plethora of molecular mechanisms, which vividly interact to alter body homeostasis. The ability of an organism to adjust to these alterations, in conjunction with the dynamic effect of various environmental stimuli across lifespan, promotes longevity, frailty or disease. Endocrine function undergoes major changes during aging, as well. Specifically, alterations in hormonal networks and concomitant hormonal deficits/excess, augmented by poor sensitivity of tissues to their action, take place. As hypothalamic-pituitary unit is the central regulator of crucial body functions, these alterations can be translated in significant clinical sequelae that can impair the quality of life and promote frailty and disease. Delineating the hormonal signaling alterations that occur across lifespan and exploring possible remedial interventions could possibly help us improve the quality of life of the elderly and promote longevity.

Sex steroid hormones and brain function:PETimaging as a tool for research

“…There is ongoing research on the influence of sex steroid hormones on brain development and brain function. Although the expression of sex steroid hormone receptors in the brain has been demonstrated and some roles of these hormones in the brain have been elucidated, there is still a large gap in our knowledge of these hormone system. This can be partly be ascribed to the lack of suitable techniques available for assessing the dynamics and interplay of these molecules in the living brain.…”

“…There is ongoing research on the influence of sex steroid hormones on brain development and brain function. Although the expression of sex steroid hormone receptors in the brain has been demonstrated 9 and some roles of these hormones in the brain have been elucidated, [2][3][4] there is still a large gap in our knowledge of these hormone system.…”

“…These hormones are major regulators of sexual functions, including the reproductive cycle, reproductive physiology and the development of accessory reproductive organs . However, our vision of the function of these hormones has been expanded because they not only regulate sexual behaviour, but also affect brain functions, such as memory, anxiety‐related behaviour and other functions at the cellular level . Sex steroid hormones are mainly synthesised by the ovaries and testis.…”

Novel Treatment Strategies for the Nervous System: Circadian Clock Genes, Non-coding RNAs, and Forkhead Transcription Factors

“…It is expected that the number of elderly individuals in large developing countries such as India and China also will increase from five percent to ten percent over the next several decades (4, 5). There are a number of reasons that may account for the increased lifespan, but improvements in effective treatments for multiple disorders (6–10) and broader access to preventive care are believed to have contributed to the increased life span of the world’s population. For NCDs, greater than ten percent of the population under sixty years of age is affected in high-income countries (1).…”

Functional Changes in the Organism with Hypothyroidism

“…У цих випадках процес автоагресії продовжується після операції, і на нього не впливає кількість тканини ЩЗ, залишеної після операції. Післяопераційний гіпотиреоз розвивається зазвичай упродовж року; більш віддалені за строками форми трапляються рідше [13,30].…”