Concept
Concept
Cellular senescence is a state in which cells permanently stop dividing in response to stress or damage, acting as a tumor suppressive mechanism but also contributing to aging and age-related diseases. It involves complex signaling pathways that lead to the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which can affect tissue function and regeneration.
Concept
Telomere shortening is a biological process where the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, called telomeres, progressively become shorter with each cell division, ultimately leading to cellular aging and senescence. This shortening is a critical factor in aging and has been implicated in age-related diseases and cancer, as it limits the number of times a cell can divide.
Concept
Oxidative stress is a condition characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to detoxify these harmful byproducts, leading to cellular damage. It is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting the importance of antioxidants in maintaining cellular health.
Concept
Genomic instability refers to the increased rate of mutations within the genome, which can lead to cancer development and progression. It encompasses a range of genetic alterations, including chromosomal rearrangements, point mutations, and aneuploidy, often resulting from defects in DNA repair mechanisms.
Concept
Mitochondrial dysfunction refers to the failure of mitochondria to produce adequate energy for cellular function, often leading to a range of diseases and age-related conditions. It is implicated in numerous disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and cardiovascular diseases, due to its central role in energy metabolism and apoptosis regulation.
Concept
Inflammaging describes the chronic, low-grade inflammation that typically increases with age and contributes to various age-related diseases. This process is driven by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that collectively impact the immune system and promote systemic inflammation.
Concept
Epigenetic alterations refer to heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence, often influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle. These modifications can affect various biological processes and are implicated in numerous diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders.
Concept
Proteostasis refers to the regulation and maintenance of the cellular protein balance, ensuring proteins are correctly folded, functional, and degraded when damaged or no longer needed. This process is crucial for cellular health and function, with its dysregulation linked to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.
Concept
Stem cell exhaustion refers to the decline in the regenerative capacity of stem cells, leading to impaired tissue maintenance and repair, often associated with aging and degenerative diseases. This phenomenon is influenced by intrinsic factors like DNA damage and extrinsic factors such as changes in the stem cell niche and systemic environment.
Concept
Metabolic changes refer to the alterations in the biochemical processes that occur within a living organism, impacting energy production, storage, and utilization. These changes can be influenced by factors such as age, diet, physical activity, and disease, and are crucial for maintaining homeostasis and overall health.
Concept
Pavement durability refers to the ability of a pavement structure to withstand traffic loads, environmental conditions, and aging processes over its intended lifespan without significant deterioration. Ensuring Pavement durability involves selecting appropriate materials, design strategies, and maintenance practices to maximize performance and minimize lifecycle costs.
Concept
The genetics of longevity involve understanding how certain genetic variations contribute to a longer lifespan, and how these interact with environmental factors. Research identifies specific genes and pathways that influence aging processes, providing insights for potential interventions to extend healthy life expectancy.
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