From disease-oriented to aging/longevity-oriented studies
A. Budovsky, K. Muradian, V. Fraifeld
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Aging, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
Aging should be considered a major risk factor for life-threatening
degenerative pathologies including atherosclerosis, cancer,
neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes type II, osteoporosis, and
sarcopenia. Although an apparent paradox, it appears that the most
effective way to delay or even to avert the age-related pathology is to
live longer. This is definitely exemplified by the phenomena of
negligible senescence observed in certain species, exceptional
longevity in humans, and by different experimental models of extended
life span. On the other hand, early development and increased frequency
of degenerative diseases are generally linked to accelerated aging. The
mechanisms of aging and major degenerative diseases have much in
common. We speculate that epigenetic modifications may be one of the
central mechanisms behind both aging and age-associated pathologies. If
so, the epigenetic interventions may serve in a two-fold way: (i) to
extend the lifespan and (ii) cure age-related degenerative diseases.
Altogether, these suggestions call for reconsidering of currently
predominant view - from disease-oriented to aging/longevity-oriented
studies
Key words:
Aging, diseases, epigenetics, lifespan extension
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