1. Figure 1. Influence of endogenous and exogenous factors on aging
Figure 1. Influence of endogenous and exogenous factors on aging. Aging is a plastic phenomenon that can be either positively or negatively influenced by various endogenous or exogenous factors. Accumulating evidence points to telomeres and mitochondria as the main factors in cellular aging control that consequently dictate the aging process at the organismal level. Recently, these two aspects have been connected in that critically short telomeres trigger the DNA damage response which results in an increase in p53 protein. In addition to activating mechanisms of cell cycle arrest through activation of p21, increasing levels of p53 also results in the repression of PGC1α and β, the main promotors of mitochondrial biogenesis, causing compromised mitochondrial function. Dysfunctional mitochondria release even more reactive oxygen species (ROS) into the cytoplasm causing further damage to the cell and accelerating the onset of senescence. External factors such as irradiation, pollution, environmental stress as well as unhealthy habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy food, lack of exercise, obesity, etc. can contribute to increased ROS production and other negative effects of aging. On the other hand, cellular defence mechanisms like ROS scavenging enzymes, antioxidants such as vitamins, flavonoids and carotenoids can diminish ROS production and preserve our telomeres, reduce mitochondrial damage and extend our health span. Positive lifestyle habits such as regular moderate exercise, relaxation and healthy diet can similarly improve our aging profile.
From: Telomeres, Nutrition, and Longevity: Can We Really Navigate Our Aging?
J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2017;73(1): doi: /gerona/glx082
J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci | © The Author(s) Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please