The concept of aging extends from wrinkled skin, decreasing performance and hair loss to forgetfulness. It is therefore a very broadly defined term. This is not surprising when you consider how differently the process manifests itself in different people. However, all of the processes described are merely the end state of a series of reactions and conditions in our body.
To better understand the molecular processes, Researchers around the world are trying to decipher the processes behind our wrinkles and our increasingly poor performance in old age.
In this respect, science is a kind of construct that is not satisfied with the status quo, but constantly strives to gain new knowledge. This approach often leads to the following view:
“If you understand how something works, you can try to change it.”
This is no different in the longevity field. A group around the researcher Carlos López-Otín has described nine hallmarks of aging in a widely acclaimed paper. These nine Hallmarks were expanded to twelve in 2023 with three moreWe give you an overview of all 12 Hallmarks and go into more detail in the individual articles.
Did you know? The 12 Hallmarks of Aging describe how our body ages on a molecular level. But we are not powerless to do so. Recent research has shown that scientists why, for example Fast and sport has a positive effect on the Hallmarks of AgingFrom all these findings and dozens of scientific studies we have the ONE (Daily Longevity Complex) developed for you. 13 carefully selected ingredientsthat cover all Hallmarks of Aging.
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1st Genomic instability
DNA is similar to a blueprint for our body – if certain pages are missing, the whole book or the whole plan sometimes makes no senseThe body can repair such changes better at a young age than in later stages of life. In addition, there is an increased susceptibility to errors as we age.
2nd telomere attrition
DNA is not a single big book per se, but the genetic information is divided into 23 smaller booklets (chromosomes)Every single cell is equipped with this small library (genome). The last chapter of this “booklet” is special and is called telomere designated.No information is encoded here, but the telomeres act as protection against degradation of the DNA. The telomeres naturally become shorter with each cell division. Once a certain threshold (Hayflick limit) is reached, cell function ceases.
3. Epigenetic changes
Epigenetics tries to explain which factors temporarily determine the activity of a gene and consequently the development of the cellHowever, these factors are not based on possible changes in the genetic information (example: mutations), but on different small proteins that can bind to the DNA. As a result, the binding of one or more genes can influence their activity (more or less). Epigenetics is also involved in the development and differentiation of cells.
4th loss of proteostasis
Proteostasis consists of the two terms proteome (total of proteins that can be produced in the body) and homeostasis (balance). If something goes wrong with the regulation of proteins, individual proteins may no longer appear at all or may appear in excess. This in turn affects the functionality of the cells. This process plays a role in well-known diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
5th Deregulated nutrient measurement
With this license plate, the Reaction of the body to food intake relevant. Its regulation takes place in conjunction with growth hormone and other hormones. This includes calorie restriction and Fast of importance. We also focus on autophagy and specific longevity genes: the sirtuins, which also Dr. David Sinclair has done a lot of research.
6th Mitochondrial Dysfunction & Mitohormesis
As cells and organisms age, the effectiveness of energy supply in our cellular power plants – the mitochondria – tends to decrease. This finding is based on two mechanisms. Firstly, electrons are lost and secondly, ATP production decreases. ATP is the most important energy carrier in our bodyIn this context we also learn the term mitohormesis.
7th Cellular senescence
Cellular senescence describes the state of a cell cycle arrestThis means that the cell slows down its functionality and can no longer divide. This shutdown is often caused by DNA changes. In a way, it is a protective mechanism. This protective mechanism is well-intentioned, but sometimes poorly implemented, especially in old ageIn connection with senescence, the topic of senolytics spoken.
8th stem cell exhaustion
As we age, the ability of our stem cells to divide decreases – they become “exhausted”As a result, broken or damaged cells can no longer be renewed. This ultimately leads to the various types of tissue no longer being able to regenerate or recover adequately.
9th Altered intercellular communication
This feature looks beyond the cell-autonomous level. Aging also involves changes in the communication between cellsAn increasing inflammatory reaction and a decreasing immune surveillance are exemplary consequences of this factor with sometimes drastic effects on physiological aging.
10th Inflammaging
Chronic inflammation is one of the signs of aging, or Inflammation levels increase with age, which is summarized under the acronym “inflammaging”The reasons are varied and range from vascular deposits (arteriosclerosis) to neuroinflammation or pro-inflammatory signals from visceral fatty tissue. This can be measured using inflammatory parameters such as CRP or interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 in particular is considered a marker for increased mortality when levels are chronically too high. Inflammaging is closely linked to the other hallmarks and the boundaries are often fluid.
11th dysbiosis
We do not live alone – There are billions of bacteria in our intestines with which we form a symbiosisThis balance is not only shifted in some diseases, but also seems to no longer be aligned to our advantage as we age. Symbiosis turns into dysbiosis in our microbiome.
12th Altered (macro) autophagy
When the “garbage disposal” stops working in old age, this is referred to as altered (macro)-autophagy. Every day, our bodies produce large amounts of cellular waste that is autophaged, i.e. disposed of, by specialized helpers. This can be proteins, nutrients, but also entire cell organelles such as mitochondria. As we age, this autophagy no longer works properly - with far-reaching consequences for our health.
At first glance, this all sounds very scientific, opaque and difficult to understand - don't let that put you off! We will now take a closer look at each of the Hallmarks of Aging in a series of articles, with the aim of understanding the basics of growing older.
The excursion into the deeper cell biology of aging is full of surprises. We will show you why there are "zombie cells" in your body and what they have to do with aging. Or you will learn how your cells dispose of their waste and why this no longer works so well as we age. So don't worry, we have worked out the somewhat dry theory in an understandable and exciting way. At the end of this series, you will be well informed about what constitutes aging and how we can (perhaps) stop it.
