Antiaging

Personalized tests to detect metabolites (small molecules) related to Anti-Aging

In biological terms, progressive physiological changes in an organism are those that lead to aging or a decline in biological functions and the organism’s ability to adapt to metabolic stress. Aging takes place in a cell, an organ or the whole organism with the passage of time.

The Invisible Enemies: What Leads to Aging or Declining Biological Functions

Studies have proven that there are at least 10 hallmarks of the aging process, including:

1. Genomic instability and epigenetic modifications,
2. of mitochondrial dysfunction,
3. Dysregulated nutrient sensing.
4. Malabsorption and intestinal flora.
5. Of altered metabolism
6. Reduced mitochondrial function.
7. Of oxidative stress.
8. Environmental toxins.
9. Chronic microinflammation and the reduction of telomere length,

All of these alterations have been linked to prolonged systemic microinflammation, and these mechanisms contribute to the aging process on a yet to be clearly defined timescale. Nevertheless, mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the most important mechanisms contributing to the aging process.

1. Genes – Epigenetics: GenAge – Human – is a curated list of 307 genes associated with human aging, or at least genes that can significantly influence the phenotype and processes of human aging. New studies identified 449 genes that are up-regulated and 162 genes that are down-regulated with age in all tissues. The research continues without yet having arrived at the exact combinations. Epigenetic mechanisms are an important factor controlling gene functionality.
2. Optimization of energy metabolism: The use of the energy substrate (glucose) changes with age as insulin sensitivity decreases and anabolic resistance increases. Fat metabolism is similarly affected by aging as fat deposition is redistributed from subcutaneous to visceral fat. Visceral fat is subject to oxidation, promoting a low-grade inflammatory state, further reducing insulin sensitivity and increasing the risk of chronic disease. Decreased intake and anabolic resistance to dietary protein associated with aging make protein metabolism another area of ​​concern.
3. Maintaining mitochondrial health: At the cellular level, mitochondrial energy metabolism is typically less efficient in aging cells. Maintaining mitochondrial health and delaying dysfunction has been shown to promote energy homeostasis and may therefore prevent tissue damage and delay cellular aging.
4. Energy conservation: Aging is associated with altered nutrient-sensing mechanisms, as, during the aging process, there are changes in the expression of many nutrient-sensing molecules, resulting in an altered metabolism. The same factors that regulate growth can also regulate aging and manipulate factors that reduce growth, resulting in reduced aging and extended lifespan.
5. Avoiding Metabolic Syndrome: While advances in modern medicine have greatly advanced human health and extended human lifespans, metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes among older adults pose a major global public health challenge as societies are aging. Therefore, understanding the complex interplay between risk factors and metabolic diseases is crucial to promoting well-being and healthy aging.
6. Combat chronic micro-inflammation: Chronic pro-inflammatory state is a pervasive feature of aging. This chronic low-grade inflammation that occurs in the absence of overt infection has been defined as “inflammation” and represents an important risk factor. Low-grade inflammation persists even after reversal of pro-inflammatory stimuli such as LDL cholesterol and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Research studies have established a strong link between inflammatory markers and abnormalities in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as associations with atherosclerosis and obesity.
7. Malabsorption: All systems rely on the gastrointestinal tract for nutrient delivery, which cannot be ensured if the nutrients ingested are adequately digested and absorbed. The elderly are prone to inadequate intakes of energy, macronutrients (i.e. protein) and micronutrients, more significantly after the age of 65, often leading to nutrient deficiencies. Maintaining a healthy gut microbial environment that is known to promote an anti-inflammatory state and consequently promote nutrient digestion and absorption is a relevant goal for increasing nutrient availability from the gut.
8. Environmental toxins: The environment, including the obese environment and exposure to environmental toxins, is strongly associated with the increasing prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities. Behavioral factors, such as diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleep patterns, significantly influence the risk of metabolic diseases throughout aging. For more information, see our page on dangerous levels of toxic chemicals .
9. The gut microbiota: The gut microbiome is a transducer of environmental signals, modifies disease risk in all age groups, and changes with host age. Age-related changes in the gut microbiome are influenced by personal factors, including progressive physiological deterioration, as well as lifestyle factors such as diet, medication, and reduced social contact. The age- and disease-related deterioration of the gut microbiome of the elderly reflects overlapping interactive but distinct processes (for more information ( fgacenter.gr/o-rolos-tou-mikorobioma-tou-enterou/ ).
10. Oxidative stress from increased production of oxidative oxygen radicals (ROS) and dysfunction of antioxidant systems: During the aging process, there is a decrease in ATP production and increased production of ROS along with a decrease in antioxidant defenses. Increased levels of ROS can cause oxidative stress and severe damage to the cell, organic membranes, DNA, lipids, proteins and contribute to the reduction of telomere length. This damage contributes to the aging phenotype.