Before the different solutions to ageing are discussed, it should be noted that growing older can occur at evolutionary, organismal (the whole organism), cellular and molecular levels. This article observes ageing and lifespan increase from a cellular and molecular perspective.
To define the ageing process we could, on the one hand, follow the 'network' theory of Kowald and Kirkwood, 1996, which, they maintain, 'integrates the contributions of defective mitochondria, aberrant proteins, and free radicals to the ageing process, and which includes the protective effects of antioxidant enzymes and proteolytic scavengers ".
In other words, ageing, according to these two authors, is the result of a combination of processes acting on cellular components. On the other hand, Clark (1999) defines ageing as "a complex process that involves every cell and organ in the body and that leads to the deterioration of many body functions over the lifespan of an individual."
Free Radicals
Part of this first article about ageing is also based on the free radical theory of Denham Harman,1956. Free radicals are molecules such as superoxide, hydroxyl, peroxyl, alkoxyl, hydroperoxyl, lipid peroxyl, nitric oxide,carbon centred radicals and thiol radicals whose common feature is that they have unpaired electrons.
Such a biochemical imbalance makes them highly unstable and easily reactive with other cellular components. This chemical association can alter the structure of the molecule or atom they bind to, impairing its function within the cell and producing what is known as an oxidative damage.
Progerias
Free radicals can undermine nucleic acids such as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) by producing double strand breaks and promoting the formation of altered bases. With time, this can generate DNA mutations in the nucleus and mitochondrial DNA. Proteins and lipids can also suffer oxidative damage. This unfortunately affects many cellular processes during ageing, provoking a wide variety of diseases common to senior citizens.
Recent research into the genetic basis of ageing may throw further light on this situation. Investigations have in fact uncovered the existence of certain genes that are resistant to free radicals, thus delaying the ageing process. The expression of these genes has been discovered by the study of Progerias, a disorder where the patient prematurely ages as a result of mutations in these genes.
How to Fight Ageing and increase Lifespan
There are different options available to fight against ageing and to increase the lifespan of human beings. Some conventional authors explain how to defy growing older using correct nutrition and moderate exercise. Several groups of scientists around the globe are also investigating promising new therapies such as stem cell treatments and nanotechnology that promise to combat ageing, while rejuvenating tissues and organs.
Finally, scientists such as Ian Pearson envisage future technology allowing the brain activity of humans to be downloaded to computers, or the use of microchips (in the future nanochips) to maintain brain capabilities at a youthful level.
Natural Nutrition
Many doctors and scientists, among others, advise that the following procedures should be carried out to attempt to slow down ageing:
- Ingesting nutritious food, including youth- preserving antioxidants that can neutralize the harm produced by free radicals. This includes eating more fruit and vegetables, as they are a natural source of antioxidants.
- Eating a suitable amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals, as nutritional needs do not decline with age.
- Drinking about 2 litres of water daily, as this maintains hydratation levels and promotes younger-looking skin.
- It is curious, but it also seems that some scientists have come to the conclusion that the risk of suffering coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s (ageing disorders) can be lowered by drinking one or two glasses of alcohol, especially red wine.
Added to all the ideas specified above, many people believe that taking vitamins, minerals and amino acid supplements increases the lifespan and delays ageing. However, certain doctors such as Dr Miriam Stoppard make clear that the need to ingest vitamin supplements is a myth.
In her book, 'Defying Age', Stoppard states "I am agnostic on this point - there’s no question that we all need and benefit from vitamins, minerals and herbs but I am not convinced that taking supplements is the way to ensure that our body get enough of them". In fact, the US Department of Health suggests that is better to ingest vitamin rich foods.
Moderate exercise can help both physical and mental wellbeing. This does not mean there is a need to spend hours in the gym- walking and static breathing exercises can be enough to motivate the personality and tone the muscles. Swimming is also very helpful as all the body parts are in use in this activity.
Stem Cell Treatments
Compared to other animals, humans have lost their regenerative powers. Through molecular and cellular biology the discovery of how stem cells divide, proliferate and differentiate to become specialized cells and repair damaged tissue can be the answer to fight against ageing and to preserve youth.
Optimists such as Ray Kurzweil state that immortality will be possible in 20 years. Others have a more realistic outlook, but agree that once we are able to positively manipulate the biological clock of ESCs (embryonic stem cells) and iPSCs (induced adult stem cells), we will indeed be able to regenerate new organs that can be used to combat ageing.
However, this will require a proper target delivery process, as cells will need to travel to specific previously assigned organs. This may well be facilitated in the future by nanotechnology, thereby allowing us to be injected with reprogrammed cells capable of rejuvenating our organs.
Sources
- Clark W.R., 'A Means to an End: The biological Basis of Life and Death', New York. Oxford University Press,1999.
- Harman, Denham, ' A Theory Based on Free Radical and Radiation Chemistry',1956.
- Kowald and Kirkwood, 'The Network Theory', 1999.
- Kurzweil, Ray. 'Immortality only 20 years away', The Telegraph, 2009.
- Pearson, Ian."2050- and Immortality is Within Our Own Grasp', The Guardian, 2005.
- Stoppard, Miriam, 'Defying Age', Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2003.
Dinah JL Novak - Years of hard work within investigative journalism (online, print and TV ), scientific research and academics (BA and BSc) have provided ...
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