The Molecular Mechanism of Cellular Senescence

1. Free radical levels in our body has to be controlled in a small quantity to make them helpful to our body. Excessive free radicals generated by the chemical process-- oxidation, will accelerate your aging. Because free radicals can acquire electron from other molecules in our body thereby left that molecule and/or cell damaged. Excess free radicals are very easily generated in our body through oxidation by environmental pollutions and radiations (sun UV light). Antioxidants is a group of molecules that can neutralize free radicals thereby is a common component in anti-aging skin care formulas and anti-aging super foods/supplements.

2. Glycation here is a term meaning a type of chemical reaction between amino acids of the protein and aldehydes (such as glucose, sugar, called glycating agents). The glycating agents can cross link 2 proteins to form AGE (advanced glycation end products) by forming covalent bonds between protein and itself. AGE is very detrimental to our body in that they can crosslink to cells causing them to produce toxic chemical by-products. In addition, AGE stimulate the production of free radicals which in turn produce more aldehydes thereby forming a vicious cycle that will accelerate your aging. The natural substance discovered so far that is able to neutralize glycating agents is an expensive dipeptide nutrient called carnosine. The effect of glycation is reflected as unsightly wrinkled skin. Furthermore, glycation can cause age-related degenerative diseases including the neurologic, vascular, and eye disorders. Glycation is commonly measured in the body by estimating or monitoring the blood levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (Hba1c).

3. Methylation refers to the type of chemical reaction whereby molecules containing methyl group can be linked to various constituents of protein, DNA and other molecules. Methylation in our body must be balanced in order to keep proteins, DNA and other molecules function well. Homocysteine is a byproduct of an important methylation process in our body after methionion (an amino acid) is used to methylate protein and DNA. When homocysteine is in excess in our body, it is found to accelerate telemore (a structure involved in cell division) destruction and thereby causing or accelerating the aging process. On the other hand, methylation of certain part of DNA can turn off unnecessary or harmful genes and can block division of abnormal cells thereby prevent aging caused by these abnormal cells. How does our body balance methylation? There are three groups of molecules in our body regulate to balance methylation. They are vitamin B6, B12, Tri-Methyl-Glycine (TMG), and S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAMe). As aging progresses, Vitamin B functioning as a cofactor in methylation reaction tend to become less efficient. SAMe is one of the most effective methylating agent in the body formed by binding methionion to ATP (adenosine triphosphate--the well known cellular energy molecule).

4. It is found that Chronic Inflammation is the cause of many age related damage, because excessive inflammation also produces excessive toxic chemicals which not only fight bacteria, but also damage normal body tissues. One example component in excess inflammation is excitotoxicity in which brain cells get over-excited. Another chemical factor in inflammation is tumor necrosis factor(TNF), excess TNF promotes the degeneration of brain and nerves. Omega-s fish oil has been used for anti-inflammatory purposes, however it only handle one of the many inflammation components. The best known natural calorie restriction mimics resveratrol (an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant) has been used to keep TNF as low as possible

5. DNA degeneration is an aging process in which DNA lose its ability to interact with RNA, the molecule directs the translation and synthesis of protein (the macromolecule perform all the functions in our body). The degeneration is then passed on to the new cells after DNA replication and cell division and therefore accelerate aging. Therefore, bio-active DNA repair molecules are an integral part of anti-aging super foods.

6. It is proposed that aging also results from decreased energy production in the cell's mitochondria. Defective mitochondrial function causes cells to become defective and deficient in the energy needed to effectively repair mutated or damaged DNA. This theory about the correlation of cell energy depletion and aging have been proved by published scientific studies since its proposal.

In conclusion, the six causes of aging are not isolated. Rather the 6 causes of aging are interrelated. Many free radicals can also increase glycation (AGE). To see more detailed picture of Aging Process, visit our web site

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