LIFE CIRCLE : AGING

DEPARTEMEN PATOLOGI ANATOMI

FK - 2010

AGING

Final phase of human development aggregate of structural changes that occur with the passage of time. Characterized by progressive inability to sustain vital functions, with death the eventual result. Finite biologic life span of 90110 years cardiovascular diseases and cancer were eradicated life expectancy increase only a few years.

HYPOTHESIS OF AGING
Programmed Aging Hypothesis Genome of every cell is programmed at conception to cease mitotic division after a certain time.
Programmed cessation of mitotic division does not explain the attrition in permanent (irreversibly postmitotic) cells such as neurons and muscle cells

DNA Damage Hypothesis

Aging is the result of DNA damage, due either to somatic mutations or to failure of DNA repair mechanisms in aging cells. DNA changes lead to errors in ribonucleic acid (RNA) transcription and in that way cause defects in cellular synthesis of protein.

Neuroendocrine Hypothesis

Aging process is programmed into brain cells at birth and that these cells direct the process by means of hormonal and neural influences.

Immune Hypothesis

A decline in immunologic reactivity increasing age predisposes to development of infections, autoimmune diseases, and neoplasia in elderly persons. Progressive immunologic dysfunction is inevitable and that it is responsible for limitations on life span.

Free Radical Hypothesis

Aging accumulation of lipofuscin in cells heart, liver, and brain. Lipofuscin is derived oxygen-based free radicals on plasma membranes of cellular organelles by lipid peroxidation. Enzymes superoxide dismutase normally inactivate free radicals. Because free radicals can cause cell death, increasing free radical injury as the individual ages may contribute to increasing cell loss and the aging process.

Cumulative Injury Hypothesis

Aggregate effect of pathologic insults sustained during the life of the individual.

Changes Associated with Aging

Cellular Changes

Cell Loss Changes in metabolism decreased cell size and number and to atrophy of organs. Cell loss occurs in all tissues but is most evident in organs composed of permanent (irreversibly postmitotic) cells replacement of lost cells does not occur.

Organelle Changes

Endoplasmic reticulum of aged cells often disorganized ribosomes lost. Free ribosomes greater resulting abnormalities of protein synthesis, activity of many enzymes decreased. Mitochondria of aged cells, abnormalities in size, shape, and cristae + decreased cytochrome C reductase energy production. Organelle breakdown in aged cells increased phagolysosomal vacuoles in the cells and deposition lipofuscin a brown pigment believed to be derived from degraded organelle membranesparticularly evident in the heart, brain, and liver.

DNA Abnormalities
DNA abnormalities are mainly the result of a progressive failure of cellular DNA repair mechanisms.
Failure of DNA repair can potentially affect any cellular function and frequently leads to cell death.

Connective Tissue Changes

Weakening of fibrous tissues intermittent muscle spasm, increase incidence of diverticula in the colon. Weakening of the abdominal and pelvic walls leads to abdominal hernias (inguinal, umbilical, diaphragmatic) and prolapse of organs (uterus, rectum) through the pelvic floor.

Elastic Tissue Changes

Changes in elastic tissue of the body result in loss of elasticity and wrinkling of the skin. Loss of elasticity in large arteries decreased distensibility. Systolic pressure with age aorta < ability accommodate cardiac output. Loss of elastic tissue in the lungs destruction and dilation of alveoli (senile emphysema).

Ground Substance Changes

Changes in the ground substance of tissues result in various abnormalities. CATARACT.

Cartilage and Bone Changes

Changes in articular cartilage erosions and fibrillations osteoarthrosis weight-bearing joints of the spine and the lower extremities, that wear and tear is an aggravating factor. Loss of bone (osteoporosis) is also a manifestation of aging. It is characterized by loss of both bone matrix and mineral, with resulting thinning of bones.

Hair Changes

In elderly people, the hair becomes thin and sparse and loses its pigment. These characteristic changes are due to progressive failure of hair follicles to produce both keratin-like hair protein and pigment.

Reproductive System Changes

Menopause signifies the end of reproductive life in women. Cessation of ovulation results in decreased ovarian hormone levels, endometrial atrophy, cessation of menses, atrophy of the reproductive system, and increased secretion of pituitary gonadotropins by removal of feedback inhibition.

Diseases Associated with Aging