PHYSIOLOGY OF AGING

Carlene S. Solidum, MD, DPPS

OBJECTIVES
• To define aging
• To enumerate the theories of aging
• To discuss the processes involved in the theories of aging
• To correlate the effects of aging with the various organ system
AGING
• Impaired ability to maintain homeostasis in the face of external or
internal stresses
VIEW NOTES
THEORIES OF AGING
1. Random Cell Damage
2. Genetic Programme
THEORIES OF AGING
• Error Catastrophe Theory
• Somatic Mutation Theory
• Free Radical Theory
• Genetic Theory
Error Catastrophe Theory
• REPLICATION TRANSCRIPTION TRANSLATION
• Random increase in errors of protein synthesis
• Summated mistakes SENESCENCE
Somatic Mutation Theory
• Random mutation in cells
• Toxin exposure, radiation, UV
• accumulation of mutated cells
Free Radical Theory
• Super oxides, hydroxyl radicals
• peroxidation of lipid membranes
• Cross linking of DNA CANCER
• Fat and protein molecules wrinkles
• Oxidation of LDL atherosclerosis
FREE RADICAL THEORY
• ANTIOXIDANTS
• Glutathione
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
Genetic Theory
• Gradual impairment of function is genetically programmed
AGE RELATED CHANGES
IMMUNE MECHANISMS
• Fatty degeneration of the bone marrow
• Involution of thymus
• Increase in T-cell autoreactivity and autoantibody titer
• Decreased immunological surveillance
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
• Decline in VC, increase in RV
• decrease total lung compliance
• Increased susceptibility to airway collapse
• Reduction in pulmonary diffusing capacity
 CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
DECREASE ELASTICITY DECREASE VENTRICULAR
LARGE ARTERIES (AORTA) COMPLIANCE

DEPOSITION OF
LIPOFUSCIN AND STENOTIC AORTIC VALVE,
AMYLOID IN THE INCOMPETENT MITRAL
MYOCARDIUM VALVE

PROLONGED MYOCARDIAL REDUCED PACEMAKER

CONTRACTION AND CELLS
RELAXATION
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• Decrease in masticatory efficiency
• Pharyngeal muscle weakness
• Gastric mucosal atrophy
• Reduction in pancreatic lipase secretion
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• Reduction in villous height of the small intestine
• Reduction of lactase activity
• Hepatic hypoplasia with hypertrophic hepatocytes
• Increase in fibrous tissues
EXCRETORY SYSTEM
• Reduced number and size of nephrons with increased interstitial
connective tissues
• reduction in renal plasma flow
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
• Decrease in blood concentration of the hormone
• Decreased transport protein
• Decrease responsiveness of target cells
• Altered sensitivity of hormone receptors
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
• Decreased thyroid hormone production
• Decreased by 50% by age of 80
• Diminshed sensitivity to insulin
MENOPAUSE
ANDROPAUSE
• Lowered libido and sperm production
• Increased proportion of fat
• Insulin resistance
• Reduced bone density and strength
NERVOUS SYSTEM
SPECIAL SENSES
• Presbyopia
• Prebycusis