Chemical Interference with Aging

Abstract

The studies reviewed here reflect only a modest and conceptually limited beginning in gerontological pharmacology. Germane to the future course of research is whether prolongation of either mean or maximum life-span brings about a true deceleration of the overall aging process or only in certain biological functions. Prolongevity with out efficacy, that is without the addition of useful years, is merely an academic exercise. Hence, we suggest that agents which prolong life-span should also be tested in the laboratory for their ability to modify those functional parameters which are known to change significantly with age. To list a few, these might include measuring rates of de novo protein (enzyme) synthesis, properties of collagen, and antigen-antibody response. Furthermore, we believe that a scientific attack on specific age-associated decrements in mental and physical function could serve an immensely useful and practical purpose.

New views of old galaxies

“… As in previously proposed revisions (van den Bergh 1976, Kormendy and Bender 1996) of Hubble's tuning‐fork classification scheme, this comb diagram represents intrinsic galaxy properties. For this reason the slow‐rotator (E0–E4) and fast‐rotator (E5–S0c) early‐type galaxies are visualized as edge‐on.…”

“…These ideas are encapsulated in Kormendy and Bender's suggestion (1996) for a revised Hubble diagram (figure 1b), which is the same as the usual Hubble diagram on the right‐hand side, but attempts to define a physical sequence on the left as well. It shows the boxy galaxies as the earliest type objects, with the discy ellipticals forming an intermediate stage before the lenticular or S0 galaxies.…”

Aging: Alteration of DNA-Protein Information

“…Recently considerable attention has been given to free radical theories [4][5][6]. Free radicals are intermediates in normal oxidative processes.…”

“…Free radicals are intermediates in normal oxidative processes. These free radicals lead to cross-linkage of nucleic acids with themselves or proteins resulting in misinformation or mutation [5,6]. Free radicals also engage in numerous other kinds of reactions involving proteins, lipids and important metabolites [6] which unfortunately have been ignored generally in the dis cussion of relative importance of free radical reaction with DNA and nucleoproteins.…”

Genesis and Possible Dissolution of Neuronal Lipofuscin

“…Whether the various antioxidant therapies which have been used to influence the rate of ageing in mice and rats also affect lipofuscinosis in humans is yet to be ascertained. The fascinating subject of chemical interference with ageing has recently been exhaustively reviewed by K orm endy and Bender [43].…”