The Timing Sequence and Mechanism of Aging in Endocrine Organs

Abstract

The world is increasingly aging, and there is an urgent need to find a safe and effective way to delay the aging of the body. It is well known that the endocrine glands are one of the most important organs in the context of aging. Failure of the endocrine glands lead to an abnormal hormonal environment, which in turn leads to many age-related diseases. The aging of endocrine glands is closely linked to oxidative stress, cellular autophagy, genetic damage, and hormone secretion. The first endocrine organ to undergo aging is the pineal gland, at around 6 years old. This is followed in order by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, gonads, pancreatic islets, and thyroid gland. This paper summarises the endocrine gland aging-related genes and pathways by bioinformatics analysis. In addition, it systematically summarises the changes in the structure and function of aging endocrine glands as well as the mechanisms of aging. This study will advance research in the field of aging and help in the intervention of age-related diseases.

Machine learning to predict the occurrence of thyroid nodules: towards a quantitative approach for judicious utilization of thyroid ultrasonography

“…In line with prior studies, this research also identifies several patient characteristics, such as age, HDL-C, and FBG, as being associated with the development of thyroid nodules. Firstly, age is widely recognized as a significant risk factor for thyroid nodule ( 29 , 48 ), potentially due to age-related oxidative stress and the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor ( 49 , 50 ). Evidence suggests that older adults are more likely to develop thyroid malignancies of high-risk histology, highlighting the need of early detection of thyroid nodules ( 26 ).…”

“…The prevailing theory suggests that metabolic disorders could promote thyroid cell growth through interactions between insulin and thyroid stimulating hormone ( 53 , 54 ). Metabolic disorders might also trigger oxidative stress, causing cellular damage and affecting genomic stability in the thyroid ( 49 , 50 , 55 – 57 ). Additionally, creatinine levels have been found to be associated with thyroid nodules ( 29 , 58 ), although the cause remains unclear.…”

Regional- and cell type-specific changes of the human brain during aging

“…82 The hypothalamus is versatile in regulating various functions, including body temperature, water and salt metabolism, food intake, sleep, reproduction, visceral activities and emotions. 76 The effect of aging on hypothalamus is similar to that on the pituitary gland, such as a decrease in overall mass and blood supply, as well as hyperplasia of connective tissue. Decrease in the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone I, growth hormone-releasing hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone-releasing hormones as well as monoamine neurotransmitters can also be observed in the older hypothalamus.…”

“…Effects of aging on the pineal gland include vascular narrowing, hardening, a decrease in cell number, and a lower melatonin level. [71][72][73][74][75][76] The fornix represents one of the earliest maturing white matter tracts. It comprises the principal efferent and afferent white matter tracts from the hippocampi, the status of which is presumed to play a role in age-related cognitive decline.…”

“…Decrease in the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone I, growth hormone-releasing hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone-releasing hormones as well as monoamine neurotransmitters can also be observed in the older hypothalamus. 76,[83][84][85][86][87][88] The mammillary bodies (MB) are a pair of small round bodies located at the undersurface of the brain. As a component of the extended hippocampal system, they play a role in the mnemonic process.…”