Sep 24 2008
Are the free radical and neuro-endocrine theories of aging now defunct in 2008?
To meet and share your view with the author, we invite you to attend “The Prestigious 7th Asia Pacific Conference on Anti-Aging Medicine and Regenerative Biotechnology, 10-12 October 2008 at Grand Hyatt, Bali – Indonesia”ABSTRACT
Are the free radical and neuro-endocrine theories of aging now defunct in 2008? What determines aging and how can we prevent it?
Author: Dr Michael Elstein, MD, ABAARM, FACNEM, FAAMIn 2008 the free radical and neuro-endocrine theory of aging is undergoing a major revamp. While the notion that free radical stress compromises mitochondrial function leading to degeneration and apoptosis as well as irrevocable nuclear DNA damage and destruction alternative evidence posits the view that the superoxide anion and peroxynitrite constitute regulated second messengers which are essential for normal cellular physiological function. (1) This might explain the findings of the recent review presented in JAMA 2007, which demonstrates that treatment with beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E may increase mortality. (2) It might further be the basis for the discussion which shows that vitamin E might actually interfere with the oxidation of omega-3 fatty acids which in turn stimulates the formation of post-endoplasmic reticulum pre-secretory proteolysis to limit apolipoprotein-B. (3) Thus vitamin E actually interferes with an atherogenic inhibiting process which might go some way to explaining the increased mortality and morbidity in the trials that used vitamin E.
