[Theories of biological aging: An integrative review].

Fabián Aníbal Quintero, Mariela Garraza, Bárbara Navazo, María Florencia Cesani

Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Ontogenia y Adaptación (LINOA). Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina. Electronic address: [email protected] de Investigaciones en Ontogenia y Adaptación (LINOA). Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina. Electronic address: [email protected]. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

In this article, we review the main theories of biological aging, exploring the interaction of genetic, epigenetic, metabolic, immunological, and ecological factors in this process. For this purpose, we examine and discuss theories such as the allocation of metabolic resources, pleiotropic antagonism, genetic regulation, codon restriction, replicative senescence, action of free radicals, caloric restriction, catastrophic error, immunological theory, neuroendocrine theory, programmed aging, epigenetics of aging, grandmother and caregiver theories and ecological biophysical theory. We identify the contribution of different biological mechanisms to aging, emphasizing the complementarity of theories such as the allocation of metabolic resources, pleiotropic antagonism, and caloric restriction, providing a more comprehensive view of the phenomenon. In conclusion, we highlight the need to consider diverse perspectives in aging research, recognizing the absence of a single explanation. Integrating these theories is crucial to comprehensively understand the process and develop effective interventions in health and well-being in old age.

The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.

Research summary

The paper provides a comprehensive review of various theories of biological aging, which is relevant to understanding the root causes of aging and potential interventions. However, it primarily synthesizes existing theories rather than presenting new experimental data or significant novel insights, limiting its impact to a solid but not groundbreaking contribution to the field.

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