Loss of thermodynamic efficiency of various organs and functions of Drosophila melanogaster during aging.

Jorge Antonio Montemayor Aldrete, América Nitxin Castañeda Sortibán, Marco Antonio Carballo Ontiveros, Carlos Javier Villagómez, María Del Socorro Ponce Orozco, Luis Javier Muñoz López

Departamento de Estado Sólido, Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito de la Investigación Científica, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico. Electronic address: [email protected]. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Aging is a universal phenomenon characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function. In this study, we applied a rigorous physical theory based on irreversible thermodynamics to analyze experimental data from Drosophila melanogaster. We establish a unifying principle: the functional thermodynamic efficiency loss parameter per cycle (α). This parameter is proportional to the specific entropy produced in a functional cycle relative to the total entropy produced until failure. By analyzing 61 values across various organs and functions, we identified a "quantized" behavior in functional aging. Furthermore, we determined the maximum energy dissipated per unit mass (μlmg) throughout the lifespan. These findings suggest a fundamental architecture in biological energy allocation. This thermodynamic approach offers a novel, quantitative method for evaluating aging and testing interventions, providing a solid alternative to traditional demographic biomarkers.

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Research summary

The paper claims to establish a unifying principle of thermodynamic efficiency loss in aging. This research is relevant as it addresses the fundamental mechanisms of aging through a novel thermodynamic framework, potentially offering insights into the root causes of aging rather than merely treating age-related symptoms.

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