Endocrine Theory of Aging and Longevity
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Endocrine Theory of Aging and Longevity

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@SubstantiveSynthesizer

Questions and Answers

What is one primary impact of DNA damage over a lifetime?

  • Malfunctioning genes and tissues (correct)
  • Increased energy levels
  • Enhanced gene repair rates
  • Accelerated metabolism
  • Heat shock proteins (HSPs) increase with age.

    False

    What role do growth factors like IGF-1 play in muscle cells?

    They signal muscle cells to increase in size and number.

    Mitochondrial DNA damage increases with __________.

    <p>age</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is primarily stimulated by Growth Hormone (GH)?

    <p>Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components with their roles in aging:

    <p>DNA damage = Leads to malfunctioning genes and tissues Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) = Help disassemble damaged proteins Growth Factors = Stimulate cell activities and size Mitochondrial DNA = Increases damage accumulation with age</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Obesity has no effect on Growth Hormone production.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one consequence of the breakdown products of lipids in the body?

    <p>They hamper metabolic processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of mitochondria in cells?

    <p>Produce Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The neuroendocrine system has no impact on the aging process.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one hormone involved in the neuroendocrine control of aging.

    <p>DHEA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the membrane theory of aging, age-related changes affect the cell's ability to transfer __________.

    <p>chemicals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the aging theories with their descriptions:

    <p>Error theory = Errors in DNA synthesis lead to aging Membrane theory = Changes in cell membrane efficiency impact function Decline theory = Mitochondrial function decreases over time Neuroendocrine theory = Hormones and hypothalamus influence aging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nutrient is NOT mentioned as a support for mitochondrial function?

    <p>Vitamin C</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hormone replacement therapy can potentially increase longevity in lab mice.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the decline theory primarily associate aging with?

    <p>Mitochondrial function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the estimated lifespan of a tortoise based on its cell division capacity?

    <p>200 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The production of melatonin increases with age.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormones are mentioned as having a declining level during aging?

    <p>Estrogen and testosterone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _____ signaling pathway plays a key role in the hormonal regulation of aging.

    <p>insulin/IGF-1</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the hormones to their effects on aging:

    <p>Growth hormone = Decreases in production with age Estrogen = Slows bone thinning Testosterone = Decreases muscle strength DHEA = Weak male hormone affecting immune system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential risk associated with hormone replacement therapies for aging men?

    <p>Increased risk of cancer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    DHEA is produced in the pituitary gland.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What therapy is often used to combat bone loss after menopause?

    <p>Estrogen replacement therapy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Cell Division and Longevity

    • Increased cell division could correlate with longer life spans; tortoises can divide cells 140 times, living up to 200 years.

    Endocrine Theory of Aging

    • Hormonal regulation is pivotal in aging, evidenced by the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway.
    • Growth Hormone: Produced by the pituitary gland, it influences body composition and muscle/bone strength; production decreases with age.
    • Sex Hormones: Estrogen levels drop after menopause, affecting bone density and frailty. Low testosterone diminishes muscle strength.
    • Melatonin: Secreted by the pineal gland, its levels decline with age, impacting the entire endocrine system.
    • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): A weak male hormone from adrenal glands; its decline is linked to immune deficits and increased chronic illness risk.

    Hormone Replacement Therapies

    • Estrogen Replacement: Mitigates bone loss post-menopause and may prevent cardiovascular issues.
    • Testosterone Therapy: Benefits aging men by enhancing muscle/bone mass but carries cancer risks.
    • DHEA Sulfate: Boosts interleukin-2 levels, integral for immune responses.

    DNA Damage and Repair

    • DNA damage accumulates due to factors like oxygen radicals and UV light, leading to gene malfunction and tissue deterioration.
    • Repair mechanisms vary; germ cells show superior DNA repair capabilities, particularly in genes regulating cell proliferation.
    • Mitochondrial DNA damage contributes to diseases emerging late in life, including late-onset diabetes.

    Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs)

    • HSPs help cells manage stress, but their levels decline with age, affecting protein repair and synthesis.
    • HSP-70 has similarities to stress-released hormones, revealing a connection to stress response.

    Growth and Trophic Factors

    • Chemical messengers, including growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), promote muscle cell activity and development.
    • GH secretion can be stimulated by exercise; obesity negatively impacts GH production.

    Error Theory

    • Suggests aging results from transcription errors in DNA synthesis, leading to inefficient biological systems and eventual organismal decline.

    Membrane Theory of Aging

    • Proposes that age-related changes in cell membranes reduce their effectiveness in transferring chemicals, heat, and electrical signals, causing toxic build-up.

    Decline Theory

    • Focuses on mitochondria as crucial for energy production (ATP). Aging affects mitochondrial function, and nutrients like Acetyl-L-Carnitine and CoQ10 are essential for mitochondrial health.

    Emerging Theories of Aging

    • Neuroendocrine Control or Pacemaker Theory: Investigates how the neuroendocrine system, particularly the hypothalamus and hormones like DHEA and melatonin, influences aging; DHEA supplementation shows potential in increasing longevity and immunity in lab studies.

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    Description

    Explore the relationship between cell division, hormone regulation, and aging. This quiz delves into topics such as growth hormones, sex hormones, and hormone replacement therapies. Understand how various hormones impact longevity and overall health.

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