Pathophysiology of ageing
Knapowski, J.; Wieczorowska-Tobis, K.; Witowski, J.
Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology An Official Journal of the Polish Physiological Society 53(2): 135-146
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0867-5910 PMID: 12120891 Document Number: 547200
Ageing is characterized by a gradual decline in organ functional reserves which reduces the ability to maintain homeostasis under conditions of stress. Introduction of cell culture and molecular biology techniques has provided new experimental tools for the analysis of ageing at the molecular level. During ageing progressive degeneration of cells and loss of regenerative capacity are enhanced and with time the alterations caused by them ultimately lead to death. In this paper the current knowledge of the mechanisms of ageing is summarized.