AUTOPHAGY & AGING

Autophagy plays a crucial role in the aging process. As we age, the efficiency of cellular processes, including autophagy, tends to decline. This decline in autophagy can contribute to the accumulation of damaged cellular components, such as proteins, organelles, and aggregates, which can negatively impact cell function and overall health.

Autophagy helps to remove and recycle these damaged components, preventing their accumulation and promoting cellular homeostasis. It can also eliminate potentially harmful substances like toxic proteins or pathogens. By doing so, autophagy supports cellular health and longevity.

Several studies have shown that enhancing autophagy can extend lifespan and improve healthspan in various organisms, including yeast, worms, flies, and mice. Modulating autophagy through genetics, dietary interventions such as caloric restriction, heat and cold therapy, HIIT, and pharmacological approaches has been found to positively impact aging-related processes and delay age-related diseases.

Furthermore, impaired autophagy has been associated with the development of age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders (like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases), cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndromes. Restoring or maintaining proper autophagy levels may help counteract the progression of these conditions.