LIFE CIRCLE :

AGING

DEPARTEMEN PATOLOGI ANATOMI

FK - 2010

AGING

Final phase of human development

aggregate of structural changes that occur
with the passage of time.
Characterized by progressive inability to
sustain vital functions, with death the
eventual result.
Finite biologic life span of 90110 years
cardiovascular diseases and cancer were
eradicated life expectancy increase only
a few years.

HYPOTHESIS OF AGING
Programmed Aging Hypothesis
Genome of every cell is programmed
at conception to cease mitotic division
after a certain time.
Programmed cessation of mitotic division does not
explain the attrition in permanent (irreversibly
postmitotic) cells such as neurons and muscle cells

DNA Damage Hypothesis

Aging is the result of DNA damage,

due either to somatic mutations or to
failure of DNA repair mechanisms in
aging cells.
DNA changes lead to errors in
ribonucleic acid (RNA) transcription
and in that way cause defects in
cellular synthesis of protein.

Neuroendocrine Hypothesis

Aging process is programmed into

brain cells at birth and that these
cells direct the process by means of
hormonal and neural influences.

Immune Hypothesis

A decline in immunologic reactivity

increasing age predisposes to
development of infections,
autoimmune diseases, and neoplasia
in elderly persons.
Progressive immunologic dysfunction
is inevitable and that it is responsible
for limitations on life span.

Free Radical Hypothesis

Aging accumulation of lipofuscin in cells

heart, liver, and brain.
Lipofuscin is derived oxygen-based free
radicals on plasma membranes of cellular
organelles by lipid peroxidation.
Enzymes superoxide dismutase normally
inactivate free radicals. Because free
radicals can cause cell death, increasing
free radical injury as the individual ages
may contribute to increasing cell loss and
the aging process.

Cumulative Injury Hypothesis

Aggregate effect of pathologic insults

sustained during the life of the
individual.

Changes Associated with Aging

Cellular Changes

Cell Loss
Changes in metabolism decreased
cell size and number and to atrophy
of organs. Cell loss occurs in all
tissues but is most evident in organs
composed of permanent (irreversibly
postmitotic) cells replacement of
lost cells does not occur.

Organelle Changes

Endoplasmic reticulum of aged cells often

disorganized ribosomes lost. Free ribosomes
greater resulting abnormalities of protein
synthesis, activity of many enzymes decreased.
Mitochondria of aged cells, abnormalities in size,
shape, and cristae + decreased cytochrome C
reductase energy production.
Organelle breakdown in aged cells increased
phagolysosomal vacuoles in the cells and
deposition lipofuscin a brown pigment
believed to be derived from degraded organelle
membranesparticularly evident in the heart,
brain, and liver.

DNA Abnormalities
DNA abnormalities are mainly the
result of a progressive failure of
cellular DNA repair mechanisms.
Failure of DNA repair can potentially
affect any cellular function and
frequently leads to cell death.

Connective Tissue Changes

Weakening of fibrous tissues

intermittent muscle spasm, increase
incidence of diverticula in the colon.
Weakening of the abdominal and
pelvic walls leads to abdominal
hernias (inguinal, umbilical,
diaphragmatic) and prolapse of
organs (uterus, rectum) through the
pelvic floor.

Elastic Tissue Changes

Changes in elastic tissue of the body result

in loss of elasticity and wrinkling of the skin.
Loss of elasticity in large arteries
decreased distensibility. Systolic pressure
with age aorta < ability accommodate
cardiac output.
Loss of elastic tissue in the lungs
destruction and dilation of alveoli (senile
emphysema).

Ground Substance Changes

Changes in the ground substance of

tissues result in various
abnormalities.
CATARACT.

Cartilage and Bone Changes

Changes in articular cartilage erosions

and fibrillations osteoarthrosis
weight-bearing joints of the spine and
the lower extremities, that wear and tear
is an aggravating factor.
Loss of bone (osteoporosis) is also a
manifestation of aging. It is
characterized by loss of both bone
matrix and mineral, with resulting
thinning of bones.

Hair Changes

In elderly people, the hair becomes

thin and sparse and loses its
pigment.
These characteristic changes are due
to progressive failure of hair follicles
to produce both keratin-like hair
protein and pigment.

Reproductive System Changes

Menopause signifies the end of

reproductive life in women.
Cessation of ovulation results in
decreased ovarian hormone levels,
endometrial atrophy, cessation of
menses, atrophy of the reproductive
system, and increased secretion of
pituitary gonadotropins by removal of
feedback inhibition.

Diseases Associated with Aging