Work

Hormesis as a Pro-Healthy Aging Intervention in Human Beings?

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Hormesis is a phenomenon in which adaptive responses to low doses of otherwise harmful factors (also called mild stressors) make cells and organisms more robust. Aging is a complex and poorly understood process. This review explores the positive effects of hormesis on aging in animal models and human cell cultures, and discusses whether it might apply to humans. As an example, repeated mild heat stress confers anti-aging benefits to normal human cells in culture. Calorie restriction and xenohormetic compounds such as resveratrol, in large part via activation of sirtuins, decrease risk of common age-related conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and neurological diseases, so lengthening lifespan. Mild stressors and xenohormetic dietary components have diverse molecular targets and affect many pathways. Despite experimental advances in aging research, findings in humans are still quite limited. Moderate-intensity exercise, weight management and healthy diet ameliorate diseases of aging to increase lifespan and this could involve hormesis.

Source: Dose-Response

DOI: 10.2203/dose-response.09-021.morris

Authors: Francine Z. Marques, M. Andrea Markus, Brian J. Morris

Institution: The University of Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms

Subfield: Aging

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,650