Gewebealterung

Gewebealterung, also known as tissue aging, refers to the gradual deterioration of tissues and organs over time, leading to a decline in their structure and function. This complex biological process is a fundamental aspect of aging in multicellular organisms. It is characterized by a multifactorial accumulation of damage at the cellular and molecular levels. Key hallmarks of tissue aging include cellular senescence, a state where cells cease to divide but remain metabolically active, contributing to inflammation and tissue dysfunction. Other contributing factors include telomere shortening, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the accumulation of damaged macromolecules.

The consequences of Gewebealterung are widespread and manifest as a reduced ability of tissues to repair themselves, maintain homeostasis, and respond effectively to stress. This can lead to increased susceptibility to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. While aging is a natural process, understanding Gewebealterung is crucial for developing interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging and mitigating age-related diseases. Research in this field explores the underlying mechanisms to identify targets for therapeutic strategies that could potentially slow down or even reverse some aspects of tissue degeneration.