agenagens

Agenagens are a broad class of agents that influence aging processes in living organisms, encompassing chemicals, genetic elements, microbes, and environmental factors. They can act to accelerate or delay aging at cellular, tissue, or whole-organism levels. The term is used in aging research to group factors that modify lifespan, healthspan, or the onset of age-related phenotypes.

Mechanisms: Agenagens affect aging through multiple pathways. They can modulate cellular senescence, DNA repair capacity, and telomere dynamics; influence mitochondrial function and oxidative stress; alter autophagy and proteostasis; and affect nutrient-sensing networks such as mTOR, AMPK, and sirtuins. Epigenetic changes and chronic inflammation can also be modulated by agenagens, producing lasting effects on tissue function.

Types and examples: Pro-aging agenagens include chronic inflammatory states, persistent DNA damage, and certain environmental toxins. Anti-aging agenagens include caloric restriction and caloric restriction mimetics, metabolic modulators, and interventions that clear senescent cells. In model systems, compounds like rapamycin, metformin, and resveratrol are studied for lifespan effects, though results vary by organism and context. Senolytic approaches, which aim to remove senescent cells, are another category of anti-aging agenagens. It should be noted that evidence for humans is preliminary and findings are often inconsistent.

Research and implications: Agenagen research spans genetics, biochemistry, and epidemiology. Translation to clinical practice remains uncertain, and safety, ethical, and regulatory considerations constrain therapeutic use. Ongoing work seeks to better understand which agenagens have meaningful effects on healthspan and how to apply them responsibly.