lipofuskiini

Lipofuscin is a yellowish-brown pigment that accumulates in the cytoplasm of various cells, particularly in post-mitotic cells such as neurons and cardiac muscle cells. It is often referred to as a "wear-and-tear" pigment because its levels generally increase with age. Lipofuscin is primarily composed of oxidized lipids, proteins, and other cellular debris that resist degradation.

The formation of lipofuscin is thought to be a byproduct of cellular oxidative stress and the incomplete digestion of cellular components by lysosomes. Lysosomes are organelles responsible for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris. When lysosomes fail to fully degrade certain molecules, particularly damaged proteins and lipids, these undigested residues can aggregate and form lipofuscin granules.

While lipofuscin accumulation is a normal part of aging, elevated levels have been associated with certain age-related diseases and cellular dysfunction. In neurons, lipofuscin accumulation can impair cellular function and contribute to neurodegenerative conditions. Similarly, in the heart, increased lipofuscin can affect cardiac performance. Research is ongoing to understand the precise mechanisms of lipofuscin formation and its role in disease, as well as potential strategies to mitigate its accumulation.