Science
Telomeres play a crucial role in cellular aging and replication, acting as protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. These structures consist of repetitive DNA sequences and associated proteins that shield the chromosome ends from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes. Each time a cell divides, its telomeres shorten due to the inability of DNA polymerase to fully replicate the end sections of chromosomes. This gradual shortening limits the number of times a cell can divide, a mechanism often likened to a "biological clock."
The enzyme telomerase can extend the length of telomeres, adding repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes. Telomerase activity is significant in stem cells, germ cells, and certain cancer cells, allowing them to divide beyond the normal limits imposed by telomere shortening. In most somatic cells, however, telomerase activity is low or absent, leading to progressive telomere shortening and, eventually, to cellular senescence or apoptosis when telomeres reach a critically short length. This process is a natural part of aging and serves as a protective mechanism against cancer, as the limited cell division helps prevent the accumulation of genetic mutations.
Research into telomeres and telomerase has opened up new avenues for understanding the aging process and the treatment of age-related diseases and cancer. By targeting telomerase activity, scientists are exploring potential therapies to extend telomere length, which could delay aging and increase lifespan, or to inhibit telomerase in cancer cells, which could limit their unchecked proliferation. However, the manipulation of telomere biology presents complex ethical and safety considerations, as altering the fundamental processes of cell division could have unforeseen consequences.
Interleukin 17 (More Science)
Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is a cytokine that plays a key role in inflammation and immune responses. Recent studies suggest that IL-17 can contribute to premature aging of the skin by promoting inflammation, which in turn accelerates the breakdown of collagen, a critical protein for skin elasticity and structure. The presence of IL-17 has been linked to various skin conditions, such as psoriasis and dermatitis, which are characterized by inflammation and skin barrier disruption. These conditions can lead to the premature appearance of signs of aging, such as wrinkles, loss of skin firmness, and uneven skin tone. Furthermore, IL-17 can increase the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, compounding its aging effects on the skin. Targeting IL-17 pathways is being explored as a potential strategy for treating inflammatory skin diseases and possibly mitigating skin aging.
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37291218/#:~:text=Mechanistically%2C%20aberrant%20IL-17%20signals,prevent%20age-associated%20skin%20ailments.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230608121031.htm