Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging and age related diseases

This review on aging is focused on those cellular and molecular mechanisms which concern age related pathologies. The central question addressed is the relationship between normal aging and age-related pathologies such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, emphysema, malignant tumors and cognitive decline, dementias. The mechanisms recognized as most important in cell and tissue aging are briefly outlined. Emphasis is laid on the importance of post-synthetic modifications of the macromolecules of the extracellular matrix and on cell matrix interactions. Loss of intercellular communication and cell-matrix interactions as a result of receptor decay and receptor uncoupling were recently recognized as key events. Unavoidable poly-pathology at advanced age may be the answer to the above question.