Pathophysiology of ageing

Ageing is characterized by a gradual decline in organ functional reserves which reduces the ability to maintain homeostasis under conditions of stress. Introduction of cell culture and molecular biology techniques has provided new experimental tools for the analysis of ageing at the molecular level. During ageing progressive degeneration of cells and loss of regenerative capacity are enhanced and with time the alterations caused by them ultimately lead to death. In this paper the current knowledge of the mechanisms of ageing is summarized.