Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...

Aging

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...

Cellular Adaptation I: Introduction and Atrophy

Cellular Adaptation I: Introduction and Atrophy

Cells can adapt to environmental changes to maintain function and avoid injury, a process called cellular adaptation. Adapted cells exist in a reversible intermediate state with changes in size, number, phenotype, metabolism, or function. These responses help cells meet altered physiological or pathological demands; for example, enlargement of breast and uterine tissues during pregnancy. Early adaptations may enhance function, but persistent stress eventually causes tissue damage.Types of...

Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age

Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age

Age-related pharmacokinetic changes are extensively documented, but understanding age-related pharmacodynamic alterations is relatively limited. This knowledge gap can be partly attributed to the complexity of developing appropriate measures of drug responses compared to bioanalytical methods for determining drug concentrations.Most information regarding age-related differences in human pharmacodynamics originates from cross-sectional studies. However, these studies assume that observed mean...

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption

As individuals age, their body's physiology evolves, affecting drug pharmacokinetics. The most apparent changes occur in the gastrointestinal tract, where an increase in gastric pH, a delay in gastric emptying, and a reduction in gastrointestinal motility are observed. Remarkably, these changes do not substantially modify the absorption of orally administered drugs, particularly those absorbed via passive diffusion.Transdermal drug delivery emerges as a highly viable method for older adults due...

Mitochondria

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Assessment of protein energy malnutrition in older persons, part I: History, examination, body composition, and screening tools.

Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)·2000

Same author

In the steps of giants: the early geriatrics texts.

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·2000

Same author

Growth hormone: fountain of youth or death hormone?

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·1999

Same author

Peripheral steroid sulfatase inhibition potentiates improvement of memory retention for hippocampally administered dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate but not pregnenolone sulfate.

Psychoneuroendocrinology·1999

Same author

Septo-hippocampal drug interactions in post-trial memory processing.

Brain research·1999

Same author

Changes in membrane fatty acids and delta-9 desaturase in senescence accelerated (SAMP8) mouse hippocampus with aging.

Life sciences·1999

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia

The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia

Published on: November 30, 2016

Cachexia and aging: an update based on the Fourth International Cachexia Meeting.

J E Morley¹, S D Anker, W J Evans

¹Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine and GRECC, VA Medical Center, St Louis, MO 63104, USA. morley@slu.edu

The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging

|January 20, 2009

Summary

New research on anorexia, cachexia, and sarcopenia reveals key pathophysiological developments. These conditions significantly impact older adults, highlighting an urgent need for further investigation and intervention strategies.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 26, 2026

The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia

The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia

Published on: November 30, 2016

Area of Science:

Gerontology
Metabolic Disorders
Muscle Physiology

Background:

Anorexia, cachexia, and sarcopenia are complex conditions characterized by involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, and decreased physical function.
These conditions disproportionately affect older individuals, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life.
Understanding the underlying pathophysiology is crucial for developing effective therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize recent advancements in understanding the pathophysiology of anorexia, cachexia, and sarcopenia.
To emphasize the clinical significance of these conditions, particularly in the aging population.
To consolidate knowledge presented at the Fourth International Cachexia Meeting.

Main Methods:

Review of presentations and discussions from the Fourth International Cachexia Meeting.
Synthesis of current research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving anorexia, cachexia, and sarcopenia.
Focus on evidence-based insights into the pathophysiology.

Main Results:

New insights into the complex interplay of inflammatory, metabolic, and endocrine factors contributing to muscle loss and anorexia.
Identification of key signaling pathways and molecular targets involved in the pathogenesis.
Emphasis on the unique pathophysiological adaptations in older adults.

Conclusions:

The pathophysiology of anorexia, cachexia, and sarcopenia is multifactorial and involves intricate biological processes.
These conditions represent a significant geriatric health challenge requiring targeted research and clinical attention.
Continued international collaboration is essential for advancing the understanding and management of these debilitating syndromes.