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Published on: May 18, 2022
Hormesis as a pro-healthy aging intervention in human beings?
Francine Z Marques1, M Andrea Markus, Brian J Morris
1Basic & Clinical Genomics Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Summary
Hormesis, a response to mild stressors, enhances cellular robustness and may offer anti-aging benefits. Research in animal models and cell cultures suggests hormesis could potentially extend human lifespan by mitigating age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and cellular biology
- Stress response mechanisms
Background:
- Aging is a complex biological process with poorly understood mechanisms.
- Hormesis describes adaptive cellular responses to low-dose stressors, enhancing robustness.
- Mild stressors and xenohormetic compounds show promise in combating age-related decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of hormesis on aging in various models.
- To explore the potential application of hormesis in human aging.
- To discuss molecular targets and pathways involved in hormetic responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hormesis and aging.
- Analysis of studies involving animal models and human cell cultures.
- Examination of molecular mechanisms, including sirtuin activation.
Main Results:
- Mild heat stress demonstrated anti-aging benefits in human cell cultures.
- Calorie restriction and compounds like resveratrol, via sirtuin activation, reduce risks of age-related diseases.
- Diverse molecular targets and pathways are affected by mild stressors and xenohormetic dietary components.
Conclusions:
- Hormesis shows positive effects on aging in preclinical models.
- While promising, direct evidence for hormesis in human aging remains limited.
- Lifestyle interventions like exercise and diet may involve hormetic principles to increase lifespan.
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