[Molecular etiology of skin aging. How important is the genetic make-up?]

Although the fundamental mechanisms in the pathogenesis of skin aging are still poorly understood, a growing body of evidence points toward the involvement of multiple pathways. Recent data obtained by expression profiling studies and studies upon progeroid syndromes illustrate that among the most important biological processes involved in skin aging are alterations in DNA repair and stability, mitochondrial function, cell cycle and apoptosis, extracellular matrix, lipid synthesis, ubiquitin-induced proteolysis and cellular metabolism. One of the major factors which have been proposed to play an exquisite role in the initiation of aging is the physiological decline of hormones occurring with age. However, hormones at age-specific levels may not only regulate age-associated mechanisms but also modulate tumor suppressor pathways that influence carcinogenesis. In conclusion, understanding the molecular mechanisms of ageing may open new strategies to deal with the various diseases accompanying advanced age including cancer.