Some aspects on the relationship between lipids, neurotransmitters, and aging

A relationship is discussed between free radicals, lipid metabolism, neurotransmitters, and aging. Almost all of the lipid fractions of nerve tissue are heavily exposed during aging to the deleterious effects of a continuous formation of free radicals. In comparative terms, brain tissue has less enzymatic capacity to lower or counteract the rate of lipid peroxidation. However, various defense mechanisms exist that enable phospholipid reconstitution to occur and their metabolic activity to be maintained through reutilization of products arising from their biosynthesis and turnover. The effect of hyperoxygenation or hypoxygenation in association with free radicals generation on neurone stability and neurotransmitters reveals different susceptibilities to neuronal stimuli- and release quotients related to aging. With respect to the relationship between the environment and aging, neurotransmitter mechanisms, exemplified by that of dopamine and its turnover, play an important role in coping with stress, iatrogenic and toxic factors during aging. Possible pharmacological and other ways of mitigating age-related changes by means of protective reactions, accelerated repair processes, and compensatory mechanisms are discussed.