Philadelphia, PA—Waste Accumulation Theory—The waste accumulation theory of aging states that over the course of a lifetime, cells produce more waste than they can properly eliminate. The waste includes various toxins that, when accumulated to a certain level, can interfere with normal cell function and ultimately kill the cell.
Limited Number of Cell Divisions Theory
This theory is concerned with the number of cell divisions directly affected by the accumulation of the cell’s waste products. As more waste accumulates over time, the cells quickly degenerate, thus causing aging and, ultimately, death.
Hayflick Limit Theory
Dr. Hayflick theorized that the aging process was controlled by a biological clock within each living cell. Studies in 1961 concluded that human fibroblast cells (lung, skin, muscle, heart) have a limited life span. They divide approximately 50 times over the years and then suddenly stop. They also concluded that nutrition seemed to affect the rate of cell division. The conclusion of this theory states that improper cell functioning and cell loss in organs and tissues may be responsible for the effects of aging.
Death Hormone Theory (DECO)
Brain cells, or neurons, are unlike other cells in that they do not replicate. At birth, we have roughly 12 billion of them, and over a lifetime, about 10 percent die out. Dr. Donner Denckle speculated that as we age, the pituitary begins to release DECO, which inhibits the ability of cells to use thyroxine. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid governing basal metabolism, which is the rate at which cells convert food to energy. The metabolic rate brings on and accelerates the process of aging.
Thymic-Stimulating Theory
Dr. Alan Goldstein says, “The thymus is the master gland of the immune system.” The size of the gland continues to reduce and shrink to around three grams by age 60. Scientists are investigating the possibility that the disappearance of the thymus contributes to the aging process by weakening the body’s immune system.
Mitochondrial Theory
This free radical theory is supported by directed experimental observations of Mitochondrial aging. Our primary source of energy comes from ATP. Mitochondria are the energy-producing organelles in the cells that produce ATP. They produce cell energy by forming potentially damaging free radicals. Evidence shows that various kinds of accumulated DNA damage over time contribute to disease. New research in mitochondrial repair could play an essential role in the fight against aging.
Errors and Repairs Theory
In 1963, Dr. Leslie Orgel suggested that because the “machinery for making protein in cells is so essential, an error in that machinery could be catastrophic.” Since the system cannot always make perfect repairs to these molecules, the accumulation of flawed molecules can cause disease and other age changes.
Redundant DNA Theory
This theory is similar to the error-and-repairs theory in that it blames errors accumulating in genes for age changes. The difference is that as these errors accumulate, the reserve genetic sequences of identical DNA take over until the system works.
Source: The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
Disclaimer: The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. A qualified healthcare professional should address all health concerns.