Autophagy and Aging
Autophagy is the process by which internal cell structures are dismantled; this PDF-format article from the end of last year takes a long look at the relationship between autophagy and aging: "A decrease in the turnover of cellular components and the intracellular accumulation of altered macromolecules and organelles are features common to all aged cells. Diminished autophagic activity plays a major role in these age-related manifestations. ... we review the molecular defects responsible for the malfunctioning of [two forms of autophagy] in old mammals and highlight general and cell-type specific consequences of dysfunction of the autophagic system with age. Dietary caloric restriction and antilipolytic agents have been proven to efficiently stimulate autophagy in old rodents. ... other possibly experimental restorative effects are discussed."