Single short reprogramming early in life increases healthspan

Abstract

Aging leads to a progressive decline of the physiological functions of the organism which leads to an increase occurrence of age-related pathologies like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, atherosclerosis, age-related macular degeneration or neurodegeneration ultimately precipitating death. It severely increases the probability of disabilities and consequently affects healthspan. The molecular and cellular processes that governs the mechanisms of aging remain poorly understood but are unambiguously associated to a de-creased regenerative capacity that intensifies cell and tissue vulnerability and promotes deterioration with time. However, current knowledge makes it difficult to develop prophylactic strategies to increase healthspan if not lifespan.