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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2008, 11(1): 25-39pl,en  Aging - the whys and the resultsJustyna Ostrowska, Elżbieta Skrzydlewska Zakład Analizy Chemicznej, Wyższa Szkoła Kosmetologii i Ochrony Zdrowia w Białymstoku Zakład Chemii Nieorganicznej i Analitycznej, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Białymstoku Summary The process of organism ageing, including skin ageing, is a natural process of cell biological activity decrease and regenerative processes slowness. Genetic factors and internal factors, connected with hormonal regulation disorders, improper diet, vitamin deficiency, as well as external factors (UV radiation, environment pollution) play a crucial role in the process of ageing. The paper deals with the causes, symptoms, and ways of delaying the process. It seems that direct destructive activity of oxidants, and specifically free radicals, is responsible for ageing. Free radicals, by oxidative modification of such compounds as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, affect the structural and functional disorders of cells, structural and enzymatic proteins, and genetic mutations. It leads to disturbances of cellular physiological functioning. Telomeres, terminal segments of chromosomes, also seem to play a significant role in the ageing process. Each cellular division results in telomere shortening. Thus, the number of divisions depends on the length of telomere with increased generation of free radicals that results in the acceleration of telomere shortening. In order to delay the process, free radicals generation should be limited and those that exist - neutralized. It can be obtained by protection against UV radiation, proper diet, calories restriction, and application of antioxidant compounds. Vitamins A, E, C, and their derivatives, N-acetylcystein, and plant-derived compounds (flavonoids) are antioxidants used in ageing prevention. Due to their control, ageing of the skin, as compared to other tissues, can be markedly delayed. Key words: aging, free radicals, lipid peroxidation, oxidative modification of protein, telomeres, antioxidant, caloric restriction |