Gerontogen Exposure refers to the cumulative contact with environmental or endogenous agents that actively accelerate the biological aging process by directly damaging longevity pathways. These substances, distinct from general toxins, specifically target the molecular mechanisms that regulate cellular lifespan, such as telomere maintenance, DNA repair, and sirtuin activity. Minimizing gerontogen exposure is a proactive strategy aimed at extending healthspan and reducing the incidence of age-related disease. This is a specialized focus within the broader domain of anti-aging science.
Origin
This is a relatively modern term, combining the Greek root ‘geron’ (old man) and ‘genesis’ (creation or origin), conceptually paralleling the term ‘mutagen.’ It emerged from the field of biogerontology to specifically categorize factors that drive senescence, emphasizing their direct role in modifying the intrinsic aging program. The term shifts the focus from passive damage to active acceleration of biological decline.
Mechanism
Gerontogens operate by disrupting the core hallmarks of aging at the molecular level. They may increase genomic instability by causing DNA double-strand breaks or by inhibiting DNA repair enzymes. Critically, they can impair mitochondrial bioenergetics, leading to energy deficits and chronic low-grade inflammation, known as inflammaging. This systemic disruption of longevity assurance pathways forces cells into a state of premature senescence.
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