The Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging proposes that the progressive functional decline and dysregulation of the neuroendocrine system, particularly the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, is a fundamental driver of the organism’s overall aging process. This theory suggests that age-related changes in the amplitude and pulsatility of key releasing and inhibiting hormones disrupt the downstream endocrine axes, including the HPA, HPT, and HPG axes. These cumulative hormonal imbalances ultimately contribute to the characteristic physiological decrements and increased frailty associated with senescence.
Origin
This theory gained prominence from observations in the mid-20th century noting that age-related hormonal declines, such as the somatopause (GH decline) and reproductive senescence, often correlate with the onset of age-related diseases. Scientists posited that the hypothalamus acts as a central neuroendocrine clock, where accumulating damage or reduced receptor sensitivity leads to a failure in maintaining youthful endocrine rhythmicity. It provides a crucial framework for understanding age-related decline in reproductive, metabolic, and growth-related functions.
Mechanism
The core mechanism involves a gradual desynchronization and reduction in the amplitude of hypothalamic neurohormone pulses, such as GnRH and GHRH, which results in secondary deficiencies in pituitary and peripheral hormones. For example, reduced GHRH signaling contributes to lower GH and subsequent IGF-1 levels, negatively impacting muscle mass and bone density. The diminished feedback sensitivity and increased inflammatory signaling within the hypothalamus further perpetuate this cycle of endocrine dysregulation, driving systemic decline in homeostatic capacity and resilience.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.