What is the Origin of Physiological Wear and Tear?

The phrase is a metaphor borrowed from engineering and mechanics, applying the concept of mechanical degradation to biological systems. In physiology, it is closely related to the "wear-and-tear" theory of aging, an early hypothesis that life processes simply break down over time. Modern science has refined this to the concept of allostatic load, which quantifies the cumulative cost of the body's adaptation to chronic stress.

What is the Mechanism of Physiological Wear and Tear?

The damage mechanism involves multiple cellular processes, including oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species, the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and the chronic, low-grade inflammation known as inflammaging. These factors damage DNA, proteins, and lipids, overwhelming the body's endogenous repair systems, such as DNA repair enzymes and autophagy. Hormonal imbalances, particularly chronic cortisol elevation, further accelerate this catabolic process, leading to a measurable decline in organ function.

Physiological Wear and Tear

Meaning

A descriptive clinical term for the cumulative structural and functional damage that accrues in the body’s tissues and organ systems over time due to persistent metabolic activity, environmental exposures, and inadequate repair mechanisms. This process is synonymous with the physical manifestations of aging and allostatic load, leading to reduced organ reserve and increased vulnerability to disease. Minimizing this wear and tear is a central goal of preventative and longevity medicine.