What is the Origin of Somatic Maintenance Protocols?

The term combines somatic, derived from the Greek soma meaning body, with maintenance protocols, which suggests a systematic, planned approach to upkeep. It is a concept borrowed from biogerontology, where the "Disposable Soma Theory" posits a trade-off between reproduction and somatic maintenance.

What is the Mechanism of Somatic Maintenance Protocols?

The protocols operate by targeting the fundamental molecular pathways of aging, such as senolytics to clear senescent cells, caloric restriction mimetics to activate sirtuins, and hormonal optimization to support anabolic signaling. The core mechanism is the up-regulation of intrinsic repair pathways and the reduction of cumulative cellular damage, thereby preserving tissue functional reserve and extending the period of healthspan.

Somatic Maintenance Protocols ∞ Area

Somatic Maintenance Protocols

Meaning

Somatic Maintenance Protocols refer to a structured set of clinical and lifestyle interventions designed to actively preserve the integrity and function of the body’s non-reproductive cells and tissues, collectively known as the soma. These protocols are central to longevity medicine, focusing on mitigating cellular damage, enhancing DNA repair, and optimizing mitochondrial function to slow the rate of biological aging. Effective maintenance is the operational goal of many advanced hormonal and metabolic therapies. This strategy shifts the clinical focus from disease treatment to proactive systemic preservation.