Epigenetics and Immunosenescence Reversal: An Evidence-Based Longevity Paradigm
- Karriem H. Ali, M.D.
- (edited by Chris Gutch PhD.)
- 2008
Humankind has long thought of aging as a gradual, time-dependent, deterioration in one‘s well-being and quality of life, with an increased incidence and severity of debilitating chronic diseases. However, current medical opinion argues for a fresh, and more enlightened perspective on aging. Indeed, until recently, clinical medicine has focused more upon mitigating the effects of aging rather than reversing the process itself. However, current developments in epigenetics and immunology mean that we are now ready to begin the greater challenge of halting or reversing the aging process. There is a vast body of scientific literature indicating that immune dysregulation — specifically of the innate immune system — may be the determinative factor for the seemingly inevitable functional decline of advancing age. This dysregulation is characterized by a continual, low—grade, over-reactive state of systemic immune processes, which promote, in whole or in part, the pathognomonic signs of many of the chronic diseases that we associate with aging (e.g., cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, insulin—resistance, and diabetes).