Cell rejuvenation – all options and methods

Cell rejuvenation is a complex process that involves restoring their functionality, slowing down aging, and improving their regenerative abilities. Current research in the biology of aging and regenerative medicine has identified several key mechanisms that may contribute to cell rejuvenation. Here are the main ones:

1. Telomerase activation

Mechanism: Telomeres are protective ‘caps’ at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. When telomeres become too short, the cell stops dividing and ages. Telomerase is an enzymeEnzymes are proteins that accelerate chemical reactions in the body. They ensure the occurrence of metabolic processes such as food digestion, energy release, cell formation, and many others. that can lengthen telomeres, extending the life of a cell.
Effect: Telomerase activation can slow down cell aging and increase their proliferative capacity.
Example: The use of telomerase is being studied in the context of the treatment of age-related diseases and tissue regeneration.

2. Autophagy

Mechanism: Autophagy is a process in which a cell ‘recycles’ damaged or unnecessary components (for example, proteinsProteins are high-molecular organic substances consisting of alpha-amino acids linked in a chain by a peptide bond. In living organisms, the amino acid composition of proteins is determined by the genetic code. During synthesis, 20 standard amino acids are used in most cases. Many combinations of them determine the great diversity of properties of protein molecules. Proteins play a key role in the immune response and can perform transport, storage, catalytic, structural, and receptor functions. Proteins are an important part of the nutrition of animals and humans. The main sources of proteins are meat, poultry, fish, milk, nuts, legumes, and grains. and organelles). This helps the cell to get rid of toxic waste and maintain homeostasis.
Effect: Enhanced autophagy helps to purify the cell, improve its functions and slow down aging.
Example: Diets such as intermittent fasting and medications such as rapamycin can stimulate autophagy.

3. DNA repair

Mechanism: Damage caused by oxidative stress, radiation, and other factors accumulates in the DNA as we age. Activation of DNA repair systems helps repair these lesions.
Effect: Improved DNA repair reduces the risk of mutations and maintains genome stability.
Example: Proteins such as PARP1 and ATM play a key role in DNA repair.

4. Reducing oxidative stress

Mechanism: Oxidative stress caused by excess free radicals damages cellular structures (lipids, proteins, DNA). Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and protect cells.
Effect: Reducing oxidative stress slows down aging and improves cell function.
Example: Antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, and resveratrol are used to protect cells.

5. Epigenetic reprogramming

Mechanism: With age, epigenetic changes accumulate in cells (for example, DNA methylation) that affect gene expression. Reprogramming the epigenome can ‘rejuvenate’ cells by restoring their youthful gene expression.
Effect: Restoration of young gene expression patterns.
Example: Using Yamanaki factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc) to reprogram cells.

6. Stem cell stimulation

Mechanism: Stem cells are able to differentiate into different cell types and renew tissues. Their activity decreases with age. Stem cell stimulation can restore the regenerative potential of tissues.
Effect: Improves tissue regeneration and slows down aging.
Example: Using peptides such as epitalon to activate stem cells.

7. Senolytics (removal of senescent cells)

Mechanism: Senescent cells stop dividing, but they release pro-inflammatory factors that harm the surrounding cells. Senolytics are substances that selectively destroy senescent cells.
Effect: Removal of senescent cells improves tissue function and slows down aging.
Example: Drugs such as dasatinib and quercetin are used as senolytics.

8. Mitochondrial biogenesis

Mechanism: Mitochondria are the’ power stations ‘ of the cell. With age, their function worsens. Stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis (the formation of new mitochondria) improves the energy metabolism of the cell.
Effect: Improving energy metabolism and slowing down aging.
Example: Substances such as PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) and coenzyme Q10 stimulate mitochondrial function.

9. Regulation of signaling pathways (e.g., mTOR, AMPK)

Mechanism: Signaling pathways such as mTOR and AMPK regulate cell growth, division, and survival. mTOR inhibition and AMPK activation can slow down aging.
Effect: Improved cellular metabolism and extended cell life.
Example: Rapamycin inhibits mTOR and metformin activates AMPK.

10. Restoration of the extracellular matrix

Mechanism: The extracellular matrixThe extracellular matrix is a multicomponent complex of structural molecules that maintain the structural integrity of tissues. It provides an organized environment within which cells of various tissues move and interact. It binds cells into a single system, ensures the preservation and dissemination of information. It is a gel, the most important component of which is hyaluronic acid, which stimulates cell migration, has a unique ability to bind water, maintains the skin's water balance, determining its firmness and elasticity. (ECM) is a structure that supports cells and tissues. With age, ECM degrades, which leads to a loss of tissue elasticity and function. ECM repair can improve tissue regeneration.
Effect: Improvement of the structure and function of tissues.
Example: Using peptides such as collagenCollagen is a fibrillar protein, one of the main building elements of the body. It constitutes a significant part of connective tissues such as skin, tendons, joints, bones, and cartilage. Collagen provides strength, elasticity, and structural integrity to these tissues, giving them the ability to resist stretching. and elastin to repair ECM.

11. Hormone regulation

Mechanism: With age, the level of many hormonesHormones are biologically active substances that are produced by specialized cells or glands (such as endocrine glands) and regulate various physiological processes in the body. They act as chemical signals that are transmitted through the bloodstream to organs and tissues to control and coordinate a wide range of functions, including metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, mood, and more. Examples include insulin, testosterone, estrogen, and adrenaline. (for example, growth hormone, melatonin, sex hormones) decreases. Restoring hormone balance can improve the function of cells and tissues.
Effect: Improved metabolism, regeneration and overall health of the body.
Example: Hormone replacement therapy (for example, growth hormone, melatonin).

12. Use of peptides

Mechanism: Some peptides, such as epitalon, can stimulate telomerase production, improve tissue regeneration, and slow aging.
Effect: Improvement of cellular functions and prolongation of cell life.
Example: Epitalon, BPC-157, TB-500.

Conclusion

Cell rejuvenation is a multi-factorial process that requires a comprehensive approach. Current research in the biology of aging and regenerative medicine is actively exploring these mechanisms to develop effective methods to extend life and improve health. However, it is important to remember that many of these approaches are still under research