Epigenetics and Oxidative Stress in Aging

Abstract

Aging is a multifactorial process characterized by the progressive loss of physiological functions, leading to an increased vulnerability to age-associated diseases and finally to death. Several theories have been proposed to explain the nature of aging. One of the most known identifies the free radicals produced by the mitochondrial metabolism as the cause of cellular and DNA damage. However, there are also several evidences supporting that epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, and histone modifications, play a critical role in the molecular mechanism of aging. In this review, we explore the significance of these findings and argue how the interlinked effects of oxidative stress and epigenetics can explain the cause of age-related declines.

Figure 1

Epigenetic mechanisms and oxidative stress (OS) related to aging. Oxidative stress caused by either endogenous or exogenous factors gives rise to increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondria acting as a main source of production. Uncontrolled production of ROS is involved in aging and aging-related diseases. Besides, ROS is an activity-modulated factor of epigenetic machinery. Epigenetic changes, for instance, global reduction in DNA methylation or hypermethylation of specific genes, among others, are also linked with aging.