The Impact of Hormesis, Neuronal Stress Response, and Reproduction, upon Clinical Aging: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: The primary objective of researchers in the biology of aging is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the aging process while developing practical solutions that can enhance the quality of life for older individuals. This involves a continuous effort to bridge the gap between fundamental biological research and its real-world applications.

Purpose: In this narrative review, we attempt to link research findings concerning the hormetic relationship between neurons and germ cells, and translate these findings into clinically relevant concepts.

Methods: We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Embase, PLOS, Digital Commons Network, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library from 2000 to 2023, analyzing studies dealing with the relationship between hormetic, cognitive, and reproductive aspects of human aging.

Results: The process of hormesis serves as a bridge between the biology of neuron-germ cell interactions on one hand, and the clinical relevance of these interactions on the other. Details concerning these processes are discussed here, emphasizing new research which strengthens the overall concept.

Conclusions: This review presents a scientifically and clinically relevant argument, claiming that maintaining a cognitively active lifestyle may decrease age-related degeneration, and improve overall health in aging. This is a totally novel approach which reflects current developments in several relevant aspects of our biology, technology, and society.

Keywords: age-related degeneration; cognitive challenges; enriched environment; hormesis; neuron-germline communication; neuron-germline conflict; neuronal stress response.

Figure 1

Hormesis: After an initial inhibition at a very low dose, as the dose increases there is a ‘window’ of stimulation, followed again by inhibition at higher doses.

Figure 2

Graphical summary of the subjects discussed. The logical progression of the discussion of these, perhaps seemingly unrelated subjects is schematically depicted below. The discussion starts from the concept of hormesis (and the example of autophagy (AP), and then progresses to the subjects of environmental enrichment (EE), neuronal stress response (NSR), the communication between somatic and germline cells (CSG), and the war of trade-offs between the neuron and the germline. The result may be an improvement of the clinical parameters of the aging patient.