Anti-Aging Mechanism

There are so many anti-aging products out there. There are many anti-aging products in the world, creams and ointments to put on your face and body, supplements and dosages to put inside your body, skin care devices to stimulate collagen in your skin, etc. I am sure you have all tried at least one or two. The underlying mechanism of anti-aging is a scientific approach aimed at slowing or reversing the cellular-level changes associated with aging. These mechanisms focus on fundamental processes that support cell longevity and function. In this last newsletter of the year, I will summarize the major mechanisms of anti-aging as a review of what we have covered so far.

Cellular energy production (mitochondrial health):

Mitochondria are cell organelles found in nearly all eukaryotic cells and are the primary site of cellular energy production, providing the energy (ATP) needed by the cell by converting nutrients into energy. However, function declines with aging and irregular lifestyle habits. This leads to cellular aging.

Countermeasure:

NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) supplementation (e.g., intake of NMN nicotinamide mononucleotide or NR nicotinamide riboside).
Intake of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10, etc.).
Moderate exercise and fasting promote mitochondrial reactivation.

2. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Regulation of Oxidative Stress

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) react with biopolymers such as DNA, lipids, proteins, and enzymes in vivo, resulting in lipid peroxidation, DNA mutation, protein denaturation, and enzyme inactivation. Elevated oxidative stress is thought to increase oxidative damage at the molecular level, leading to various diseases and accelerated aging.

Countermeasure:

Removes free radicals with antioxidants (glutathione, resveratrol, carotenoids).
Moderate exercise improves the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body.
Avoidance of oxidative stressors such as ultraviolet rays, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

3. Telomere shortening

The ends of chromosomal DNA, where the genetic information of an organism is stored, are called telomeres, and they serve to protect the chromosomes. Each time a cell divides, the telomere DNA becomes a little shorter, which in turn reduces the number of cell divisions and eventually causes the cell to stop dividing. This is known as cellular aging.

Countermeasure:

Organisms are capable of regenerating telomeres, and telomeric DNA is produced and elongated by the action of the enzyme telomerase. Use of a compound that increases telomerase activity (ingredient TA-65, obtained from astragalus, which is utilized as a medicinal herb in Chinese medicine and herbal medicine).
Prevent telomere damage through sleep and stress management.

4. Sirtuins and Epigenetics

Sirtuins are a group of proteins called longevity genes that regulate cell metabolism, DNA repair, and antioxidant defense. These extend the life span of cells through epigenetic changes.

Countermeasure:

Calorie restriction and fasting promote sirtuin activity
Activation of sirtuins with NAD⁺ precursors (NMN and NR).
Resveratrol and polyphenol intake.

5. Autophagy

Autophagy is the process of breaking down and recycling unwanted proteins and damaged organelles in the cell. As we age, this process declines and waste accumulates.

Countermeasure:

Fasting and low carbohydrate diets induce autophagy.
Ingestion of ingredients that activate autophagy. Sulforaphane, found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), found in green and black tea, berries, and pistachios, are typical examples.
Moderate exercise enhances cellular cleansing.

6. Suppression of chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a constant battle of immune cells in the body in the absence of external factors such as infection or injury. The main causes include persistent stress, unhealthy diet (high sugar, high fat diet), lack of exercise, environmental factors (pollutants, chemicals, etc.), smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep. These factors can trigger chronic inflammation alone or in combination. Chronic inflammation increases the risk of aging-related diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases).

Countermeasure:

Intake of anti-inflammatory ingredients (omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, boswellia).
Improved intestinal environment (probiotics and fiber).
Reduce inflammation through stress management and meditation.

7. Proteostasis (protein homeostasis)

Proteostasis refers to the dynamic processes that regulate the proper production, folding (the folding of linear chains of amino acids into a specific three-dimensional structure), transport, and degradation of proteins in the cell to maintain normal cell function. For cells to function healthily, these processes must be tightly controlled and balanced. Imbalances in protein folding and breakdown in cells can lead to aging and disease.

Countermeasure:

Prevents misfolding by increasing heat shock protein (HSP) activity. For example, heat stress therapy (e.g., sauna) and resveratrol (a polyphenol) stimulate HSPs.
Proper protein intake supports cell repair.

8. Epigenetics and reprogramming

Gene expression is the function of turning gene expression on and off externally depending on the surrounding environment, without changing the DNA itself. It is believed that rejuvenation is possible by reprogramming specific gene expression.

Countermeasure:

Lifestyle modifications (exercise, nutritional management).

9. Maintenance of intercellular communication

Insulin and blood glucose regulation are examples of cell-to-cell signaling. The hypothalamus of the mesencephalon acts as the center of blood glucose regulation, where blood glucose levels are sensed. When blood glucose levels become high, the parasympathetic nervous system stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin. However, aging, environmental factors, genetic factors, and lifestyle can cause disorders in the molecules and mechanisms responsible for cell-to-cell communication. This leads to organ and tissue dysfunction.

Countermeasure:

Antioxidant care
Autophagy promotion
Anti-inflammatory measures
Supporting Mitochondrial Health

10. Improved vascular and circulatory function

Blood vessels and blood play an important role in maintaining body functions. Therefore, decreased blood flow is said to be a major cause of aging. There is also something called a vascular age test.

Countermeasure:

Balanced diet (antioxidant rich foods, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, potassium intake, nitric oxide promoting foods)
Regular moderate exercise
Stress Management
Smoking and alcohol restrictions
Nutritional and Dietary Supplements

Anti-aging measures based on these mechanisms, combined with scientifically backed ingredients and lifestyle improvements, are expected to not only delay aging but also maintain overall health. Longevity can only be enjoyed in good health. Let’s start with what you can do and maintainable. May 2025 be another year of brilliance!