Nutrigenomics and the Hallmarks of Aging

The hallmarks of aging are a set of biological processes that drive the aging process and lead to the deterioration of function and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases.

Understanding these hallmarks is essential for creating effective interventions to promote healthy aging and extend lifespan.

The original list of hallmarks of aging, published in 2013, included ten hallmarks:

Genetic Instability
Telomere Attrition
Epigenetic Alterations
Loss of Proteostasis
Deregulated Nutrient Sensing
Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Cellular Senescence
Stem Cell Exhaustion
Altered Intercellular Communication
Inflammaging

Since then, a few more hallmarks have been discussed, including

Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Microbiota Alterations
Autophagy Decline
Exogenous Stress.

These hallmarks are the key to unlocking the secrets of aging and developing treatments to promote healthy aging and extend the human lifespan.

Nutrigenomics Influences Hallmarks of Aging

Three pivotal pathways in nutrigenomics, Nrf1, Nrf2, and NAD, have a direct and indirect influence on the hallmarks of aging. Collectively, these pathways are instrumental in preserving cellular health and warding off age-related illnesses.

The Nrf2 pathway impacts the expression of multiple genes, including those involved in antioxidant defense, inflammation, and cell survival. Studies have reported that Nrf2 can regulate the expression of hundreds of genes. Natural Nrf2 activators include curcumin, sulforaphane, kahweol, resveratrol, and garlic organosulfur compounds. Additionally, there are several synthetic Nrf2 compounds.

The NRF1 pathway is a signaling pathway that plays a critical role in regulating the expression of genes involved in cellular metabolism, particularly the genes involved in producing energy in the form of ATP.

NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that plays a vital role in numerous cellular processes, such as energy metabolism and DNA repair. Furthermore, NAD is known to regulate the expression of dozens of genes, making it one of the essential molecules for life to exist, as noted by Cambridge Ivy League University.