Abstract
Aging is a dynamic process, when changes occur from the molecular to the morfo-physiological level, after maturity, leading to the organic decline, increasing susceptibility and vulnerability to diseases and to death. The genetics of aging studies the hereditary contribution of species and interaction with environment, causing biological modifications along time. It is a review of studies on this subject, suggesting that aging is under a genetic-environmental control. Except for syndromes, the genetic contribution such as life span and some cronic diseases (Alzheimer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus type 2) is relatively low. This shows that environmental factors, such as life style e diet, play a fundamental role on aging phenotypes. Genetics is not a deterministic route, and more and more it can be “manipulated” on behalf of health. Moreover, knowledge on the genetic of aging and associated diseases will provide more clinical instruments to benefit elderly people.
aging; physiological processes; susceptibility; vulnerability; genetics, medical; life style; diet; phenotype; review [publication type]