Christian Behl Boeken

Aging represents a physiological and per se non-pathological and multifactorial process involving a set of key genes and mechanisms being triggered by different endogenous and exogenous factors. Since aging is a major risk factor in connection with a variety of human disorders, it is increasingly becoming a central topic in biochemical and medical research. The plethora of theories on aging – some of which have been discussed for decades – are neither isolated nor contradictory but instead can be connected in a network of pathways and processes at the cellular and molecular levels. This book summarizes the most prominent and important approaches, focusing on telomeres, DNA damage and oxidative stress as well as on the possible role of nutrition, the interplay between genes and environment (epigenetics) and intracellular protein homeostasis and introduces some genes that have actually extended life spans in animal models. Linking these different determinants of aging with disease, this volume aims to reveal their multiple interdependencies. We see that there is no single “perfect” theory of aging and that instead it is possible to define what the authors call the molecular aging matrix of the cell. A better knowledge of its key mechanisms and the mutual connections between its components will lead to a better understanding of age-associated disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Focusing on the evolution of Alzheimer's Disease research since its naming in 1910, the author examines significant findings and drug development over the past three decades. Christian Behl contextualizes dementia research within its historical framework and raises critical questions about the persistent gaps in understanding the disease's causes. He challenges the predominant emphasis on the amyloid beta hypothesis and explores alternative theories that may better explain the complexities of Alzheimer's pathology, highlighting the need for broader perspectives in ongoing research.

The book explores the neuroprotective effects of estrogen, particularly in relation to age-related disorders like Alzheimer's Disease. It delves into the biochemical, molecular, and cellular mechanisms behind estrogen's protective activities in the brain. Additionally, it aims to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by discussing preventive and therapeutic strategies, including estrogen replacement therapy for post-menopausal women, to enhance patient care.

Dieses Buch führt in die wichtigsten Theorien des Alterns ein; es konzentriert sich auf Telomere, DNA-Schädigung, oxidativen Stress, die Rolle der Nährstoffversorgung bzw. -erkennung, das Zusammenspiel von Genen und Umwelt (Epigenetik) und die Proteinhomöostase und stellt einige Gene vor, die die Lebensdauer in Modellorganismen zu verändern in der Lage sind. Indem es die verschiedenen das Altern bestimmenden Faktoren mit Erkrankungen des Menschen verknüpft, sucht das Buch ihre vielfältigen Wechselbeziehungen und Abhängigkeiten aufzuzeigen und zu einer molekularen Matrix des Alterns zusammenzuführen. Von diesem Buch werden alle profitieren, die sich einen profunden Überblick über die Mechanismen der Zellalterung und ihre Verknüpfung mit altersassoziierten Erkrankungen des Menschen verschaffen wollen.