Stem Cell Aging Theories Put to the Test

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Stem cell rejuvenation may reverse aging, according to Win L. Chiou. The pharmacokinetics and dermatology expert released several findings in The Scientific Pages of Dermatology (TSPD) on accepted aging theories, including those regarding photoaging.

Chiou conducted critical analyses of existing data to find that cardiac output is the main cause of aging, since it decreases alongside the cellular levels of nutrients in peripheral tissues. The key may be to utilize stem cells to increase tissue nutrients in order to combat the 30% and 49% decrease in cardiac outputs at the ages of 40 and 80, respectively. 

Chiou also put forth the following theories:

  • Age spots may not be caused by environmental exposure. The spots were frequently found on thighs, backs, forearms and other areas not typically exposed to the sun on seniors. This contradicts the photoaging theory that sunlight contributes around 80% of skin's aging process.
  • Wrinkles are formed as a result of a body defense mechanism that reduces surface area from environmental exposure. As with age spots caused by birth defects and later capillary injuries, the sun only hastens these conditions rather than cause them, according to Chiou. Instead, these telltale signs of aging begin intrinsically.
  • Antioxidants in dietary supplements meant to combat aging may have been promoted too aggressively in the past—Chiou noted that oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and the body's ability to counter them through antioxidants) has been traditionally been seen as responsible for aging. In addition, Chiou suggests that the skin and heart do not age faster as people get older.
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