Biological rhythms and aging

Abstract

Biological rhythm is one or more biological events or functions that reoccur in time in a repeated order and with a repeated interval between occurrences and allow an organism to harmonize successfully with its environment. Aging leads to a functional deterioration of many physiological systems, including the biological clock - an internal time-keeping system - that generates ~24-h rhythms in physiology and behavior. Latest data from experiments in model organisms, gene expression studies, and clinical trials imply that dysfunctions of the circadian clock contribute to aging and age-associated pathologies, thereby suggesting a functional link between the circadian clock and age-associated decline of brain functions and various biochemical and physiological processes. With the advancement in understanding the molecular aspects of aging and circadian system, several therapeutic strategies such as antioxidants, feeding regimen, and most advanced small molecule modulators have been extensively studied. In this chapter, we discuss the functional aspects of biological clock, its association with aging and give an insight into the existing therapeutic interventions.