Aging and oxidative stress: studies of some genes involved both in aging and in response to oxidative stress

Aging is a complex physiological phenomenon and several theories have been developed about its origin. Among such theories, the 'mitochondrial theory of aging' has been supported by numerous studies and reviews. Cell oxidative damage, in particular the accumulation of mtDNA mutations, is determined by the rate of reactive oxygen species production and degradation induced by the antioxidant defense systems. In this review, data from our laboratory and from the recent literature have been examined to provide arguments that reinforce the crucial role of mitochondria in aging. Various genes that affect life span have been described in numerous organisms. Some of them encode signal transduction proteins and participate in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.