Hereditary syndromes with signs of premature aging

Abstract

Aging is a multi-factor biological process that inevitably affects everyone. Degenerative processes, starting at the cellular and molecular levels, gradually influence the change in the functional capabilities of all organs and systems. Progeroid syndromes (from Greek. progērōs prematurely old), or premature aging syndromes, represent clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of rare hereditary diseases characterized by accelerated aging of the body. Progeria and segmental progeroid syndromes include more than a dozen diseases, but the most clear signs of premature aging are evident in Hutchinson-Guilford Progeria Syndrome and Werner Syndrome. This review summarizes the latest scientific data reflecting the etiology and clinical picture of progeria and segmental progeroid syndromes in humans. Molecular mechanisms of aging are considered, using the example of progeroid syndromes. Modern possibilities and potential ways of influencing the mechanisms of the development of age-related changes are discussed. Further study of genetic causes, as well as the development of treatment for progeria and segmental progeroid syndromes, may be a promising direction for correcting age-related changes and increasing life expectancy.

Keywords

• premature aging
• progeria
• hutchinson-guilford progeria syndrome
• werner syndrome
• laminopathies
• telomeres
• lonafarnib