Molecular aging of the mammalian vestibular system.

Molecular aging of the mammalian vestibular system.
Ageing Res Rev. 2015 Dec 28;
Authors: Brosel S, Laub C, Averdam A, Bender A, Elstner M
Abstract
Dizziness and imbalance frequently affect the elderly and contribute to falls and frailty. In many geriatric patients, clinical testing uncovers a dysfunction of the vestibular system, but no specific etiology can be identified. Neuropathological studies have demonstrated age-related degeneration of peripheral and central vestibular neurons, but the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In contrast, recent studies into age-related hearing loss strongly implicate mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death of cochlear hair cells. While some data suggest that analogous biological pathomechanisms may underlie vestibular dysfunction, actual proof is missing. In this review, we summarize the available data on the molecular causes of vestibular dysfunction.
PMID: 26739358 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Ageing Research Reviews - December 28, 2015 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Brosel S, Laub C, Averdam A, Bender A, Elstner M Tags: Ageing Res Rev Source Type: research