The fastest growing segment of the U.S. population is age 65
years and older. By the year 2025, there will be twice as many
65-year-olds as teen-agers, and over 50% of our “baby boomer” population
is projected to live to be centenarians.
As longer life span becomes a reality, there is increased interest
in the potential for improving quality of life and enhancing productivity
of the aging population. However, aging is associated with a decline
in physiological function and an increased prevalence of numerous
diseases. A group of molecules called “free radicals”
– which are by-products of normal oxygen usage inside cells
– has been associated with the aging process and a range
of age-related diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and
neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Kregel's laboratory is studying how aging is impacted by oxidative
stress, a harmful condition that occurs due to an excess of free
radicals. These free radicals can damage the primary constituents
inside a cell – DNA, proteins, and lipids – leading
to serious dysfunctions.
In this talk, Kregel will present current research on aspects
of the aging process, including changes in physiological function
that occur in older individuals and the role that free radicals
might play in aging at the cellular level. Kregel’s research
is also focused on the mechanisms contributing to the reduced
ability of older individuals to tolerate physical challenges such
as heat stress, which by itself can produce dramatic oxidative
damage. He will highlight some of his laboratory’s findings
at the basic science level as well as epidemiological data related
to the high mortality rates seen in older populations that have
accompanied recent high-profile heat waves in the U.S. and Europe.
Saturday Scholars