The implications of the 'hayflick limit' for aging of the organism have been misunderstood by many gerontologists.
Many gerontologists have been misdirected by the conclusion that the decline in the division potential of some cell compartments during aging is due to the increase in nondividing cells. Terminal postmitotic cells are called senescent cells although there is no evidence that they have any implications for aging of the organism. In an experimental system, Hayflick found a drift in cell functions created by proliferation, which is of relevance to the aging of the organism. Experimental evidence suggests that the presence of terminal postmitotic cells in excess in the tissues is associated with aging-related pathological states.
Macieira-Coelho
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INSERM and University of Paris VI, Versailles, France.
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000502:physiology; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008938:Mitosis; D008954:Models, Biological