On the memory of a chronic illness.
The elderly are particularly susceptible to disease, yet the biological mechanisms that bring about this susceptibility remain unclear. Using atherosclerosis as a model chronic illness, we review how recent studies of bone marrow-derived vascular repair systems in mice and humans provide new insights into the causes and potential cures for age-related illness. Organisms are born with a finite capacity for stem cell-mediated repair after chronic exposure to tissue injury. Once that capacity is exhausted, a cycle of pathological inflammation ensues and leads to overt disease manifestations. Augmentation of stem cell-mediated repair systems may provide a novel means of treating or preventing many age-related illnesses.
Goldschmidt-Clermont
Pascal J
PJ
Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. golds017@mc.duke.edu
Peterson
Eric D
ED
D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*