Ageing 4: Bones, Joints & Skin

Question 1

Summarise, in a simple phrase, the effect of aging on bone. Then, in your head, think through the complex hormones, medications, and physioloigcal processes that underly this, and explain them to a stupid person

Answer 1

Balance of bone remodelling shifts away from formation and towards regeneration.

Question 2

Outline the changes that occur to joints during aging. What are the cellular processes that underly this/

Answer 2

• Bone: decreased bone density and osteophyte formation
• Cartilage: increased senescence and reduced proliferation
• Ligaments/CT: reduced collagen production
• Synovial fluid: decreased production (↓ lubrication)

Thought to be caused by chondrocyte senescence, oxidative stress, lipid accumulation, and systemic inflammation ïnflammaging”)

Question 3

Extrinsic vs intrinsic skin aging

Answer 3

• Int: natural, genetically determined aging
• Ext: exogenous factors (UV +++, smoking, diet, alcohol)

Question 4

Physiological factors underpinning intrinsic skin ageing

Answer 4

• Senescence of cells
• Oxidative damage
• Loss of tumour suppression

Question 5

What does intrinsic skin aging look like?

Answer 5

• Dry/pale skin
• Fine wrinkles
• Benign neoplasms (e.g. $eborrhoeic keratosis)

Question 6

What does extrinsic skin ageing look like?

Answer 6

• Deep wrinkles
• Dyspigmentation
• Benign/malignant neoplasms

Question 7

Modifiable risk factors for extrinsic skin aging

Answer 7

• Sunscreen
• No smoking/alcohol
• Health diet (incl. vitamin C)