Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death that occurs in a natural and controlled manner in the body involving a number of genes and proteins. It is an essential mechanism for the development, homeostasis (balance) of the organism and the elimination of damaged or unnecessary cells.
One of the most important functions of apoptosis is to eliminate cells that are no longer needed or that are irreversibly damaged. This is crucial for maintaining the health of the body and preventing the development of diseases.
Unlike other types of cell death, such as necrosis, apoptosis generally occurs without triggering an inflammatory response in the body. This prevents the release of harmful substances into the surrounding environment.
This is a fully controlled process. Cells entering apoptosis follow a sequence of specific events in an orderly manner that include cell shrinkage, condensation of the nucleus, DNA fragmentation, formation of apoptotic bodies and finally phagocytosis of cellular debris by phagocytes.
Relationship with diseases
Apoptosis plays a crucial role in cancer prevention by eliminating damaged or mutated cells that could become cancerous. However, alterations in apoptosis mechanisms may contribute to cancer development and progression. Cancer cells often avoid apoptosis, which allows them to survive and proliferate uncontrollably.
Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis often also involve inappropriate regulation of apoptosis. In these conditions, cells of the immune system may mistakenly attack one’s own cells and tissues due to an inappropriate immune response.
It has also been found to be related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and viral infections.
Apoptosis and esthetics
There is no direct relationship of apoptosis to aesthetics, but knowledge of apoptosis can be very important in understanding how skin health and appearance works.
As we age, the rate of apoptosis in the skin may change. A proper balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis is essential for maintaining youthful and healthy skin. An increase in skin cell apoptosis can contribute to skin aging, including the appearance of wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
Many skin care products and aesthetic treatments focus on minimizing the effects of aging, which may include promoting proper apoptosis to eliminate damaged skin cells and promote cell renewal. Ingredients such as retinoids and antioxidants are used for this purpose.
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- Laser treatments can influence apoptosis by stimulating cell renewal and collagen production.
- And anti-aging products sometimes contain ingredients that seek to slow or reverse the signs of skin aging. It influences cell apoptosis, promoting the elimination of damaged cells and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.
Commitment to quality
This text on apoptosis has been prepared by professional editors. In addition, we have relied on experts in medicine, engineering and aesthetics as a source of information, as well as specific studies to maintain the quality of what we publish.
At Sisneo Bioscience we are committed to publish truthful and contrasted information. And to update or correct it as soon as new knowledge becomes available.
Among others, we have used the following sources:
- Jordán, Joaquín. «Apoptosis: muerte celular programada» en Offarm 2003;22;6;100-106
- Paredes F, Roca JJ. «Influencia de los radicales libres en el envejecimiento celular» en Offarm 2002;21;7:96-100.
- Elmore S. «Apoptosis: a review of programmed cell death» en Toxicol Pathol. 2007 Jun;35(4):495-516. doi: 10.1080/01926230701320337.
