Cell Membrane Permeability Effects on Aging

Aging is the result of all the changes which take place in an organism, making it less adapted. From this is clear that the aging of cell membranes, nucleolus membranes and mitochondria membranes will affect the cell fitness, and in the end the organism fitness.

With aging there is a loss of membrane permeability, which is correlated with dehydration, declining enzyme activity and increase of the lipofuscin accumulations. Additionally Trans fats are incorporated into the cell membrane making them denser.

Cell, nucleus and mitochondrion membrane are made of Lipid bilayer. The fats from the membrane are extremely important for the membrane fluidity. As we age the membrane becomes more saturated and less permeable.

Supplementation with omega 3 (DHA) increases membrane permeability improving the brain function and protecting us from cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin E supplementation protect the membranes from saturation.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipid_bilayer

http://www.fightaging.org/archives/2011/09/of-rats-pigeons-and-cell-membranes.php