Makarenkova Lab
Modulation of Aging by Calorie Restriction
During the lifespan, the corneal surface and the LG are exposed to bacterial and viral infections, which may lead to a systemic disruption of the epithelial cells, induction of chronic inflammatory responses and immune cell infiltration in the LG and lack of regeneration. It has been reported that aging can be modulated by lifestyle changes for example, increase in exercise or calorie restriction (CR). CR increases the life span in worms, rodents, and macaques, which is thought to decrease aging associated inflammation directly. We believe that CR therapy can modulate aging-induced inflammation by two different mechanisms: delaying pathological changes in the LG epithelial cells reducing anomalous activation of the immune cells.
Visual schematics effectively depict the impact of aging on lacrimal gland and ocular surface function, highlighting the modulatory effects of calorie restriction.