The exposome is the omics-styled name given to the full breadth of environmental factors that impact health, aging, and the operation of our biochemistry in general. Well studied aspects of the exposome include particulate air pollution, heavy metal exposure, and a broad range of diet and lifestyle choices. This short review paper provides a high level overview of present thought on the role of exposome components in the onset and progression of age-related conditions.
The exposome encompasses all the environmental factors that a person encounters in its lifetime affecting biological processes and the overall health of the individual. The exposomes range from air- and water-polluting agents to diet and lifestyle choices and occupational hazards. Such environmental components, if prolonged, may lead to accelerating cellular aging, the disruption of metabolism, or an increase in chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or cancer. Environmental toxins and lifestyle factors are also associated with the later development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
This review describes how the exposome influences aging with emphasis on mechanistic focus and offers potential strategies to counteract the adverse effects of the exposome on health. First, we provide a basic structure, concerning environmental exposure and its impact on aging. Next, we examine the role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic modifications. Then we discuss advancement in exposome research and how the exposome is related to neurodegenerative diseases. We eventually propose future directions and preventive strategies that will reduce the risk of exposomes and aging positively.
Link: https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_599_25
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