epigenetics and aging: from experimental rat models to epigallocatechin gallate (egcg)-supported phytotherapeutic geriatric strategies

Aging is a complex process characterized by a decline in biological functions, increased frailty, and higher prevalence of age-related diseases. genetic, environmental, and particularly epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in this process. dna methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding rnas lie at the core of aging biology, serving both as biomarkers of aging and potential causal factors of age-related disorders. the concept of the epigenetic clock has enabled the estimation of biological age independently of chronological age, representing a breakthrough in aging research. experimental animal models, especially the d-galactose-induced aging model, reproduce key mechanisms such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation, thereby facilitating the study of epigenetic alterations. among phytotherapeutic agents, epigallocatechin gallate (egcg), a major polyphenol in green tea, stands out not only for its potent antioxidant properties but also for its epigenetic regulatory potential through effects on dna methyltransferases and histone deacetylases. egcg has also been reported to modulate microrna expression, thereby interfering with molecular pathways involved in aging, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. epigenetic biomarkers and modulatory drugs appear promising in the development of personalized therapeutic strategies in geriatric medicine. in conclusion, targeting epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to prolonging healthspan and preventing age-related diseases, providing a strategic approach to healthy aging.