Aging is a multifaceted biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological functions and heightened vulnerability to diseases, shaped by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Among these, cold exposure has garnered interest for its potential anti-aging benefits. This review examines the impact of cold exposure on aging, focusing on key physiological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic regulation, and cardiovascular health. Cold exposure has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation, enhance antioxidant defenses, and improve metabolic health by activating brown adipose tissue. Furthermore, findings from hibernating mammals and model organisms suggest a connection between lower environmental temperatures and increased longevity. However, the potential long-term health risks of extended cold exposure, particularly in older adults, remain a significant concern. Epidemiological studies reveal increased rates of mortality and morbidity in populations living in cold climates, emphasizing the complexity of the relationship between cold exposure and aging. This review underscores the need for further research to elucidate the long-term effects of cold exposure on aging and to establish guidelines for leveraging its benefits while mitigating cold-induced risks.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2025.123431 | DOI Listing |
Life Sci
January 2025
Laboratory Mobility, Aging & Exercise-ER20296 (MOVE), University of Poitiers, Faculty of Sport Sciences, STAPS, Poitiers, France.
Aging is a multifaceted biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological functions and heightened vulnerability to diseases, shaped by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Among these, cold exposure has garnered interest for its potential anti-aging benefits. This review examines the impact of cold exposure on aging, focusing on key physiological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic regulation, and cardiovascular health.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFElife
January 2025
Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States.
It has been well documented that cold is an enhancer of lipid metabolism in peripheral tissues, yet its effect on central nervous system lipid dynamics is underexplored. It is well recognized that cold acclimations enhance adipocyte functions, including white adipose tissue lipid lipolysis and beiging, and brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in mammals. However, it remains unclear whether and how lipid metabolism in the brain is also under the control of ambient temperature.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFScand J Public Health
January 2025
Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
Socioeconomic conditions remain an important factor in determining health outcomes in Northern Europe. In this commentary, we argue for evidence-based temperature-related climate adaptation policies in Northern Europe that account for disparities in socioeconomic conditions and aim at universal health coverage. We highlight the role of spatial and occupational disparities in urban areas that can be important factors in increased physical and mental health impacts related to heat and cold.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Nutr
January 2025
Department of BioSciences, School of Bio Science and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
Consumption of plant-based food is steadily increasing and follows an augmented trend owing to their nutritive, functional, and energy potential. Different bioactive fractions, such as phenols, flavanols, and so on, contribute highly to the nutritive profile of food and are known to have a sensitivity toward higher temperatures. This limits the applicability of traditional thermal treatments for plant products, paving the way for the advancement of innovative and non-thermal techniques such as pulsed electric field, microwave, ultrasound, cold plasma, and high-pressure processing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPublic Health
January 2025
Extreme Events and Health Protection Team, Centre for Climate Change and Health Security, UK Health Security Agency, 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, UK. Electronic address:
Objective: To systematically review evidence from high income countries on health risks from cold weather exposure among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and assess evidence on risk-reduction interventions and their effectiveness.
Study Design: Narrative systematic review.
Methods: Keyword-structured searches were performed in CINAHL, Emcare, Medline, SocINDEX, Scopus, OpenGrey, Social Policy and Practice and Web of Science, and supplemented by grey literature searches in a selection of other databases, from 1973 to 2024.
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