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Internal Factors Leading to Cell Degeneration:

Published in Cellular Pathology 3 mins read

What are the Causes of Cell Degeneration?

Cell degeneration, the deterioration of cells, stems from various factors impacting cellular health and function. These causes can be broadly categorized as internal or external, encompassing genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, and systemic issues.

  • Genetic Defects: Inherited genetic mutations can disrupt normal cellular processes, causing abnormal metabolism and ultimately, cell degeneration. Examples include mutations in the MAP1A gene, leading to cerebellar Purkinje cell degeneration, and mutations in the choroideremia gene, causing photoreceptor cell degeneration. Mutations in the Microtubule-Associated Protein 1A (Map1a) Gene ... Mouse choroideremia gene mutation causes photoreceptor cell ...

  • Abnormal Cellular Metabolism: Dysfunctional metabolic pathways within the cell can result in an accumulation of harmful substances or a deficiency in essential components, triggering degeneration. This can be seen in various neurological conditions.

  • Cellular Aging: The natural aging process contributes to cellular wear and tear, gradually impacting function and leading to degeneration. This is a significant factor in age-related diseases.

External Factors Contributing to Cell Degeneration:

  • Lack of Blood Supply (Ischemia): Reduced blood flow deprives cells of oxygen and nutrients, hindering their ability to function properly and causing degeneration. This is a common cause of cell death in many conditions including stroke and heart attack.

  • Exposure to Toxins: Environmental toxins, including certain chemicals and pollutants, can damage cells directly and trigger degenerative processes. This damage can be acute or develop over time. [Degenerations include the deterioration of cells due to lack of blood supply (ischemia), abnormal cellular metabolism caused by an inherited cellular defect, exposure to exogenous toxins, and abnormalities in other body systems (renal disorders with uremia, diffuse liver disorders with hyperammonemia, cardiorespiratory ...](reference provided)

  • Mechanical Stress: Continuous mechanical stress, as seen in sensory hair cells of the inner ear, can lead to cumulative damage and subsequent degeneration. Mechanisms of hair cell damage and repair - PMC

Systemic Factors Influencing Cell Degeneration:

  • Renal Disorders (Uremia): Kidney dysfunction leading to uremia (accumulation of waste products in the blood) can negatively impact cellular health in various organs.

  • Liver Disorders (Hyperammonemia): Liver diseases resulting in hyperammonemia (increased ammonia levels in the blood) can also cause widespread cellular damage.

  • Cardio-Respiratory Diseases: Compromised oxygen delivery due to heart or lung conditions can cause widespread cell degeneration due to hypoxia.

Examples of Cell Degeneration:

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