Mechanism and regulation of programmed cell death in aging-related diseases.

Aging and its associated diseases are characterized by a complex interplay of cellular dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and tissue degeneration. Dysregulated cell death and the resulting inflammatory responses are pivotal drivers of this pathological synergy. Among various cell demise pathways, programmed cell death (PCD) mechanisms, including apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, are critical for maintaining homeostasis but can drive pathology when aberrantly activated. Crucially, they leave specific and reliable biomarkers, allowing for their distinct assessment in complex aging tissues. This review synthesizes recent insights into the intricate regulation and execution of these PCD pathways, their interconnections with inflammatory signaling, and their impact on the pathogenesis of aging and aging-related diseases. We further highlight how the integrated understanding of these cell death pathways opens avenues for targeted therapies in aging-associated disorders.