X-Message-Number: 11947
Date: Sat, 12 Jun 1999 12:39:17 +0400
From: Mikhail Soloviev <>
Subject: New Russian book on gerontology (+nanogerontology)

V. N. Anisimov, M. V. Soloviev
"The Evolution of Concepts in Gerontology"
Aesculap (St.Petersburg, Russia), 1999, 130 p.

*Authors*

Prof. Vladimir N. Anisimov, M. D., is the 
President of the Gerontological Society of the Russian
Academy of Sciences, and the Chief of the Laboratory of
Carcinogenesis and Aging of N. N. Petrov Research
Institute of Oncology (St.Petersburg, Russia).

Mikhail V. Soloviev is Research Scientist at the same
laboratory.

*Comment*

The book is written in Russian, but its abstract and contents
are translated into English (see below). In my part (the first
one) of the book besides the analysis of the history of
gerontology I briefly describe my current research project --
automation of system analysis and modeling of aging 
(using CASE methodology and some AI approaches).
Also I describe how aging can be cured by nanorobots.

*Abstract*

The original periodization of the development of 
gerontology from ancient toward present times as well
as the analysis of basic concepts on the origin of
aging are given in the monograph. Main attention has
been paid to the most important achievements in contemporary
gerontology. The brief view on the state-of-art and
perspectives of the development of gerontology in Russia
are given as well. The book is addressed to a wide range
of biologists, physiologists, biochemists, geneticists
and medical doctors and students who interested in
gerontology and life extension.

*Contents*

FOREWORD (by A.D.Nozdrachev, academician of the Russian
Academy of Sciences)

INTRODUCTION

1. A REVIEW ON THE HISTORY OF GERONTOLOGY

1.1. THE HISTORY OF GERONTOLOGY: DIVISION INTO PERIODS
1.1.1. Cognition and modeling
1.1.2. Division of the history of gerontology into periods
       based on the theory of models
1.1.3. Other variants of the gerontology periodization

1.2. PERIOD OF QUANTITATIVE MODELS
1.2.1. Life span prolongation in ancient civilizations
1.2.2. Taoism
1.2.3. Gerocomia
1.2.4. Alchemistry

1.3. PERIOD OF QUALITATIVE MODELS
1.3.1. Idea of progress and formation of scientific
       methodology in gerontology
1.3.2. Beginning of scientific study on aging
1.3.3. Continuation of gerocomia tradition

1.4. PERIOD OF ANALYTICAL MODELS
1.4.1. Beginning of gerontology as an independent 
       scientific discipline
1.4.2. First attempts to prolong life span based on 
       biological background

1.5. PERIOD OF CYBERNETIC MODELS
1.5.1. Modern gerontology formation
1.5.2. Necessity of automation for gerontological research
1.5.3. Perspectives of nanotechnology for the solving of 
       the life span prolongation problem

2. MODERN CONCEPTS IN GERONTOLOGY

2.1. GENETICS OF AGING AND LONGEVITY
2.1.1. Population genetics of aging
2.1.2. Hereditary premature aging (progeria)
2.1.3. Reproductive behaviour and evolution of life span
2.1.4. Genes of death and longevity in nonvertebrates
2.1.5. Studies with transgenic animals
2.1.6. Candidate genes of death and longevity in humans
2.1.7. Role of specific chromosomes in aging

2.2. MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF AGING
2.2.1. Role of somatic mutations in aging
2.2.2. DNA methylation and aging
2.2.3. Glycosilation of DNA and proteins
2.2.4. DNA repair and aging
2.2.5. Changes of gene structure and function in aging
2.2.6. "Hayflick limit", theory of marginotomy, telomeres
       and telomerase
2.2.7. Apoptosis and life span
2.2.8. Free radical theory of aging

2.3. PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF AGING
2.3.1. Caloric restriction and aging
2.3.2. Immunological theory of aging
2.3.3. Elevation theory of aging
2.3.4. Role of pineal gland in mechanisms of aging

2.4. CANCER AND AGING: RELATIONSHIP AND PREVENTION
2.4.1. Aging and susceptibility to carcinogens
2.4.2. Geroprotectors and cancer

3. PERSPECTIVES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF GERONTOLOGY
   IN RUSSIA

4. REFERENCES

5. APPENDIXES
5.1. List of main Soviet and Russian monographs on
     gerontology and geriatrics
5.2. List of Russian gerontologicals journals and
     periodic publications

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