Misrepair accumulation theory: a theory for understanding aging, cancer development, longevity, and adaptation

Abstract: Misrepair accumulation theory is a novel theory in interpreting aging phenomena. With a new concept of Misrepair, this theory reaches a unified understanding of aging: aging of an organism is a result of accumulation of Misrepairs of its structure. Misrepair accumulation theory (MA theory) is distinct and it can improve our understanding of life on several aspects. I. MA theory is fundamentally different from other theories by: A. proposing a generalized concept of Misrepair; B. pointing out the evolutionary advantage of aging mechanism; and C. distinguishing between aging of a cell and aging of a tissue. II. MA theory overcomes the limitations of traditional theories on interpreting the phenomena of tissue fibrosis and cancer development. Tissue fibrosis, as a result of accumulation of Misrepairs with collagen fibers, is a powerful evidence for demonstrating the central role of Misrepairs in aging. Cancer development is a result of accumulation of DNA Misrepairs in somatic cells, which needs to proceed over many generations of cells in a regenerable tissue. III. MA theory improves also our understanding on longevity, premature aging, adaptation, and species evolution. The potential of longevity of an organism is hidden in the complexity of its structure. IV. MA theory suggests that for retarding aging, the most important is to reduce the opportunity of damage-exposure.