Fas (CD95)/FasL (CD178) system during ageing.

The Fas/FasL system plays a central role in the physiological regulation of apoptosis and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neoplasms and diseases of the immune system. Until now, it has received little attention in the context of ageing, but there is sufficient evidence that it plays an important role in this process and its deregulation favours the development of age-related diseases such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, eye diseases, ischaemic processes, anaemia, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. With this in mind, the aim of this work was to describe the main changes that occur in the Fas/FasL system during ageing and their association with the development of age-related diseases. Furthermore, it discusses how exercise and diet, considered the cornerstone of almost all healthy ageing programmes, produce beneficial effects through the regulation of the Fas/FasL system.