Aging is a multi-causal process affecting all higher organisms being associated with a loss of function of cells, issues, organs, and finally death. Despite intense research efforts throughout the last decades molecular mechanisms involved in aging-associated decline are so far not fully understood. However, results of several studies suggest that aging is associated with an altered intestinal barrier and elevated bacterial endotoxin levels. The aim of the present project is to evaluate the mechanisms involved in aging-associated liver and pancreas decline with a focus on bacterial endotoxin and toll-like receptors.
