  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.
