Mitophagy in aging and longevity

Parkin, a Parkinson's disease-associated protein, mediates the mitophagy that plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder

Depression is a complex mood disorder with multifactorial etiology and is also the most frequent non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease. Emerging research suggests a potential link between mitochondrial dysfunction and the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder. By synthesizing current knowledge and research findings, this review sheds light on the intricate relationship between Parkin, a protein classically associated with Parkinson's disease, and mitochondrial quality control mechanisms (e.g., mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial dynamic), specifically focusing on their relevance in the context of depression. Additionally, the present review discusses therapeutic strategies targeting Parkin-medicated mitophagy and calls for further research in this field. These findings suggest promise for the development of novel depression treatments through modulating Parkin-mediated mitophagy.

Urolithin A prevents age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6J mice likely by inducing mitophagy

Mitochondrial dysfunction with aging is associated with the development of age-related hearing loss. Mitophagy is a cardinal mechanism to maintain a healthy mitochondrial population through the turnover of damaged mitochondria. Declining mitophagy with age causes a buildup of damaged mitochondria, leading to sensory organ dysfunction. The effect of Urolithin A (UA), a mitophagy inducer, was investigated on age-related hearing loss in a mouse model. C57BL/6J mice were treated with UA from 6 to 10 months of age. UA attenuated an auditory brainstem responses (ABR) threshold shift at 8, 16, and 32 kHz frequencies, and improved mitochondrial DNA integrity and ATP production in the cochlea and auditory cortex. The mRNA levels of mitophagy-related genes and protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, BNIP3, and LC3B increased in the cochlea and auditory cortex. The expression of mitophagosomes and mitophagolysosomes in the cochlea, spiral ganglion, auditory cortex, and inferior colliculus increased, together with the expression of Parkin and BNIP3 in the cochlea, spiral ganglion, auditory cortex, and inferior colliculus. These results indicate that UA counteracted mitophagy decline in the auditory system and prevented age-related hearing loss. UA can be used as a potential agent to prevent age-related hearing loss.

Research Hotspots in Mitochondria-Related Studies for AKI Treatment: A Bibliometric Study

Purpose

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical critical condition that has become a significant healthcare burden. In recent years, the relationship between AKI and mitochondria has attracted increasing attention. Protecting mitochondria or restoring their function has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy for alleviating AKI. This study aims to analyze and summarize the current status, research trends, and hotspots in this field, providing references and directions for future research.

Methods

AKI and mitochondria-related literature from the Web of Science core collection were retrieved and collected. Bibliometric and visualization analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel 2021, bibliometric tools (VosViewer, Citespace 6.3.R1, and the bibliometrix R package), R 4.3.2, and SCImagoGraphica software.

Results

A total of 2433 publications were included in this study. The number of annual publications in this field has increased year by year. China and the United States are the two most productive countries. Central South University is the most influential research institution in terms of research output, and Parikh SM, Schnellmann RG, and Dong Z are the most influential authors in this field. KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL, JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY, and AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-RENAL PHYSIOLOGY are the most influential journals. Initially, the research focused on keywords such as oxidative stress, ischemia-reperfusion injury, apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy. In recent years, new research hotspots have emerged, including ferroptosis, aging, mitochondrial quality control, messenger RNA, mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants, extracellular vesicles, and nanodrug delivery.

Conclusion

Research on the relationship between mitochondria and AKI has broad developing prospects, and targeting mitochondrial regulation will become a focus of future AKI prevention and treatment research.

An Introductory Guide to Using Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center and FlyBase for Aging Research

Studies on numerous species have demonstrated strikingly conserved mechanisms that determine the aging process, from yeasts to worms, flies, zebrafish, mice, and humans. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model organism for studying the biological basis of normal aging and etiology of age-related diseases. Since its inception in 1967, the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center (BDSC) has grown into the largest collection of documented D. melanogaster strains (currently > 91,000). This paper aims to briefly review conserved mechanisms of aging and provides a guide to help users understand the organization of stock listings on the BDSC website and familiarize themselves with the search functions on BDSC and FlyBase, with an emphasis on using genes in conserved pathways as examples to find stocks for aging studies.

Towards Healthy Longevity: Comprehensive Insights from Molecular Targets and Biomarkers to Biological Clocks

Aging is a complex and time-dependent decline in physiological function that affects most organisms, leading to increased risk of age-related diseases. Investigating the molecular underpinnings of aging is crucial to identify geroprotectors, precisely quantify biological age, and propose healthy longevity approaches. This review explores pathways that are currently being investigated as intervention targets and aging biomarkers spanning molecular, cellular, and systemic dimensions. Interventions that target these hallmarks may ameliorate the aging process, with some progressing to clinical trials. Biomarkers of these hallmarks are used to estimate biological aging and risk of aging-associated disease. Utilizing aging biomarkers, biological aging clocks can be constructed that predict a state of abnormal aging, age-related diseases, and increased mortality. Biological age estimation can therefore provide the basis for a fine-grained risk stratification by predicting all-cause mortality well ahead of the onset of specific diseases, thus offering a window for intervention. Yet, despite technological advancements, challenges persist due to individual variability and the dynamic nature of these biomarkers. Addressing this requires longitudinal studies for robust biomarker identification. Overall, utilizing the hallmarks of aging to discover new drug targets and develop new biomarkers opens new frontiers in medicine. Prospects involve multi-omics integration, machine learning, and personalized approaches for targeted interventions, promising a healthier aging population.

Targeting mitochondria for ovarian aging: new insights into mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Ovarian aging is a complex process characterized by a decline in oocyte quantity and quality, directly impacting fertility and overall well-being. Recent researches have identified mitochondria as pivotal players in the aging of ovaries, influencing various hallmarks and pathways governing this intricate process. In this review, we discuss the multifaceted role of mitochondria in determining ovarian fate, and outline the pivotal mechanisms through which mitochondria contribute to ovarian aging. Specifically, we emphasize the potential of targeting mitochondrial dysfunction through innovative therapeutic approaches, including antioxidants, metabolic improvement, biogenesis promotion, mitophagy enhancement, mitochondrial transfer, and traditional Chinese medicine. These strategies hold promise as effective means to mitigate age-related fertility decline and preserve ovarian health. Drawing insights from advanced researches in the field, this review provides a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between mitochondrial function and ovarian aging, offering valuable perspectives for the development of novel therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving fertility and enhancing overall reproductive health.

Sit4 Genetically Interacts with Vps27 to Regulate Mitochondrial Function and Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Sit4 protein phosphatase plays a key role in orchestrating various cellular processes essential for maintaining cell viability during aging. We have previously shown that SIT4 deletion promotes vacuolar acidification, mitochondrial derepression, and oxidative stress resistance, increasing yeast chronological lifespan. In this study, we performed a proteomic analysis of isolated vacuoles and yeast genetic interaction analysis to unravel how Sit4 influences vacuolar and mitochondrial function. By employing high-resolution mass spectrometry, we show that sit4Δ vacuolar membranes were enriched in Vps27 and Hse1, two proteins that are part of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport-0. In addition, SIT4 exhibited a negative genetic interaction with VPS27, as sit4∆vps27∆ double mutants had a shortened lifespan compared to sit4∆ and vps27∆ single mutants. Our results also show that Vps27 did not increase sit4∆ lifespan by improving protein trafficking or vacuolar sorting pathways. However, Vps27 was critical for iron homeostasis and mitochondrial function in sit4∆ cells, as sit4∆vps27∆ double mutants exhibited high iron levels and impaired mitochondrial respiration. These findings show, for the first time, cross-talk between Sit4 and Vps27, providing new insights into the mechanisms governing chronological lifespan.

Novel 18-norspirostane steroidal saponins: Extending lifespan and mitigating neurodegeneration through promotion of mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Pharmacological strategies to delay aging and combat age-related diseases are increasingly promising. This study explores the anti-aging and therapeutic effects of two novel 18-norspirostane steroidal saponins from Trillium tschonoskii Maxim, namely deoxytrillenoside CA (DTCA) and epitrillenoside CA (ETCA), using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Both DTCA and ETCA significantly extended the lifespan of wild-type N2 worms and improved various age-related phenotypes, including muscle health, motility, pumping rate, and lipofuscin accumulation. Furthermore, these compounds exhibited notable alleviation of pathology associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD), such as the reduction of α-synuclein and poly40 aggregates, improvement in motor deficits, and mitigation of neuronal damage. Meanwhile, DTCA and ETCA improved the lifespan and healthspan of PD- and HD-like C. elegans models. Additionally, DTCA and ETCA enhanced the resilience of C. elegans against heat and oxidative stress challenges. Mechanistic studies elucidated that DTCA and ETCA induced mitophagy and promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in C. elegans, while genetic mutations or RNAi knockdown affecting mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis effectively eliminated their capacity to extend lifespan and reduce pathological protein aggregates. Together, these compelling findings highlight the potential of DTCA and ETCA as promising therapeutic interventions for delaying aging and preventing age-related diseases.

C. elegans as a model to study mitochondrial biology and disease

Mitochondria perform a myriad of essential functions that ensure organismal homeostasis, including maintaining bioenergetic capacity, sensing and signalling the presence of pathogenic threats, and determining cell fate. Their function is highly dependent on mitochondrial quality control and the appropriate regulation of mitochondrial size, shape, and distribution during an entire lifetime, as well as their inheritance across generations. The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as an ideal model organism through which to study mitochondria. The remarkable conservation of mitochondrial biology has allowed C. elegans researchers to investigate complex processes that are challenging to study in higher organisms. In this review, we explore the key recent contributions of C. elegans to mitochondrial biology through the lens of mitochondrial dynamics, organellar removal, and mitochondrial inheritance, as well as their involvement in immune responses, various types of stress, and transgenerational signalling.

Cellular senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells in acute kidney injury

Cellular senescence represents an irreversible state of cell-cycle arrest during which cells secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, including inflammatory factors and chemokines. Additionally, these cells exhibit an apoptotic resistance phenotype. Cellular senescence serves a pivotal role not only in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and tumor suppression but also in the pathogenesis of age-related degenerative diseases, malignancies, metabolic diseases, and kidney diseases. The senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC) constitutes a critical cellular event in the progression of acute kidney injury (AKI). RTEC senescence inhibits renal regeneration and repair processes and, concurrently, promotes the transition of AKI to chronic kidney disease via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. The mechanisms underlying cellular senescence are multifaceted and include telomere shortening or damage, DNA damage, mitochondrial autophagy deficiency, cellular metabolic disorders, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and epigenetic regulation. Strategies aimed at inhibiting RTEC senescence, targeting the clearance of senescent RTEC, or promoting the apoptosis of senescent RTEC hold promise for enhancing the renal prognosis of AKI. This review primarily focuses on the characteristics and mechanisms of RTEC senescence, and the impact of intervening RTEC senescence on the prognosis of AKI, aiming to provide a foundation for understanding the pathogenesis and providing potentially effective approaches for AKI treatment.

Role of SIRT3 in bone homeostasis and its application in preventing and treating bone diseases

Bone homeostasis refers to the balance between osteoblast-mediated bone formation and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and the maintenance of stable bone mass. SIRT3 is a class of mitochondrial protein deacetylase that influences various mitochondrial functions and is involved in the mechanisms underlying resistance to aging; regulation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts; and development of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and other bone diseases. Moreover, exercise affects bones through SIRT3. Thus, studies on SIRT3 may provide insights for the treatment of bone diseases. Although SIRT3 can exert multiple effects on bone, the specific mechanism by which it regulates bone homeostasis remains unclear. By evaluating the relevant literature, this review discusses the structure and function of SIRT3, reveals the role and associated mechanisms of SIRT3 in regulating bone homeostasis and mediating bone health during exercise, and highlights the potential pharmacological value of SIRT3 in treating bone diseases.

The interaction between alpha-synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder with the hallmark of abnormal aggregates of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs). Currently, pathogenic α-syn and mitochondrial dysfunction have been considered as prominent roles that give impetus to the PD onset. This review describes the α-syn pathology and mitochondrial alterations in PD, and focuses on how α-syn interacts with multiple aspects of mitochondrial homeostasis in the pathogenesis of PD.

Exogenous H2S alleviates senescence of glomerular mesangial cells through up-regulating mitophagy by activation of AMPK-ULK1-PINK1-parkin pathway in mice

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the third gas signaling molecule that has been shown to be involved in the regulating vital activities in the body, including inhibition of aging. However, it is unknown whether H2S alleviates aging in the kidney and glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) by modulating their mitophagy. Here, results of experiments in vivo and in vitro showed that compared with control group, the renal function of mice and GMCs viability were decreased in D-gal (D-galactose) group, while the activity of SA-β-gal and p21 expression were increased, Cyclin D1 and Klotho expressions were decreased; H2S content and CSE expression were lower; ROS and MDA contents and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening were risedose; ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were reduced; Apoptotic rate, the expression of Cleaved caspase-9 and -3, Cyt c, p62 and Drp1 were enhanced and the expression of Bcl-2, Mfn2, Beclin-1, LC3 II/I, PINK1 and parkin were decreased. In addition, phospho-AMPK/AMPK and phospho-ULK1/ULK1 were also decreased significantly. Compared with the D-gal group, the changes of above indexes were reversed in the D-gal + NaHS (Sodium hydrosulfide, an exogenous H2S donor) group. The reverse effects of NaHS were similar to that of AICAR (an AMPK agonist) and kinetin (a PINK1 agonist), respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that exogenous H2S increases mitophagy and inhibits apoptosis as well as oxidative stress through up-regulation of AMPK-ULK1-PINK1-parkin pathway, which delays kidney senescence in mice.

Mitochondria pleiotropism in stem cell senescence: Mechanisms and therapeutic approaches

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by a progressive decline in cellular and tissue function, ultimately leading to organismal aging. Stem cells, with their regenerative potential, play a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and repair throughout an organism's lifespan. Mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, have emerged as key players in the aging process, impacting stem cell function and contributing to age-related tissue dysfunction. Here are discuss the mechanisms through which mitochondria influence stem cell fate decisions, including energy production, metabolic regulation, ROS signalling, and epigenetic modifications. Therefore, this review highlights the role of mitochondria in driving stem cell senescence and the subsequent impact on tissue function, leading to overall organismal aging and age-related diseases. Finally, we explore potential anti-aging therapies targeting mitochondrial health and discuss their implications for promoting healthy aging. This comprehensive review sheds light on the critical interplay between mitochondrial function, stem cell senescence, and organismal aging, offering insights into potential strategies for attenuating age-related decline and promoting healthy longevity.

The evolution of selective autophagy as a mechanism of oxidative stress response: The evolutionarily acquired ability of selective autophagy receptors to respond to oxidative stress is beneficial for human longevity

Ageing is associated with a decline in autophagy and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can breach the capacity of antioxidant systems. Resulting oxidative stress can cause further cellular damage, including DNA breaks and protein misfolding. This poses a challenge for longevous organisms, including humans. In this review, we hypothesise that in the course of human evolution selective autophagy receptors (SARs) acquired the ability to sense and respond to localised oxidative stress. We posit that in the vicinity of protein aggregates and dysfunctional mitochondria oxidation of key cysteine residues in SARs induces their oligomerisation which initiates autophagy. The degradation of damaged cellular components thus could reduce ROS production and restore redox homeostasis. This evolutionarily acquired function of SARs may represent one of the biological adaptations that contributed to longer lifespan. Inversely, loss of this mechanism can lead to age-related diseases associated with impaired autophagy and oxidative stress.

Relationship between ferroptosis and mitophagy in renal fibrosis: a systematic review

Renal fibrosis, characterised by glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, is a typical pathological alteration in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the limited and expensive options for treating renal fibrosis place a heavy financial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Therefore, it is significant to find an effective treatment for renal fibrosis. Ferroptosis, a non-traditional form of cell death, has been found to play an important role in acute kidney injury (AKI), tumours, neurodegenerative diseases, and so on. Moreover, a growing body of research suggests that ferroptosis might be a potential target of renal fibrosis. Meanwhile, mitophagy is a type of selective autophagy that can selectively degrade damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria as a form of mitochondrial quality control, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the accumulation of which is the main cause of renal fibrosis. Additionally, as a receptor of mitophagy, NIX can release beclin1 to induce mitophagy, which can also bind to solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) to block the activity of cystine/glutamate antitransporter (system Xc-) and inhibit ferroptosis, thereby suggesting a link between mitophagy and ferroptosis. However, there have been only limited studies on the relationship among mitophagy, ferroptosis and renal fibrosis. In this paper, we review the mechanisms of mitophagy, and describe how ferroptosis and mitophagy are related to renal fibrosis in an effort to identify potential novel targets for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

Immunomodulatory Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors-Targeting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Aging

Given that the increase in the aging population has grown into one of the largest public health issues, inflammation and oxidative stress, which are closely associated with the aging process, became a focus of recent research. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, a group of drugs initially developed as oral antidiabetics, have shown many beneficial effects over time, including improvement in renal function and cardioprotective effects. It has been shown that SGLT2 inhibitors, as a drug class, have an immunomodulatory and antioxidative effect, affecting endothelial function as well as metabolic parameters. Therefore, it is not surprising that various studies have investigated the potential mechanisms of action of SGLT2 inhibitors in age-related diseases. The proposed mechanisms by which SGLT2 inhibitors can achieve their anti-inflammatory effects include influence on AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling, various cytokines, and the NLRP3 inflammasome. The antioxidative effect is related to their action on mitochondria and their influence on the signaling pathways of transforming growth factor β and nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element. Also, SGLT2 inhibitors achieve their anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects by affecting metabolic parameters, such as uric acid reduction, stimulation of ketogenesis, reduction of body weight, lipolysis, and epicardial fat tissue. Finally, SGLT2 inhibitors display anti-atherosclerotic effects that modulate inflammatory reactions, potentially resulting in improvement in endothelial function. This narrative review offers a complete and comprehensive overview of the possible pathophysiologic mechanisms of the SGLT2 inhibitors involved in the aging process and development of age-related disease. However, in order to use SGLT2 inhibitor drugs as an anti-aging therapy, further basic and clinical research is needed to elucidate the potential effects and complex mechanisms they have on inflammation processes.

Mitochondrial homeostasis: a potential target for delaying renal aging

Mitochondria, which are the energy factories of the cell, participate in many life activities, and the kidney is a high metabolic organ that contains abundant mitochondria. Renal aging is a degenerative process associated with the accumulation of harmful processes. Increasing attention has been given to the role of abnormal mitochondrial homeostasis in renal aging. However, the role of mitochondrial homeostasis in renal aging has not been reviewed in detail. Here, we summarize the current biochemical markers associated with aging and review the changes in renal structure and function during aging. Moreover, we also review in detail the role of mitochondrial homeostasis abnormalities, including mitochondrial function, mitophagy and mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation, in renal aging. Finally, we describe some of the current antiaging compounds that target mitochondria and note that maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis is a potential strategy against renal aging.

Mitochondrial remodeling in colorectal cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy: A review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern with multifactorial pathophysiology representing intense therapeutic challenges. It is well known that deregulation of spatiotemporally-controlled signaling pathways and their metabolic reprogramming effects play a pivotal role in the development and progression of CRC. As such, the mitochondrial role in CRC initiation gained a lot of attention recently, as it is considered the powerhouse that regulates the bioenergetics in CRC. In addition, the crosstalk between microRNAs (miRNAs) and mitochondrial dysfunction has become a newfangled passion for deciphering CRC molecular mechanisms. This review sheds light on the relationship between different signaling pathways involved in metabolic reprogramming and their therapeutic targets, alterations in mitochondrial DNA content, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitophagy, and the role of polymorphisms in mitochondrial genes as well as miRNAs regulating mitochondrial proteins in CRC initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to various therapies.

SIRT4 in ageing

Ageing is a phenomenon in which cells, tissues and organs undergo systemic pathological changes as individuals age, leading to the occurrence of ageing-related diseases and the end of life. It is associated with many phenotypes known as ageing characteristics, such as genomic instability, nutritional imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell senescence, stem cell depletion, and an altered microenvironment. The sirtuin family (SIRT), known as longevity proteins, is thought to delay ageing and prolong life, and mammals, including humans, have seven family members (SIRT1-7). SIRT4 has been studied less among the sirtuin family thus far, but it has been reported that it has important physiological functions in organisms, such as promoting DNA damage repair, participating in the energy metabolism of three substances, inhibiting inflammatory reactions and apoptosis, and regulating mitochondrial function. Recently, some studies have demonstrated the involvement of SIRT4 in age-related processes, but knowledge in this field is still scarce. Therefore, this review aims to analyse the relationship between SIRT4 and ageing characteristics as well as some age-related diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer).

Mitochondrial Bioenergetics, Redox Balance, and Calcium Homeostasis Dysfunction with Defective Ultrastructure and Quality Control in the Hippocampus of Aged Female C57BL/6J Mice

Aging is a physiological process that generates progressive decline in many cellular functions. There are many theories of aging, and one of great importance in recent years is the mitochondrial theory of aging, in which mitochondrial dysfunction that occurs at advanced age could be responsible for the aged phenotype. In this context, there is diverse information about mitochondrial dysfunction in aging, in different models and different organs. Specifically, in the brain, different studies have shown mitochondrial dysfunction mainly in the cortex; however, until now, no study has shown all the defects in hippocampal mitochondria in aged female C57BL/6J mice. We performed a complete analysis of mitochondrial function in 3-month-old and 20-month-old (mo) female C57BL/6J mice, specifically in the hippocampus of these animals. We observed an impairment in bioenergetic function, indicated by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, O2 consumption, and mitochondrial ATP production. Additionally, there was an increase in ROS production in the aged hippocampus, leading to the activation of antioxidant signaling, specifically the Nrf2 pathway. It was also observed that aged animals had deregulation of calcium homeostasis, with more sensitive mitochondria to calcium overload and deregulation of proteins related to mitochondrial dynamics and quality control processes. Finally, we observed a decrease in mitochondrial biogenesis with a decrease in mitochondrial mass and deregulation of mitophagy. These results show that during the aging process, damaged mitochondria accumulate, which could contribute to or be responsible for the aging phenotype and age-related disabilities.

[Modern approaches to developing a system of valid methods for monitoring individual health and maintaining active longevity]

Life expectancy In Russia in 2023, according to preliminary data, exceeded 73 years, returning to the pre-pandemic level. The increase in life expectancy is associated both with an improvement in the quality of medical care In Russia and with a more responsible attitude towards the health of citizens, which is confirmed by an improvement in the quality of nutrition, a decrease in alcohol consumption and an increase in the number of people involved in sports. At the same time, there are many signs of aging, both cellular and molecular, some of the main ones are genome stability, telomere shortening, epigenetic alterations, impaired proteostasis and nutrient recognition, mitochondrial dysfunction, depletion of the stem cell pool and changes in intercellular interactions, extracellular matrix rigidity, as well as retrotransposon activation and chronic inflammation. For these reasons, in modern healthcare, the tasks of preventing premature aging and treating age-related diseases are becoming priorities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In total, at the first stage of work (in 2023), we examined 80 people, whose average age was 59.6±0.7 years. When analyzing and assessing data, the study adopted a division into age groups (WHO). The following indicators were studied: HbA1, fructosamine, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, insulin, homocysteine, C-peptide, TSH, free T4, prolactin, total testosterone, cortisol, arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, leptin, TNF-a, ferritin, interleukin 1 and 6, telomere length, creatinine, uric acid and urea.

RESULTS

As a result of the study, it was revealed that the aging process of the body affects many indicators, while the main markers that changed in men aged 18 to 44 years were total testosterone, leptin and telomere length; aged 44 to 60 years - HbA1, fructosamine, HDL cholesterol, homocysteine, C-peptide, total testosterone, leptin and telomere length; from 60 to 75 years - fructosamine, HDL cholesterol and telomere length and for 75-90 years - HbA1, HDL cholesterol, insulin, total testosterone, leptin and telomere length, interleukin 6 and uric acid. In women aged 18 to 44 years, only an increase in leptin was observed against the background of shortening telomere length; at the age of 44 to 60 years, the main markers that changed were total testosterone, leptin and telomere length; for the age group 60-75 years - indicators of HbA1, homocysteine, C-peptide, prolactin, total testosterone and leptin, interleukin 6 and uric acid, telomere length was shorter by only 2%; in the age group of 75-90 years, the main markers that changed were insulin, total testosterone, leptin, interleukin 6, while the indicators of uric acid, urea and telomere length differed from the reference values by 2-4%. Shortening of telomere length in all age groups, both men and women, indicates the presence of signs of premature aging. In an individual analysis, data were obtained on a more dramatic shortening of telomeres in 16 subjects in the presence of impaired glucose tolerance and insulin secretion, especially in comparison with healthy subjects, which was confirmed by the data of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), while, with shortening of telomere length, the HbA1 indicator was significantly higher (6.8±0.5) than in individuals with long telomeres and no chronic pathology (5.1±0.4).

CONCLUSION

A system of highly valid methods and panels of markers has been developed that indicate the presence of aging processes, taking into account gender and age characteristics, which can be used to identify premature aging processes, monitor individual health and maintain active longevity, as well as for the prevention of age-associated diseases.

Mitophagy: A potential therapeutic target for insulin resistance

Glucose and lipid metabolism disorders caused by insulin resistance (IR) can lead to metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome. Early and targeted intervention of IR is beneficial for the treatment of various metabolic disorders. Although significant progress has been made in the development of IR drug therapies, the state of the condition has not improved significantly. There is a critical need to identify novel therapeutic targets. Mitophagy is a type of selective autophagy quality control system that is activated to clear damaged and dysfunctional mitochondria. Mitophagy is highly regulated by various signaling pathways, such as the AMPK/mTOR pathway which is involved in the initiation of mitophagy, and the PINK1/Parkin, BNIP3/Nix, and FUNDC1 pathways, which are involved in mitophagosome formation. Mitophagy is involved in numerous human diseases such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and aging. However, recently, there has been an increasing interest in the role of mitophagy in metabolic disorders. There is emerging evidence that normal mitophagy can improve IR. Unfortunately, few studies have investigated the relationship between mitophagy and IR. Therefore, we set out to review the role of mitophagy in IR and explore whether mitophagy may be a potential new target for IR therapy. We hope that this effort serves to stimulate further research in this area.

Treatment and prevention of pathological mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal degeneration and in photoreceptor injury

Pathological deterioration of mitochondrial function is increasingly linked with multiple degenerative illnesses as a mediator of a wide range of neurologic and age-related chronic diseases, including those of genetic origin. Several of these diseases are rare, typically defined in the United States as an illness affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. population, or about one in 1600 individuals. Vision impairment due to mitochondrial dysfunction in the eye is a prominent feature evident in numerous primary mitochondrial diseases and is common to the pathophysiology of many of the familiar ophthalmic disorders, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and retinopathy of prematurity - a collection of syndromes, diseases and disorders with significant unmet medical needs. Focusing on metabolic mitochondrial pathway mechanisms, including the possible roles of cuproptosis and ferroptosis in retinal mitochondrial dysfunction, we shed light on the potential of α-lipoyl-L-carnitine in treating eye diseases. α-Lipoyl-L-carnitine is a bioavailable mitochondria-targeting lipoic acid prodrug that has shown potential in protecting against retinal degeneration and photoreceptor cell loss in ophthalmic indications.