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Solovev I, Sergeeva A, Geraskina A, Shaposhnikov M, Vedunova M, Borysova O, Moskalev A. Aging and physiological barriers: mechanisms of barrier integrity changes and implications for age-related diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:917. [PMID: 39158744 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09833-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The phenomenon of compartmentalization is one of the key traits of life. Biological membranes and histohematic barriers protect the internal environment of the cell and organism from endogenous and exogenous impacts. It is known that the integrity of these barriers decreases with age due to the loss of homeostasis, including age-related gene expression profile changes and the abnormal folding/assembly, crosslinking, and cleavage of barrier-forming macromolecules in addition to morphological changes in cells and tissues. The critical molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in physiological barrier integrity maintenance and aging-associated changes in their functioning are reviewed on different levels: molecular, organelle, cellular, tissue (histohematic, epithelial, and endothelial barriers), and organ one (skin). Biogerontology, which studies physiological barriers in the aspect of age, is still in its infancy; data are being accumulated, but there is no talk of the synthesis of complex theories yet. This paper mainly presents the mechanisms that will become targets of anti-aging therapy only in the future, possibly: pharmacological, cellular, and gene therapies, including potential geroprotectors, hormetins, senomorphic drugs, and senolytics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Solovev
- Laboratory of Geroprotective and Radioprotective Technologies, Institute of Biology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya st, Syktyvkar, 167982, Russian Federation
- Pitirim Sorokin Syktyvkar State University, 55 Oktyabrsky prosp, Syktyvkar, 167001, Russian Federation
| | - Alena Sergeeva
- Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russian Federation
| | | | - Mikhail Shaposhnikov
- Laboratory of Geroprotective and Radioprotective Technologies, Institute of Biology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya st, Syktyvkar, 167982, Russian Federation
| | - Maria Vedunova
- Laboratory of genetics and epigenetics of aging, Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 129226, Russian Federation
| | | | - Alexey Moskalev
- Laboratory of Geroprotective and Radioprotective Technologies, Institute of Biology, Komi Science Center, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya st, Syktyvkar, 167982, Russian Federation.
- Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russian Federation.
- Laboratory of genetics and epigenetics of aging, Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 129226, Russian Federation.
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Gao F, Tom E, Rydz C, Cho W, Kolesnikov AV, Sha Y, Papadam A, Jafari S, Joseph A, Ahanchi A, Saraei NBS, Lyon D, Foik A, Nie Q, Grassmann F, Kefalov VJ, Skowronska-Krawczyk D. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid - mediated Cellular Rejuvenation for Reversing Age-related Vision Decline. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.01.601592. [PMID: 39005302 PMCID: PMC11244954 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.01.601592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The retina is uniquely enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are primarily localized in cell membranes, where they govern membrane biophysical properties such as diffusion, permeability, domain formation, and curvature generation. During aging, alterations in lipid metabolism lead to reduced content of very long-chain PUFAs (VLC-PUFAs) in the retina, and this decline is associated with normal age-related visual decline and pathological age-related macular degeneration (AMD). ELOVL2 (Elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids-like 2) encodes a transmembrane protein that produces precursors to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and VLC-PUFAs, and methylation level of its promoter is currently the best predictor of chronological age. Here, we show that mice lacking ELOVL2-specific enzymatic activity (Elovl2 C234W ) have impaired contrast sensitivity and slower rod response recovery following bright light exposure. Intravitreal supplementation with the direct product of ELOVL2, 24:5n-3, in aged animals significantly improved visual function and reduced accumulation of ApoE, HTRA1 and complement proteins in sub-RPE deposits. At the molecular level, the gene expression pattern observed in retinas supplemented with 24:5n-3 exhibited a partial rejuvenation profile, including decreased expression of aging-related genes and a transcriptomic signature of younger retina. Finally, we present the first human genetic data showing significant association of several variants in the human ELOVL2 locus with the onset of intermediate AMD, underlying the translational significance of our findings. In sum, our study identifies novel therapeutic opportunities and defines ELOVL2 as a promising target for interventions aimed at preventing age-related vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Gao
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute - Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Emily Tom
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, CA
| | - Cezary Rydz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, CA
| | - William Cho
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, CA
| | - Alexander V. Kolesnikov
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute - Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Yutong Sha
- Department of Mathematics, University of California Irvine, CA
| | | | - Samantha Jafari
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute - Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Andrew Joseph
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute - Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Ava Ahanchi
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute - Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Nika Balalaei Someh Saraei
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute - Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - David Lyon
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, CA
| | - Andrzej Foik
- International Centre for Translational Eye Research, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Qing Nie
- Department of Mathematics, University of California Irvine, CA
| | - Felix Grassmann
- Institute for Clinical Research and System Medicine, Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Vladimir J. Kefalov
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute - Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, CA
| | - Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute - Center for Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, CA
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3
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Murad H. Cultural stress: The undiagnosed epidemic of our time. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:221-225. [PMID: 37100716 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Global technologies that have made the world more interconnected have also, inadvertently, amplified the forces of stress that are now with us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The accumulated impact of this stress I call cultural stress anxiety syndrome and call on integrative medicine practitioners to recognize that it is exacerbating whatever acute stressors are also present in our patients' lives. In this Commentary, I outline seven major components of cultural stress (time pressure, digital intrusion, digital dependency, isolation, sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep, and uncertainty), describe their health consequences, and finally, offer cultural stress-specific remedies I have utilized in my own practice, along with studies that affirm their efficacy. My hope is that we, as integrative medicine practitioners who are cognizant of the role that stress plays in disease development, will more fully appreciate the added impact of cultural stress, and advise our patients on the importance of proactive stress management. Please cite this article as: Murad H. Cultural stress: the undiagnosed epidemic of our time. J Integr Med. 2023; Epub ahead of print.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Murad
- Inclusive Health Medical Group, Los Angeles, CA 90245, USA.
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4
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Fodor I, Svigruha R, Kemenes G, Kemenes I, Pirger Z. The Great Pond Snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) as a Model of Aging and Age-Related Memory Impairment: An Overview. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 76:975-982. [PMID: 33453110 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increase of life span, normal aging and age-related memory decline are affecting an increasing number of people; however, many aspects of these processes are still not fully understood. Although vertebrate models have provided considerable insights into the molecular and electrophysiological changes associated with brain aging, invertebrates, including the widely recognized molluscan model organism, the great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis), have proven to be extremely useful for studying mechanisms of aging at the level of identified individual neurons and well-defined circuits. Its numerically simpler nervous system, well-characterized life cycle, and relatively long life span make it an ideal organism to study age-related changes in the nervous system. Here, we provide an overview of age-related studies on L. stagnalis and showcase this species as a contemporary choice for modeling the molecular, cellular, circuit, and behavioral mechanisms of aging and age-related memory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Fodor
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Department of Experimental Zoology, Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
| | - Réka Svigruha
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Department of Experimental Zoology, Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
| | - György Kemenes
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Ildikó Kemenes
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Zsolt Pirger
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Department of Experimental Zoology, Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
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Sengupta A, Weljie AM. Metabolism of sleep and aging: Bridging the gap using metabolomics. NUTRITION AND HEALTHY AGING 2019; 5:167-184. [PMID: 31984245 PMCID: PMC6971829 DOI: 10.3233/nha-180043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sleep is a conserved behavior across the evolutionary timescale. Almost all known animal species demonstrate sleep or sleep like states. Despite extensive study, the mechanistic aspects of sleep need are not very well characterized. Sleep appears to be needed to generate resources that are utilized during the active stage/wakefulness as well as clearance of waste products that accumulate during wakefulness. From a metabolic perspective, this means sleep is crucial for anabolic activities. Decrease in anabolism and build-up of harmful catabolic waste products is also a hallmark of aging processes. Through this lens, sleep and aging processes are remarkably parallel- for example behavioral studies demonstrate an interaction between sleep and aging. Changes in sleep behavior affect neurocognitive phenotypes important in aging such as learning and memory, although the underlying connections are largely unknown. Here we draw inspiration from the similar metabolic effects of sleep and aging and posit that large scale metabolic phenotyping, commonly known as metabolomics, can shed light to interleaving effects of sleep, aging and progression of diseases related to aging. In this review, data from recent sleep and aging literature using metabolomics as principal molecular phenotyping methods is collated and compared. The present data suggests that metabolic effects of aging and sleep also demonstrate similarities, particularly in lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Some of these changes also overlap with metabolomic data available from clinical studies of Alzheimer's disease. Together, metabolomic technologies show promise in elucidating interleaving effects of sleep, aging and progression of aging disorders at a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Sengupta
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aalim M. Weljie
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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6
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Shamoto-Nagai M, Hisaka S, Naoi M, Maruyama W. Modification of α-synuclein by lipid peroxidation products derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids promotes toxic oligomerization: its relevance to Parkinson disease. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2018; 62:207-212. [PMID: 29892158 PMCID: PMC5990400 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.18-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, toxic α-synuclein oligomer, which can mediate cell-to-cell propagation is suggested to cause sporadic Parkinson disease. α-Synuclein interacts with membrane lipids especially polyunsaturated fatty acids to stabilize its three-dementional structure. Peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce their affinity to α-synuclein and peroxidation byproducts might modify α-synuclein. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal derived from n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids was reported to modify α-synuclein to produce a toxic oligomer. Moreover, the accumulation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, which could induce oligomeriztion of α-synuclein, was found in parkinsonian brains. Docosahexaenoic acid, an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids abundant in the neuronal membrane, was also found to enhance α-synuclein oligomerization; however, the precise details of the chemical reaction involved are unclear. Propanoylated lysine, a specific indicator of docosahexaenoic acid oxidation, was increased in neuronal differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing α-synuclein. α-Synuclein might be modified by the peroxidation products and then, is degraded by the autophagy-lysosome system. In addition, in the cells overexpressing α-synuclein, the mitochondrial electrone transfer chain was found to be inhibited. Accumulation of abnormal α-synuclein modified by lipid radicals derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids may be not only an indicator of brain oxidative stress but also causative of neurodegeneration such as Parkinson disease by impairing mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayo Shamoto-Nagai
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Psychological and Physical Science, Aichi Gakuin University, 12 Araike, Iwasaki-cho, Nissin, Aichi 470-0195, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Hisaka
- Graduate School of Pharmacy, Meijo University, 150 Yagotoyama, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8503, Japan
| | - Makoto Naoi
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Psychological and Physical Science, Aichi Gakuin University, 12 Araike, Iwasaki-cho, Nissin, Aichi 470-0195, Japan
| | - Wakako Maruyama
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Psychological and Physical Science, Aichi Gakuin University, 12 Araike, Iwasaki-cho, Nissin, Aichi 470-0195, Japan
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7
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da Costa JP, Vitorino R, Silva GM, Vogel C, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. A synopsis on aging-Theories, mechanisms and future prospects. Ageing Res Rev 2016; 29:90-112. [PMID: 27353257 PMCID: PMC5991498 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Answering the question as to why we age is tantamount to answering the question of what is life itself. There are countless theories as to why and how we age, but, until recently, the very definition of aging - senescence - was still uncertain. Here, we summarize the main views of the different models of senescence, with a special emphasis on the biochemical processes that accompany aging. Though inherently complex, aging is characterized by numerous changes that take place at different levels of the biological hierarchy. We therefore explore some of the most relevant changes that take place during aging and, finally, we overview the current status of emergent aging therapies and what the future holds for this field of research. From this multi-dimensional approach, it becomes clear that an integrative approach that couples aging research with systems biology, capable of providing novel insights into how and why we age, is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pinto da Costa
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Rui Vitorino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute for Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gustavo M Silva
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, NY, NY 10003, USA
| | - Christine Vogel
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, NY, NY 10003, USA
| | - Armando C Duarte
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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8
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Stier A, Reichert S, Criscuolo F, Bize P. Red blood cells open promising avenues for longitudinal studies of ageing in laboratory, non-model and wild animals. Exp Gerontol 2015; 71:118-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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9
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Khraiwesh H, López-Domínguez JA, Fernández del Río L, Gutierrez-Casado E, López-Lluch G, Navas P, de Cabo R, Ramsey JJ, Burón MI, Villalba JM, González-Reyes JA. Mitochondrial ultrastructure and markers of dynamics in hepatocytes from aged, calorie restricted mice fed with different dietary fats. Exp Gerontol 2014; 56:77-88. [PMID: 24704714 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2014.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Revised: 03/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we analyzed changes in hepatocyte mitochondrial mass and ultrastructure as well as in mitochondrial markers of fission/fusion and biogenesis in mice subjected to 40% calorie restriction (CR) for 18 months versus ad libitum-fed controls. Animals subjected to CR were separated into three groups with different dietary fats: soybean oil (also in controls), fish oil and lard. Therefore, the effect of the dietary fat under CR was studied as well. Our results show that CR induced changes in hepatocyte and mitochondrial size, in the volume fraction occupied by mitochondria, and in the number of mitochondria per hepatocyte. Also, mean number of mitochondrial cristae and lengths were significantly higher in all CR groups compared with controls. Finally, CR had no remarkable effects on the expression levels of fission and fusion protein markers. However, considerable differences in many of these parameters were found when comparing the CR groups, supporting the idea that dietary fat plays a relevant role in the modulation of CR effects in aged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husam Khraiwesh
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, ceiA3, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José A López-Domínguez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, ceiA3, Córdoba, Spain; VM Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Lucía Fernández del Río
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, ceiA3, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Elena Gutierrez-Casado
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, ceiA3, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Guillermo López-Lluch
- Centro Andaluz de Biologia del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC, CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Plácido Navas
- Centro Andaluz de Biologia del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC, CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rafael de Cabo
- Laboratory of Experimental Gerontology, National Institute of Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jon J Ramsey
- VM Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - María I Burón
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, ceiA3, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José M Villalba
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, ceiA3, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José A González-Reyes
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, ceiA3, Córdoba, Spain.
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10
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Sherif S, Bendas ER, Badawy S. The clinical efficacy of cosmeceutical application of liquid crystalline nanostructured dispersions of alpha lipoic acid as anti-wrinkle. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2013; 86:251-9. [PMID: 24056055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Topical 5% alpha lipoic acid (ALA) has shown efficacy in treatment of photo-damaged skin. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of poloxamer (P407) gel as a vehicle for the novel lipid base particulate system (cubosome dispersions) of ALA. Cubosome dispersions were formulated by two different approaches, emulsification of glyceryl monoolein (GMO) and poloxamer (P407) in water followed by ultrasonication, and the dilution method using a hydrotrope. Three different concentrations of GMO were used to formulate the cubosome dispersions using the first method, 5% (D1), 10% (D2) and 15% w/w (D3). In the second technique an isotropic liquid was produced by combining GMO with ethanol, and this isotropic liquid was then diluted with a P407 solution (D4). The dispersions were characterized by zeta potential, light scattering techniques, optical and transmission electron microscopy, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release. Results showed that D4 was not a uniform dispersion and that D1, D2 and D3 were uniform dispersions, in which by increasing the GMO content in the dispersion, the size of the cubosomes decreased, zeta potential became more negative, encapsulation efficiency increased up to 86.48% and the drug release rate was slower. P407 gels were prepared using the cold method. Two concentrations of P407 gel were fabricated, 20 and 30% w/w. P407 gels were loaded with either ALA or dispersions containing ALA cubosomes. P407 gels were characterized by critical gelation temperature, rheological measurements and in vitro drug release studies. Results suggested that by increasing P407 concentration, the gelation temperature decreases and viscosity increases. Drug release in both cases was found to follow the Higuchi square root model. Gel loaded with ALA cubosomes provided a significantly lower release rate than the gel loaded with the un-encapsulated ALA. A double blinded placebo controlled clinical study was conducted, aiming to evaluate the efficacy as an anti-wrinkle agent and volunteer's satisfaction upon application of topical 30% P407 gel loaded with ALA cubosomes. Results indicated reduction in facial lines, almost complete resolution of fine lines in the periorbital region and upper lip area and overall improvement in skin color and texture in most volunteers. There were no instances of irritation, peeling or other apparent adverse side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saly Sherif
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ehab R Bendas
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Sabry Badawy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University, Cairo, Egypt
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11
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Neuroprotective efficacy of Nardostachys jatamansi and crocetin in conjunction with selenium in cognitive impairment. Neurol Sci 2011; 33:1011-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-011-0880-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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12
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Activation of the immune response is a key feature of aging in mice. Biogerontology 2011; 10:721-34. [PMID: 19255868 PMCID: PMC2778679 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-009-9219-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2008] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The process of aging is complex involving numerous factors centered on transcriptional changes with advanced age. This study was aimed at elucidating mechanisms involved in mouse aging by conducting both gene expression and biochemical analyses on isolated mouse brain, heart and kidney. The gene expression analysis was not aimed at solely highlighting age-related transcriptional changes but also revealing regulated biological processes, cellular compartments, signaling and metabolic pathways. We have uncovered a conserved increase in the expression of genes mediating immune responses in all the tissues analyzed. In addition, elevated levels of lipid hydroperoxides (LPO)—an indicator of increased levels of radical oxygen species, implicate an oxidative stress-mediated activity of NF-kB signaling. In summary, these results suggest that transcriptional changes are most probably the downstream effect of environmental and endogenous factors constantly affecting the organism during its lifetime. In addition, we propose LPO as a potential biomarker of aging.
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13
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Zs-Nagy I. Is consensus in anti-aging medical intervention an elusive expectation or a realistic goal? Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2009; 48:271-5. [PMID: 19269702 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2009.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2007] [Revised: 01/29/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
One of the biggest scandals of the recent history of medicine is the conflict of views between the gerontological establishment and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). The style used in that discussion was really rough and unusual. On the one hand, according to some representatives of the American Medical Associations (AMA), the use of human growth hormone (hGH) for anti-aging medical interventions is illegal, criminal, and requires persecution. On the other hand, A4M is of the opinion that all this is "...filled with incorrect, misplaced references and studies, and multiple basic scientific errors, in an apparent attempt to damage the anti-aging medical profession...". It is evident that in the frame of a short article is impossible to treat all the relevant aspects of this complicated story. Nevertheless, this Editorial attempts to point out the main results obtained so far, together with the most important issues of theoretical feasibility of the hGH replacement therapy (hGHRT). The comprehensive explanation of the aging process called "membrane hypothesis of aging" (MHA) offers a solid basis for the interpretation of the observed beneficial effects of the hGH through its practically ubiquitous membrane receptors, and the species specificity of this peptide hormone. The specific activation of these receptors stimulates the membrane transport functions, rehydrates the intracellular colloids, allowing to speed up the protein synthesis and turnover, and activates a great number of cellular functions, all observed so far. The facts known about the adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) syndrome, and the beneficial effects of hGHRT in all aspects of this pathology suggest that aging may generally be considered as an AGHD syndrome. If this concept is accepted by most of the gerontologists, we can resolve practically all problems involved in the above outlined controversies. All this requires an independent, open-minded approach to the problem, and pushes us to a better understanding of the results of theoretical aging research. This approach may open a new, realistic way to the development of efficient anti-aging medical interventions.
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Abstract
Az eddigi öregedési elméletek mind azt tűzték ki célul, hogy megtalálják az öregedés végső okát, idáig azonban egyetlenegynek sem sikerült megválaszolni azt a kérdést, hogy miért is öregszünk. Az öregedés folyamata meglehetősen komplex, az elméletek azonban csak egy vagy csak kevés elemére koncentráltak. Az „Öregedés egyesített elméletének” célja az, hogy ezeket az elméleteket szerves egységgé olvassza össze.Összes eddigi várakozásunk ellenére úgy tűnik, hogy az öregedés elkerülhetetlen, az emberi szervezet információs szintje csak az egyed időbeli korlátozott létét teszi lehetővé. Az öregedés alatt a szervezet fokozatosan elsodródik az egyedfejlődés során kialakított differenciált állapottól, s ez végül is oda vezet, hogy az ember lépésről lépésre elveszíti azt a képességét, hogy a környezetkárosító entrópia erőivel sikeresen megbirkózzon. Azonban még ennek ellenére is lehetséges manapság az emberi átlagéletkor emelése, bár a szervezet jelenlegi információs szintjének megváltoztatása nélkül az öregedés továbbra is megmarad gyógyíthatatlan betegségnek.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imre Semsei
- Debreceni Egyetem, Orvos- és Egészségtudományi Centrum III. Belgyógyászati Klinika, Molekuláris Biológiai Kutató Laboratórium Debrecen Móricz Zs. u. 22. 4032, Hungary.
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Yin D, Chen K. The essential mechanisms of aging: Irreparable damage accumulation of biochemical side-reactions. Exp Gerontol 2006; 40:455-65. [PMID: 15935593 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2005.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2004] [Accepted: 03/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Explanations on aging mechanisms have now become unexpectedly complicated. However, it is gradually accepted that 'senescence is a collective consequence of both inheritance and environment'. Based on the achievements of biological and medical research in related fields, we pinpoint in this review that although aging is mainly considered a physiological (non-pathological) process, the biochemical structure of aged organisms is deranged, or 'sick' at the molecular level. The free radical/glycation induced carbonyl stress, the key culprit to form crosslinks, has been identified to cause stable cyclic conjugates of mainly protein-based aggregates implying entropy increase (the Second Law of Thermodynamics) during aging. When combining such key aging processes with age pigment biochemistry, a general picture of aging process can be figured out, as the main clues and results are available. In this review we also propose for the first time that by focusing on 'process' rather than on 'causes' (damages), we can then get a clear view of aging mechanisms. Through rational thinking and critical analysis, we conclude that the accumulation of irreparable damages and alternations caused by spontaneous biological side-reactions seems to be the essential and profound nature of higher animals' aging mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhong Yin
- Aging Biochemistry Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
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Zs-Nagy I. Fritz Verzár was born 120 years ago: a personal account. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2006; 43:1-11. [PMID: 16750867 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2006.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2005] [Revised: 03/06/2006] [Accepted: 03/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Fritz Verzár, founder and one of the most important operator of experimental gerontology, was born 120 years ago at Budapest (Hungary) and passed away in 1979 at Basel (Switzerland) at the age of 93. This short paper, as well as the following one in this issue by Robert [Robert, L., 2006. Fritz Verzár was born 120 years ago: his contribution to experimental gerontology through the collagen research as assessed after half a century. Arch. Gerontol. Geriatr. 43, 13-43], intends to commemorate his human and scientific merits, which remained valid even after long decades after his death. The author of this paper was the last Hungarian pupil of Verzár; therefore, a personal touch of this commemoration could not be avoided and was not even wanted. Verzár was an exceptionally clever and realistic scientist and at the same time, a warm-hearted and honest man, who is remembered with deep respect and love.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imre Zs-Nagy
- University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Center, Faculty of Medicine, 3rd Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Geriatrics, POB 50, H-4012 Debrecen, Hungary.
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Niedermüller H, Basota I, Strasser A, Hofecker G. Age dependence of signal transduction and cell signaling as a major factor of intervention into the aging process. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2005; 33:151-61. [PMID: 15374031 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4943(01)00176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2000] [Revised: 05/11/2001] [Accepted: 05/16/2001] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, it has become necessary to investigate the mechanisms underlying aging changes and their modulation. Of particular interest are the cellular and molecular level cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Thus, we partly determined in rats aged 9 and 31 months (a) the concentrations and the activities of signal molecules, such as G-proteins, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and kinases (cellular) and collagens, proteoglycans (PG) and fibronectin (extracellular) in vivo in the skin of the back, as well as in isolated fibroblasts and keratinocytes; (b) the cell proliferation and (c) we tried to retard the aging process in the skin by topical application (or by addition to cell cultures) of fetal mesenchymal cells, PGs, and soya matrix and we compared the above mentioned parameters with those obtained by stimulation of skin cells with growth factors. There are indications that there is (a) no change in the quantity of Gs-proteins but a reduction of the binding capacity. We found lower concentrations of cAMP, a reduced activity of protein kinase C in vivo, a higher collagen crosslinking, a lower PG concentration and no change of the amount of fibronectin in the old rat's skin and (b) there is a more or less extensive restoration of these parameters by all the above mentioned stimuli. So, we conclude that all the above mentioned influences modulate the aging process of the skin and its cells by intervention into the signaling pathways, by mediating new signals to the cells and hence by readjusting damaged feedforward systems in the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Niedermüller
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität Wien, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Wien, Austria.
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Manibabu PV, Patnaik BK. Age-related changes in brain and spinal cord lipids of the male garden lizard. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2005; 13:43-50. [PMID: 15374434 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4943(91)90014-h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/1990] [Revised: 11/16/1990] [Accepted: 11/22/1990] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The lipid composition (cholesterol, phospholipid triglyceride and fatty acids) of brain and spinal cord of the male garden lizard was traced during maturation and ageing. The total brain cholesterol content of both the tissues showed a significant rise during maturation, remaining almost constant thereafter. The free cholesterol content of the brain increased between middle and old age and that of the spinal cord increased during maturation. The esterified cholesterol content of the brain increased during maturation, the same parameter being not age-dependent in the spinal cord. While in the brain the phospholipid content increased during maturation followed by a decrease in old age, it showed a reverse trend in the spinal cord. The level of triglyceride in the brain declined during maturation followed by an increase in old age with no appreciable age change in the spinal cord. A comparison between young and old age-groups revealed a decrease in fatty acid content of the brain. A similar trend of decline was observed during maturation in the spinal cord. The pattern of age changes in the lipid profile of nervous tissue of the lizard, a non-mammalian vertebrate, almost conform to the pattern observed in a majority of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- P V Manibabu
- Department of Zoology, Vikram Deb College, Jeypore (K)-764001, Orissa, India
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Farr SA, Poon HF, Dogrukol-Ak D, Drake J, Banks WA, Eyerman E, Butterfield DA, Morley JE. The antioxidants alpha-lipoic acid and N-acetylcysteine reverse memory impairment and brain oxidative stress in aged SAMP8 mice. J Neurochem 2003; 84:1173-83. [PMID: 12603840 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01580.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 358] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress may play a crucial role in age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we examined the ability of two antioxidants, alpha-lipoic acid (LA) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), to reverse the cognitive deficits found in the SAMP8 mouse. By 12 months of age, this strain develops elevated levels of Abeta and severe deficits in learning and memory. We found that 12-month-old SAMP8 mice, in comparison with 4-month-old mice, had increased levels of protein carbonyls (an index of protein oxidation), increased TBARS (an index of lipid peroxidation) and a decrease in the weakly immobilized/strongly immobilized (W/S) ratio of the protein-specific spin label MAL-6 (an index of oxidation-induced conformational changes in synaptosomal membrane proteins). Chronic administration of either LA or NAC improved cognition of 12-month-old SAMP8 mice in both the T-maze footshock avoidance paradigm and the lever press appetitive task without inducing non-specific effects on motor activity, motivation to avoid shock, or body weight. These effects probably occurred directly within the brain, as NAC crossed the blood-brain barrier and accumulated in the brain. Furthermore, treatment of 12-month-old SAMP8 mice with LA reversed all three indexes of oxidative stress. These results support the hypothesis that oxidative stress can lead to cognitive dysfunction and provide evidence for a therapeutic role for antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Farr
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Medical Center (151/JC), 915 N. Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63109, USA.
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Zs-Nagy I. The biological waste product formation in the light of the membrane hypothesis of aging. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2002; 34:329-41. [PMID: 14764334 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4943(02)00010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2001] [Revised: 12/10/2001] [Accepted: 12/18/2001] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The membrane hypothesis of aging (MHA) explains the biological waste product (lipofuscin) formation as a disbalance between the rates of protein synthesis and damage, as well as of elimination of the damaged components. Although, this concept has not been refuted on the basis of any experimental evidence, it has neither been widely accepted. During the last decade the general interest has turned toward the molecular genetics so intensely, that research aimed at clarifying cell biological mechanisms became so to say hibernated. Nowadays it is being recognized more and more that after the complete description of the human genetic code, attention has to be dedicated again to the cellular mechanisms explaining the function of the gene products (proteins). In this context, our experimental findings described during the recent years may become again the subject of interest. We have shown that the in vivo inhibition of the lysosomal thiol-proteinase functions by sublethal doses of leupeptin in young, adult and old mice results in a considerable increase (about 30%) of the immobile fraction of membrane proteins in hepatocyte plasma membrane, meanwhile the lateral diffusion constant of the still mobile membrane proteins increased. These observations were interpreted as signs of a general slowing down of protein turnover in the plasma membrane, just by inhibiting the elimination mechanisms in the lysosomes. This paper will discuss the theoretical conclusions and significance of these findings for the biological waste product formation, as a basic cell biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imre Zs-Nagy
- Department of Gerontology (VILEG, Hungarian Section), University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Center, PO Box 50, Debrecen H-4012, Hungary.
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Zs-Nagy I. Pharmacological interventions against aging through the cell plasma membrane: a review of the experimental results obtained in animals and humans. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 959:308-20; discussion 463-5. [PMID: 11976205 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb02102.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
As was shown in a recent review by this author (Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 928: 187-199, 2001), oxyradicals cannot be considered only as harmful by-products of the oxidative metabolism, but living cells and organisms implicitly require their production. This idea is supported by numerous facts and arguments, the most important of which is that the complete inhibition of the oxyradical production by KCN (or by any block of respiration) kills the living organisms long before the energy reserves would be exhausted. This new theoretical approach not only helps our understanding of the normal functions of the living organisms, such as the basic memory mechanisms in the brain cells, but also helps in identifying the site-specific, radical-induced damaging mechanisms that represent the undesirable side effects of oxygen free radicals. First of all, these effects make the cell plasma membrane vulnerable and cause a series of intracellular functional disorders, as described by the membrane hypothesis of aging (MHA). The logical way for any antiaging intervention therefore should be to increase the available number of loosely bound electrons inside the plasma membrane that are easily accessible for OH(*) free radical scavenging. The present review summarizes the available knowledge regarding the theory of the use of membrane-related antiaging pharmaca, like centrophenoxine (CPH), tested in both animal experiments and human clinical trials. A modified, developed version of CPH coded as BCE-001 is also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imre Zs-Nagy
- Department of Gerontology (VILEG Hungarian Section), University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Center, H-4012 Debrecen, Hungary.
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Damjanovich S, Zs -Nagy I, Gáspár R. Experimental gerontology in Hungary. Exp Gerontol 2001; 37:9-17. [PMID: 11738142 DOI: 10.1016/s0531-5565(01)00167-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Gerontological research has some past and sporadically also some highlights in Hungary, but its present state can be easily deduced from the following data. During the last 12 years and more, well over 10,000 Hungarian scientific papers have been published in well-recognized national or international journals. Altogether approximately 1% of them have been classified as gerontological publications from Hungary. This low figure shows that gerontology has low priority and--unfortunately low support--in Hungary. This statement does not intend to downgrade Hungarian gerontologists, however points out that the Hungarian trends are not far from those of European or world wide interest in aging. Despite the recognition that we have to accept the inevitable fact that industrial societies will have (they already have) an aging population with all the social and medical problems arising, the focus of interest is wide from this significant and interesting (sub)population, which is neglected (sometimes even despised); yet everybody is absolutely eager to join this club. The average of the Hungarian research achievements and publication activities are among the better European achievements. There are some highlights and new trends even initiated by some outstanding Hungarian scientists, yet the overall weight of gerontology research is still an orphan in the Hungarian scientific life. We deal in this short and far from complete summary almost exclusively with experimental gerontology. We have to apologize if we have not included everybody, who also contributed even significantly to this field because the time for the preparation of this overview was short.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Damjanovich
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, H-4012, Debrecen, Hungary.
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Zs-Nagy I. Enzyme activities in the light of the membrane hypothesis of aging. [An answer to K. Kitani, Mech. Ageing Dev. 107 (1999), 299-322]. Mech Ageing Dev 2001; 122:811-21. [PMID: 11337010 DOI: 10.1016/s0047-6374(01)00237-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The paper of Kitani cited in the title has raised an apparent contradiction regarding the validity of certain aspects of the membrane hypothesis of aging (MHA). He collected data showing that a number of detoxifying liver enzyme activities, although decline with age in male Fischer 344 rats, remain at an unchanged level in females of the same strain. He concluded that the main assumption of the MHA, according to which intracellular enzyme activities generally decline with age, cannot be maintained, and invoked me (p. 312) 'ellipsis to provide in the future ample (and convincing) evidence' in this respect. The present paper answers this criticism by showing that the apparent contradiction mentioned above is based on a misunderstanding on behalf of Kitani. Namely, MHA speaks about the general, density-dependent decline of the catalytic rate constant of any enzyme (k(cat)), i.e., activity per mole of enzyme, being the true specific activity of the enzymes. This parameter inevitably decreases at the increased physical density of the intracellular colloids during aging. This statement derives from the molecular enzyme kinetic models, and has extensively been proven experimentally, too. On the other hand, Kitani speaks about enzyme activities per mg total protein content of certain tissue extracts, which is a very illdefined parameter, since the concentration of the measured enzyme remains unknown. Therefore, this latter parameter is irrelevant from the point of view of MHA in any aspect.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Zs-Nagy
- Department of Gerontology (VILEG Hungarian Section), University of Debrecen, Medical Faculty, PO Box 50, Debrecen, H-4012, Hungary.
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Abstract
Most of the aging theories are monistic in nature, they omit numerous key factors of senescence during the process of model creation. There are two main categories of these theories: program theories and error (mutation) ones. Program theories imply the existence of internal or external programs that determine the aging process ab ovo. The error theories involve explicit or implicit the idea that aging would not happen without the destructive factors that cause errors, mutations, regulation disorders, and in turn these processes finally lead to disfunctions and senescence. The aim of this paper is to indicate that aging may be multifactorial and the process of senescence may be determined by the information level of the organization. This level itself changes during senescence (including the information level of the genom that also alters by time because of, e.g. its 'fluid' character). According to this approach the aging process is determined by the sum effects of internal (e.g. genom) and external (material, energy, information) factors, although there are some elements that bear more importance than others. Subsequently, the maximal life-span is probably determined by the principle of the weakest element of the chain. Because of the high complexity of the human body where different information systems superpose each other, the cooperation of the elements (counter-effects, regulation) have the same determining importance as the information level of the unit parts (cells) have. The further aim of this paper is to show that the roots of certain diseases (e.g. cancer) could firmly be linked to the aging process itself. This interpretation offers two ways of influencing the process of senescence. It could be influenced by maintaining the information level of the organism via optimization or by changing (elevating) this level. All the factors that help to prevent the decrease of the information level of the organism could act against aging and certain diseases, and vice versa: the factors which deteriorate the state of the information system could contribute to the acceleration of the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Semsei
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, 3rd Department of Medicine, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Moricz Zs. Krt. 22 (POB 3), 4004, Debrecen, Hungary.
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Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of dietary restriction (DR) on the age-related changes in membrane fluidity, fatty acid composition and free radical damage of mitochondrial membranes obtained from the rat left ventricle. Mitochondrial membrane preparations were obtained from the left ventricles of 6- and 24-month-old, male, Fischer 344 rats that were allowed to eat throughout their life either ad lib (Group A) or only 60% of the amount consumed by the ad lib fed group (Group B). Our results show that the membrane fluidity of the 24 month Group A hearts was less than that of the 6 month group A hearts. No differences in membrane fluidity were observed between the 6 and 24 month DR groups. The fatty acid composition of the mitochondrial membranes of the two ad lib fed groups differed: the long-chain polyunsaturated 22:4 fatty acid was higher in the older group, although linoleic acid (18:2) was lower. DR eliminated the differences. No statistically significant difference in the overall polyunsaturated fatty acid content was noted. However, the peroxidizability index was higher in the membranes of the 24 month Group A hearts but not in the 24 month Group B hearts. Finally, the degree of lipid damage, as assessed in vitro by the induced production of reactive oxygen species, was elevated in the 24 month Group A hearts. No difference was observed between the young and old DR groups. Considered together, these results suggest that DR maintains the integrity of the cardiac mitochondrial membrane fluidity by minimizing membrane damage through modulation of membrane fatty acid profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lee
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78284, USA
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Barnes CJ, Hardman WE, Maze GL, Lee M, Cameron IL. Age-dependent sensitization to oxidative stress by dietary fatty acids. AGING (MILAN, ITALY) 1998; 10:455-62. [PMID: 10078315 DOI: 10.1007/bf03340159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that short-term feeding of a high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) diet would increase susceptibility to lipid peroxidation in an age-dependent manner. Young (6 month) and old (24 month) male B6C3F1 mice were fed modified AIN-76 diets containing either 5% corn oil (CO, N = 5 per age group) or 19% fish oil plus 1% corn oil (FO, N = 20 per age group) for two weeks. Five CO and five FO diet mice per age received an intraperitoneal injection of normal saline and were sacrificed one hour later; the remaining FO diet mice (N = 15 per age) were challenged with an acute systemic oxidative stress by intraperitoneal injection of 125 mg iron/kg body weight as iron dextran, and were sacrificed 1, 5, and 24 hours post-injection. Microsomal membrane fatty acid analysis revealed that increased age and a FO diet significantly increased membrane PUFA content. Serum iron levels increased significantly following iron treatment, peaking at 5 hours in both age groups. Formation of microsomal malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation, was significantly greater in the livers of the young mice. The temporal patterns of serum iron and microsomal MDA concentrations were significantly correlated in young mice, but not in old mice. Histochemical examination showed that liver iron accumulation following iron injection was similar in both age groups, but was associated with a significant temporal increase in liver apoptotic cells in young mice, but not in old mice. Thus, both age groups had similar iron exposure and iron accumulation, and the liver microsomal membranes of old mice were more unsaturated, yet there was significantly greater peroxidative damage (MDA formation) and cell death (apoptosis) in the young mouse livers. These findings suggest that the older animals have upregulated antioxidant defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Barnes
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA
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Abstract
This review contributes to a new vision of the most important findings in the aging cerebral cortex as elucidated by modern histology and histochemistry. It includes an overview of the macroscopic and microscopic changes involved, not only in normal aging, but also in the main age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, the most accepted theories about aging as well as the implications of nitric oxide in this process are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Peinado
- Department of Cellular Biology, School of Experimental Sciences, University of Jaén, Spain.
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Rikans LE, Hornbrook KR. Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant protection and aging. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1997; 1362:116-27. [PMID: 9540842 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4439(97)00067-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The free radical hypothesis of aging proposes that deleterious actions of oxygen-derived radicals are responsible for the functional deterioration associated with aging. Because cellular membranes house the production apparatus of these radicals and because membranes suffer great damage from these radicals, modification of membrane lipids has been proposed to play a major role in the process of aging. Although the relationships between lipid peroxidation and aging have been investigated extensively, the studies have produced conflicting results. Increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant protection frequently occur, but they are not universal features of aging. Instead, age-dependent changes in these parameters appear to be species-, strain-, sex- and tissue specific. Potential correlations between lipid peroxidation and transition metal concentrations or between lipid peroxidation and declining antioxidant protection have been obscured by the contradictory nature of the findings. Future studies should focus on new approaches for the measurement in vivo lipid peroxidation and on identification of the critical targets of lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Rikans
- College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190, USA.
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Ramirez Bosca A, Carrión Gutierrez MA, Soler A, Puerta C, Diez A, Quintanilla E, Bernd A, Miquel J. Effects of the antioxidant turmeric on lipoprotein peroxides: Implications for the prevention of atherosclerosis. AGE 1997; 20:165-168. [PMID: 23604308 PMCID: PMC3455890 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-997-0015-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Extracts from the rhyzome of Curcuma longa are widely used as food additives in India and other Asiatic and Central American countries. It has been shown that these extracts ("turmeric"), as well as "curcumin" and related phenolic compounds isolated from Curcuma, have a powerful antioxidant action when tested in in vitro systems. Moreover, previous research from our laboratories has shown significant decreases in the levels of lipid peroxides in the blood of both mice and human subjects administered "turmeric." Our present research complements the previous data, showing that a daily intake of turmeric equivalent to 20 mg of the phenolic antioxidant curcumin for 60 days decreases the high levels of peroxidation of both the HDL and the LDL, in vivo, in 30 healthy volunteers ranging in age from 40 to 90 years. The effect was quite striking in the persons with high baseline values of peroxidized compounds in these lipoproteins, while no apparent change took place in the persons having low baseline values. In view of current concepts on the atherogenic role played by peroxidized HDL, and especially by peroxidized LDL, as inducers of foam and smooth cell proliferation in the arterial wall, this preliminary experiment suggests that the Curcuma phenolic antioxidants, because of their high antioxidant activity and lack of toxicity, might be a useful complement to standard hypo-lipidemic drugs in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
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31
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Humbert W, Pévet P. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis of the elemental composition of the pineal gland of young adults and aged rats. J Pineal Res 1996; 20:39-44. [PMID: 8648561 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.1996.tb00237.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Fractures of deep-frozen and freeze-dried pineal glands were analysed for elemental composition by means of X-ray microanalysis with a scanning electron microscope. The results from young adults (3 months old) were compared with those from aged animals (24 months old); significant increases in S, Ca, Al, Si, and Fe were observed in aged animals when compared to young adults. There were no significant differences with Na, Mg, Cl, K, Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, whereas a decrease of P was observed in aged animals when compared to young adults. Whether the changes observed in elemental composition have a direct effect on the activity and production of metalloenzymes and the overall physiology of the pineal gland are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Humbert
- CNRS-URA 1332, Université Louis Pasteur, Laboratoire de Zoologie, Strasbourg, France
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32
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Crespo D, Verduga R, Fernández-Viadero C, Megías M. Structural changes induced by cytidine-5'-diphosphate choline (CDP-choline) chronic treatment in neurosecretory neurons of the supraoptic nucleus of aged CFW-mice. Mech Ageing Dev 1995; 84:183-93. [PMID: 8788774 DOI: 10.1016/0047-6374(95)01654-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The influence of chronic administration of cytidine-5'-diphosphate choline (CDP-choline), a precursor of the membrane lipid phosphatidylcholine, was studied in neurosecretory neurons (NSNs) of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of aged mouse hypothalamus. Animals were treated with CDP-choline from 12 months of age until 26 months. They were studied for both morphologic and morphometric features. The results obtained were compared to those of an age-matched control group. There was evidence of differences between NSNs of the control group and those of the CDP-choline group which showed neuronal hypertrophy. This size increase was mainly attributed to the increment of cellular protein synthesis machinery, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and Golgi complexes. Furthermore there was an increase in the number of neurosecretory granules (NSGs) in the CDP-choline group. In addition, there was no tertiary lysosomes in the treated animals. Moreover, the percentage of NSN membrane that was not covered by glial prolongations, increased from about 2% in the control group to 12% in the CDP-Choline treated group. These changes suggested an activation of the cellular processes for neurohormone synthesis in the experimental group. Furthermore, these NSNs displayed lipid droplets in their cytoplasm. The possible relationship between CDP-choline and NSNs activity is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Crespo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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33
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Van Der Sanden MJ, Nagy K, Semsei I, Zs -Nagy I. An in vitro model of aging: the influence of increasing physical density on enzyme activities of trypsin, xanthine oxidase and superoxide dismutase. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1995; 20:273-82. [PMID: 15374237 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4943(95)00623-s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/1994] [Revised: 12/10/1994] [Accepted: 12/18/1994] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The enzyme activities of trypsin (using an artificial substrate, Nalpha-benzoyl-L-arginine-ethylester = BAEE), xanthine oxidase (XOD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in the absence and presence of various concentrations of the following inert, water-soluble polymer viscogens: polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-40), polyethyleneglycol (PEG-6000) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Enzyme activities measured in the absence of viscogens were taken as 100%. In the presence of the viscogens, enzyme activities decreased considerably as follows: (i) Trypsin: to 2 or 12% in reaction mixtures containing 64 mg/ml PVP-40 or 481 mg/ml PEG-6000, respectively. (ii) XOD: to 29.3% in a reaction mixture containing 116 mg/ml PVP-40, to 68.9% in a medium containing 266 mg/ml PEG-6000, and 38.1% in the presence of 138 mg/ml BSA. (iii) SOD: to 40.0, 19.9 and 16.6% in the same media as listed for XOD, respectively. The observations are consistent with the predictions of the molecular enzyme kinetic model (MEKM), and are also of importance for the membrane hypothesis of aging, since the latter explains the loss of cell functions by an age-dependent increase of intracellular density which may cause serious enzyme inhibitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Van Der Sanden
- F. Verzár International Laboratory for Experimental Gerontology (VILEG), Hungarian Section, University Medical School, H-4012 Debrecen, Hungary
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34
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Vendemiale G, Guerrieri F, Grattagliano I, Didonna D, Muolo L, Altomare E. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and intracellular glutathione compartmentation during rat liver regeneration. Hepatology 1995. [PMID: 7737652 DOI: 10.1002/hep.1840210532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G Vendemiale
- Institute of Clinica Medica I, University of Bari, Italy
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35
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Makrigiorgos GM, Bump E, Huang C, Baranowska-Kortylewicz J, Kassis AI. A fluorimetric method for the detection of copper-mediated hydroxyl free radicals in the immediate proximity of DNA. Free Radic Biol Med 1995; 18:669-78. [PMID: 7750791 DOI: 10.1016/0891-5849(94)00184-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
An optical method to detect copper-mediated hydroxyl free radicals generated close to DNA and other biomolecules has been developed. Low-molecular-weight polylysines were labeled with SECCA, a derivative of coumarin that generates the fluorescent 7-OH-SECCA following its interaction with hydroxyl free radicals in aqueous solution. These polylysines were then complexed with DNA to place the detector molecule SECCA in the vicinity of the nucleic acid. Following addition of copper sulfate (0-10 mumol dm-3), free radicals were generated by incubation with ascorbic acid (0-1 mmol dm-3) and hydrogen peroxide (0-1 mmol dm-3). A rapid increase in the induced fluorescence was observed corresponding to the formation of the fluorescent 7-OH-SECCA in the polylysine-nucleic acid complex. This fluorescence was not decreased significantly by addition of high concentrations of hydroxyl free-radical scavengers (DMSO, methanol, ethanol and tert-butanol), but was diminished by addition of relatively low concentrations of EDTA (0.1 mmol dm-3), histidine (0.1 mmol dm-3) or catalase (8.3 x 10(-5) mmol dm-3). On the other hand, when such reaction mixtures were incubated with SECCA molecules that were free in solution or SECCA-labeled polylysine in the absence of DNA, the induced fluorescence was diminished by all hydroxyl free-radical scavengers. The efficiency by which the scavengers reduce the fluorescence increases as their hydroxyl rate constant increases. The data indicate that the detector molecule SECCA can be used to detect copper-mediated hydroxyl free radicals generated close to DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Makrigiorgos
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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36
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Zhang P, Anglade P, Hirsch EC, Javoy-Agid F, Agid Y. Distribution of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase in the human brain. Neuroscience 1994; 61:317-30. [PMID: 7969912 DOI: 10.1016/0306-4522(94)90234-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that transforms superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide, was studied in the human brain post mortem using a sheep polyclonal antiserum raised against the enzyme from liver mitochondria. One band, corresponding to a protein of 22,000 mol. wt was detected in the human brain by western blot analysis. At the light-microscopy level, a punctate immunostaining was observed in the neuropil and in some but not all, glial and neuronal cell bodies. Electron-microscopy revealed that the staining was exclusively confined to the inner mitochondrial membrane. A heterogeneous distribution of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase was observed in the human brain. In the forebrain, numerous immunostained neurons were detected in the striatum, thalamus, pallidal complex and the nucleus basalis of Meynert. In the cerebellum, only granular and Purkinje cells were immunostained. Various nuclei from the brainstem displayed superoxide dismutase immunoreactivity, including the cranial nerve nuclei, the nucleus supratrochlearis, the red nucleus, the substantia nigra, the nucleus cuneiformis and subcuneiformis, the nucleus parabigeminal, the nucleus centralis superior, the nucleus supraspinalis, the nucleus of the medullae oblongata and the gigantocellularis nucleus. Large pyramidal neurons containing superoxide dismutase were detected in the CA subsectors, the hilus of the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex. Smaller immunostained neurons were also observed in layers I, IV and VI of all cortical regions studied. The distribution of immunostained glial cells was more limited, and restricted to the internal and external capsules, the hypothalamus, the red nucleus, the pyramidal white matter and surrounding areas, the cerebral cortex and the sub-ependymal layer, the alveus and the stratum oriens of the hippocampus. This heterogeneous but not ubiquitous distribution of cells expressing manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase suggests that not all cells in the human brain are protected to the same extent against the deleterious effects of superoxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Zhang
- INSERM U289, Hôpital de la Salpĕtrière, Paris, France
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37
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Predescu V, Riga D, Riga S, Turlea J, Bărbat IM, Botezat-Antonescu L. Antagonic-stress. A new treatment in gerontopsychiatry and for a healthy productive life. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994; 717:315-31. [PMID: 8030848 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1994.tb12101.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A complex antiaging formula--Antagonic-Stress--was investigated vs. placebo (PL), meclofenoxate (MF)--neurometabolic nootropic and vs. nicergoline (NE)--cerebral vasodilator by comparative multiple trials (double-blind, randomized, and parallel) in gerontopsychiatry (DSM-III-R, 1987 and ICD-10, 1992 criteria). AS vs. PL studies in organic mental disorders--amnestic, depressive, anxiety, associated with axis III physical disorders or conditions, and in multiinfarct dementia were followed by AS vs. MF or NE investigations in senile dementia of Alzheimer's type. A total of 343 old people, distributed in 4 PL groups, 1 MF group, 1 NE group, and 5 AS groups were studied. Multiple investigations, before and after three-month treatments were made: psychometric evaluation by Sandoz Clinical Assessment-Geriatric, Self-Assessment Scale-Geriatric and their 5 subscales; psychopathological rating by Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scales; as well as psychometric testing by digit symbol of WAIS, Wechsler Memory Scale and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). Except PL, prolonged and large dose treatments with these cerebral activators (MF, NE and especially AS) reduced the psychogeriatric-psychopathological scores and the deterioration index, and improved cognitive performance. The therapeutical effectiveness of AS multiple formula in gerontopsychiatry and its superiority vs. monotherapy (MF or NE) are discussed in connection with its complex neurometabolic and synergetic composition, multiple antioxidative combinations, free radical scavengers, lipofuscinolytic agents, the antiischemic action of antioxidants, multivitamin and multimineral supplementation, and with the better efficacy of multitherapy vs. monotherapy in geriatrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Predescu
- First Department of Psychiatry, Gh. Marinescu Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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38
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Affiliation(s)
- I Zs-Nagy
- Fritz Verzár International Laboratory for Experimental Gerontology (VILEG), University Medical School, Debrecen, Hungary
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39
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Tóth S, Tarnawa I, Pénzes I, Sármány J, Tóth Z. Age-dependent modification of aspecific cellular effects of the benzodiazepine flunitrazepam. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1994; 18:169-80. [PMID: 15374297 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4943(94)90011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/1993] [Revised: 02/24/1994] [Accepted: 03/04/1994] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The experiments presented here demonstrate an aspecific effect of the benzodiazepine derivative flunitrazepam (FNZ). It differs in sites and mechanisms of action, both from benzodiazepine (BZ) specific effects on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) blocking transmission via central BZ receptors and from BZ effects mediated by peripheral BZ receptors. The aspecific effect of FNZ can suitably be examined on isolated and identified neurons of the mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis (pond snail). The physiological sites of action are outside the synaptic zone, on the neuron somatic membrane and affect 'intrinsic' properties of membrane, including calcium, calcium-activated potassium and chloride channels. The aspecific FNZ effect exerts an influence on the metabolism of the cell by decreasing the permeability of the calcium channel, diminishing the excitability of the neuron membrane, and hyperpolarizing the cell, thus potentiating the specific effect of FNZ. The senile alterations of the neuron function intensify the aspecific effects of FNZ to such a degree that it must be taken seriously in consideration in anesthesia of elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tóth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Second Eye Clinic, Semmelweis Medical School, Research Institute of Pharmacology, Budapest, Hungary
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40
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Abstract
Recent advances in neuroscience and molecular neurochemistry have substantially increased the knowledge of the neuropathobiology of senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease. On the basis of various hypotheses concerning degenerative processes in aging brains, new therapeutic strategies have been developed, including nootropic drugs with different mechanisms of action and heterogenous chemical structures. Mutual relationships exist between neuroscientific research and nootropic drug development. To date, such areas of research and drug development have involved deficits of brain neurotransmission (cholinergic, monoaminergic, peptidergic), free radical-induced damage, disturbances of calcium homeostasis and excitatory amino acid function, and deposition of amyloid protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Benesová
- Psychiatric Centre, Prague, Czech Republic
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41
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Popa R, Schneider F, Mihalas G, Stefaniga P, Mihalas I, Maties R, Mateescu R. Antagonic-stress superiority versus meclofenoxate in gerontopsychiatry (alzheimer type dementia). Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1994; 19 Suppl 1:197-206. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4943(05)80065-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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42
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Age related changes of the mitochondrial energy metabolism in rat liver and heart. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1994; 19 Suppl 1:31-8. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4943(05)80045-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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43
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Stoll S, Hartmann H, Cohen SA, Müller WE. The potent free radical scavenger alpha-lipoic acid improves memory in aged mice: putative relationship to NMDA receptor deficits. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1993; 46:799-805. [PMID: 8309958 DOI: 10.1016/0091-3057(93)90204-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
alpha-Lipoic acid (alpha-LA) improved longer-term memory of aged female NMRI mice in the habituation in the open field test at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight for 15 days. In a separate experiment, no such effect could be found for young mice. alpha-LA alleviated age-related NMDA receptor deficits (Bmax) without changing muscarinic, benzodiazepine, and alpha 2-adrenergic receptor deficits in aged mice. The carbachol-stimulated accumulation of inositol monophosphates was not changed by the treatment with alpha-LA. These results give tentative support to the hypothesis that alpha-LA improves memory in aged mice, probably by a partial compensation of NMDA receptor deficits. Possible modes of action of alpha-LA based on its free radical scavenger properties are discussed in relation to the membrane hypothesis of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stoll
- Central Institute for Mental Health, Department of Psychopharmacology, Mannheim, Germany
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44
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45
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Tóth S, Sármány J, Kelemen V. Age-dependent alteration of neural visual adaptation. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1993; 16:39-50. [PMID: 15374353 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4943(93)90025-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/1992] [Revised: 10/16/1992] [Accepted: 10/21/1992] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Age alterations of neural visual adaptation mechanisms were studied in young, adult and old rats by means of electroretinogram (ERG) registration. The age peculiarities of neural/fast adaptation appear mostly in limit states, partly in the range of low intensity light stimuli about the threshold sensitivity, partly in the range of high intensity light stimuli. In the case of low intensity light stimuli, the increase of light sensitivity in the course of neural dark adaptation was fastest and greatest in adult animals. In the retina of aged animals, no neural adaptation light sensitivity change could be detected about the ERG threshold. In the domain of medium intensity the adaptability of the aged retina is equivalent to that of young and adult ones, whereas its spatial and temporal summation ability gets worse in this domain. High intensity light stimuli rapidly narrow down the functional range of fast neural adaptation mechanism of the aged animal. Receptor cells of aged animals proved to be most vulnerable to glaring illumination and light loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tóth
- Gerontology Center and Second Eye Clinic, Semmelweis University Medical School, P.O. Box 45, H-1428, Budapest, Hungary
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46
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Zs-Nagy I. A proposal for reconsideration of the role of oxygen free radicals in cell differentiation and aging. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1992; 673:142-8. [PMID: 1485711 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1992.tb27445.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I Zs-Nagy
- Verzár International Laboratory for Experimental Gerontology (VILEG), University Medical School, Debrecen, Hungary
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47
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Varga M. Understanding the role of oxyradicals in general and in toxic hepatic damage can help safer drug design. Med Hypotheses 1992; 39:133-6. [PMID: 1461174 DOI: 10.1016/0306-9877(92)90172-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The existence and importance of free radicals are well established both theoretically and in in vivo experiments. Methods and techniques are now available to demonstrate the formation of free radical metabolites of natural substances and xenobiotics. Theories of the biological effects of free radicals could be unified and used for a better understanding of the complex processes of the organism. Pharmacology can gain profit from this multidisciplinary approach, which helps to design safer drugs. The theories of free radicals and the results of experiments with antioxidants could help to decrease the oxidative stress caused by pharmaceutical chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Varga
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Debrecen, Hungary
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48
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Ragusa N, Villa RF, Magrì G, Ingrao F, Gorini A, Turpeenoja L, Giuffrida Stella AM. Modifications of synaptosomal plasma membrane protein composition in various brain regions during aging. Int J Dev Neurosci 1992; 10:265-72. [PMID: 1414439 DOI: 10.1016/0736-5748(92)90015-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The age-dependent modifications of synaptosomal plasma membrane protein composition in three different rat brain regions (cerebral cortex, cerebellum and striatum) at various ages (4, 12 and 24 months) were studied. The proteins were separated by gel-electrophoresis and the quantity of the different polypeptides was determined densitometrically from the stained gels. In the three brain regions examined several age-related modifications in the amount of the synaptosomal plasma membrane proteins were observed. In particular a significant decrease in the content of some synaptosomal plasma membrane proteins at 24 months of age was found. The age-related modifications in the protein composition of synaptosomal plasma membrane may cause changes in many brain functions, such as neurotransmission, ionic transport and enzyme activities. Particularly interesting is the decrease of a protein with 18 kDa mol. wt. This protein has been identified as calmodulin by immunoblotting assay. The decrease in the amount of this protein may be correlated to the impairment of several Ca(2+)-requiring processes in the aging brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ragusa
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
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49
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Guerrieri F, Capozza G, Kalous M, Zanotti F, Drahota Z, Papa S. Age-dependent changes in the mitochondrial F0F1 ATP synthase. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 1992; 14:299-308. [PMID: 15374393 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4943(92)90029-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/1991] [Revised: 02/03/1992] [Accepted: 02/14/1992] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The age dependence of ATP hydrolase activity and oligomycin sensitive passive proton conduction in sonicated submitochondrial particles of rat brain and rat heart has been investigated. The results show an increase of Vmax of the ATP hydrolase activity and decrease of oligomycin sensitive passive proton conduction with increase of the age of rats from 3 to 6 months. Decrease of ATPase activity and increase of oligomycin sensitive proton conduction occur with further aging to 24 months. Immunoblot analysis shows that both the F(1) and F(0) contents of mitochondria vary with the age of rats, the former exhibiting relatively larger changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Guerrieri
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Chemistry and Centre for the Study of Mitochondria and Energy Metabolism, C.N.R., University of Bari, Italy
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50
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Sawada M, Sester U, Carlson JC. Superoxide radical formation and associated biochemical alterations in the plasma membrane of brain, heart, and liver during the lifetime of the rat. J Cell Biochem 1992; 48:296-304. [PMID: 1328256 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.240480310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Plasma membrane samples from rat brain, heart, and liver were examined for biochemical changes with age. A rise in superoxide radical (SOR) levels was followed by increases in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and decreases in membrane fluidity with age. The earliest rise in SOR formation appeared in the plasma membrane from the brain. With age, protein synthesis also decreased significantly in tissue homogenates from brain and heart but was unchanged in the liver. Exposure of plasma membrane samples to in vitro-elevated SOR levels stimulated formation of lipid peroxides, as indicated by the thiobarbituric acid test, and resulted in a decrease in membrane fluidity in each tissue and in a decline in protein synthesis in brain and heart. Changes in brain lipid peroxidation and in membrane fluidity in brain and heart as a result of SOR supplementation were further enhanced due to age. In addition, the mechanism of SOR formation was examined in plasma membrane samples from the brain. SOR generation was Ca(2+)-sensitive, blocked by superoxide dismutase or vitamin E and inhibited by both indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and bromophenacyl bromide, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor. These results show significant increases in SOR formation and biochemical alterations in plasma membranes from brain, heart, and liver in aging rats. SOR formation appears to be enzyme-mediated and elevated levels of this oxygen radical could be involved in membrane breakdown in older rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sawada
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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