Hsp70 basal levels, a tissue marker of the rate of aging and longevity in mice

Low serum HSPA12B levels are associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in a Chinese population of older adults

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and function. Heat shock protein (HSP) A12B is essential for angiogenesis and endothelial function. However, the association of HSPA12B levels with sarcopenia remains unclear. A total of 936 community-dwelling elderly people were recruited, and serum HSPA12B was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, and gait speed were taken to assess sarcopenia. We found that serum HSPA12B levels in patients with sarcopenia (median [interquartile range] = 182.15 [137.58-225.86] ng/mL) were lower than those in elderly people without sarcopenia (228.96 [193.03-292.93] ng/mL, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the optimal cut-off value of serum HSPA12B level for predicting sarcopenia was 185.50 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 52.6% and a specificity of 80.8% (area under curve = 0.742, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.711-0.772, P < 0.001). Moreover, serum HSPA12B concentration was positively correlated with ASMI (r = 0.354, P < 0.001), grip strength (r = 0.381, P < 0.001), and gait speed (r = 0.169, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that decreased serum HSPA12B levels (<185.50 ng/mL) were a risk factor for increased risk of sarcopenia (adjusted odds ratio = 4.335, 95% CI = 3.136-5.993, P < 0.001). In addition, serum HSPA12B level was also positively correlated with serum levels of angiogenesis markers, vascular endothelial growth factor (r = 0.080, P = 0.014), and angiopoietin-1 (r = 0.108, P = 0.001). In summary, our results indicate that low serum HSPA12B level is associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in the elderly, suggesting a potential role of HSPA12B in the development of sarcopenia.

Intercellular communication is crucial in the regulation of healthy aging via exosomes

The hallmarks of aging encompass a variety of molecular categories (genomic, telomeric, and epigenetic), organelles (proteostasis, autophagy, and mitochondria), cellular components (including stem cells), systems (such as intercellular communication and chronic inflammation), and environmental factors (dysbiosis and nutrient sensing). These hallmarks play a crucial role in the aging process. Despite their intricate interconnections, the relationships among the hallmarks of aging remain unclear. Although the boundaries between these hallmarks may be indistinct, they exhibit interdependence, with the influence of one hallmark extending to others. Building on this foundation, we investigated the interrelations among the various hallmarks of aging and provided a systematic overview of their logical relationships, proposing that cellular communication plays a crucial role in the aging process. Exosomes function as a primary mode of cellular communication and significantly impact the aging process. Therefore, we propose utilizing exosomes as valuable tools for understanding the mechanisms of aging and addressing age-related concerns. Exosomes may represent a novel approach for the treatment and diagnosis of aging-related conditions in animals. Furthermore, our research reveals that exocytosis in young nematodes slows the aging process, while exocytosis in aged nematodes has the opposite effect, accelerating aging. In conclusion, exosomes act as intercellular messengers that influence the maintenance of a healthy aging process and link the hallmarks of aging with indicators of well-being.

Diet and exercise in frailty and sarcopenia. Molecular aspects

Function declines throughout life although phenotypical manifestations in terms of frailty or disability are only seen in the later periods of our life. The causes underlying lifelong function decline are the aging process "per se", chronic diseases, and lifestyle factors. These three etiological causes result in the deterioration of several organs and systems which act synergistically to finally produce frailty and disability. Regardless of the causes, the skeletal muscle is the main organ affected by developing sarcopenia. In the first section of the manuscript, as an introduction, we review the quantitative and qualitative age-associated skeletal muscle changes leading to frailty and sarcopenia and their impact in the quality of life and independence in the elderly. The reversibility of frailty and sarcopenia are discussed in the second and third sections of the manuscript. The most effective intervention to delay and even reverse frailty is exercise training. We review the role of different training programs (resistance exercise, cardiorespiratory exercise, multicomponent exercise, and real-life interventions) not only as a preventive but also as a therapeutical strategy to promote healthy aging. We also devote a section in the text to the sexual dimorphic effects of exercise training interventions in aging. How to optimize the skeletal muscle anabolic response to exercise training with nutrition is also discussed in our manuscript. The concept of anabolic resistance and the evidence of the role of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, creatine, vitamin D, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, and Omega-3 fatty acids, is reviewed. In the last section of the manuscript, the main genetic interventions to promote robustness in preclinical models are discussed. We aim to highlight the molecular pathways that are involved in frailty and sarcopenia. The possibility to effectively target these signaling pathways in clinical practice to delay muscle aging is also discussed.

Prodromic Inflammatory-Oxidative Stress in Peritoneal Leukocytes of Triple-Transgenic Mice for Alzheimer's Disease

Inflammatory-oxidative stress is known to be pivotal in the pathobiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the involvement of this stress at the peripheral level in the disease's onset has been scarcely studied. This study investigated the pro-inflammatory profile and oxidative stress parameters in peritoneal leukocytes from female triple-transgenic mice for AD (3xTgAD) and non-transgenic mice (NTg). Peritoneal leukocytes were obtained at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 15 months of age. The concentrations of TNFα, INFγ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-10 released in cultures without stimuli and mitogen concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide presence were measured. The concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), lipid peroxidation, and Hsp70 were also analyzed in the peritoneal cells. Our results showed that although there was a lower release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by 3xTgAD mice, this response was uncontrolled and overstimulated, especially at a prodromal stage at 2 months of age. In addition, there were lower concentrations of GSH in leukocytes from 3xTgAD and higher amounts of lipid peroxides at 2 and 4 months, as well as, at 6 months, a lower concentration of Hsp70. In conclusion, 3xTgAD mice show a worse pro-inflammatory response and higher oxidative stress than NTg mice during the prodromal stages, potentially supporting the idea that Alzheimer's disease could be a consequence of peripheral alteration in the leukocyte inflammation-oxidation state.

Closest horizons of Hsp70 engagement to manage neurodegeneration

Our review seeks to elucidate the current state-of-the-art in studies of 70-kilodalton-weighed heat shock proteins (Hsp70) in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The family has already been shown to play a crucial role in pathological aggregation for a wide spectrum of brain pathologies. However, a slender boundary between a big body of fundamental data and its implementation has only recently been crossed. Currently, we are witnessing an anticipated advancement in the domain with dozens of studies published every month. In this review, we briefly summarize scattered results regarding the role of Hsp70 in the most common NDs including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We also bridge translational studies and clinical trials to portray the output for medical practice. Available options to regulate Hsp70 activity in NDs are outlined, too.

Vascular Ageing: Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Treatment Strategies

Ageing constitutes the biggest risk factor for poor health and adversely affects the integrity and function of all the cells, tissues, and organs in the human body. Vascular ageing, characterised by vascular stiffness, endothelial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammation, and early-stage atherosclerosis, may trigger or exacerbate the development of age-related vascular diseases, which each year contribute to more than 3.8 million deaths in Europe alone and necessitate a better understanding of the mechanisms involved. To this end, a large number of recent preclinical and clinical studies have focused on the exponential accumulation of senescent cells in the vascular system and paid particular attention to the specific roles of senescence-associated secretory phenotype, proteostasis dysfunction, age-mediated modulation of certain microRNA (miRNAs), and the contribution of other major vascular risk factors, notably diabetes, hypertension, or smoking, to vascular ageing in the elderly. The data generated paved the way for the development of various senotherapeutic interventions, ranging from the application of synthetic or natural senolytics and senomorphics to attempt to modify lifestyle, control diet, and restrict calorie intake. However, specific guidelines, considering the severity and characteristics of vascular ageing, need to be established before widespread use of these agents. This review briefly discusses the molecular and cellular mechanisms of vascular ageing and summarises the efficacy of widely studied senotherapeutics in the context of vascular ageing.

Thermal Effect on Heat Shock Protein 70 Family to Prevent Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a chaperone protein induced by various stresses on cells and is involved in various disease mechanisms. In recent years, the expression of HSP70 in skeletal muscle has attracted attention for its use as a prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and as a disease marker. We have previously reported the effect of thermal stimulation targeted to skeletal muscles and skeletal muscle-derived cells. In this article, we reported review articles including our research results. HSP70 contributes to the improvement of insulin resistance as well as chronic inflammation which are underlying pathologies of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis. Thus, induction of HSP70 expression by external stimulation such as heat and exercise may be useful for ASCVD prevention. It may be possible to induce HSP70 by thermal stimulus in those who have difficulty in exercise because of obesity or locomotive syndrome. It requires further investigation to determine whether monitoring serum HSP70 concentration is useful for ASCVD prevention.

Age-Related Decline in Vascular Responses to Phenylephrine Is Associated with Reduced Levels of HSP70

Aging impairs the expression of HSP70, an emergent player in vascular biology. However, it is unknown if age-related alterations in HSP70 are linked to a decline in arterial function. In this study, we test the hypothesis that the contributions of HSP70 to vascular contraction are diminished in middle-aged animals. We determined the basal levels of HSP70 in the aorta of young and middle-aged Sprague Dawley male rats using Western blotting. Functional studies were performed in a wire myograph system. Force development in response to phenylephrine was assessed in the presence or absence of extracellular calcium (Ca2+), and in aortic rings treated or non-treated with an HSP70 inhibitor. Fluorescent probes were used to evaluate vascular oxidative stress and nitric oxide levels. We report that middle-aged rats have significantly lower levels of HSP70. Blockade of HSP70 attenuated vascular phasic and tonic contraction in isolated aortas. It appears that a functional HSP70 is required for proper Ca2+ handling as inhibition of this protein led to reduced force-displacement in response to Ca2+ dynamics. Furthermore, middle-aged aortic rings exposed to the HSP70 inhibitor display higher reactive oxygen species levels without changes in nitric oxide. In summary, we show that middle-aged animals have lower levels of HSP70 in aortas, which associates with an age-related decline in vascular responses to α-1 adrenergic stimulation.

HSPA6 and its role in cancers and other diseases

Heat Shock Protein Family A (Hsp70) Member 6 (HSPA6) (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man: 140555) belongs to the HSP70 family and is a partially conserved inducible protein in mammals. The HSPA6 gene locates on the human chromosome 1q23.3 and encodes a protein containing two important structural domains: The N-terminal nucleotide-binding domain and the C-terminal substrate-binding domain. Currently, studies have found that HSPA6 not only plays a role in the tumorigenesis and tumor progresses but also causes non-tumor-related diseases. Furthermore, HSPA6 exhibits to inhibit tumorigenesis and tumor progression in some types of cancers but promotes in others. Even though HSPA6 research has increased, its exact roles and mechanisms are still unclear. This article reviews the structure, expression, function, research progress, possible mechanism, and perspective of HSPA6 in cancers and other diseases, highlighting its potential role as a targeted therapeutic and prognostic marker.

Female Mice Reaching Exceptionally High Old Age Have Preserved 20S Proteasome Activities

Oxidized, damaged and misfolded proteins accumulate during aging and contribute to impaired cell function and tissue homeodynamics. Damaged proteins are degraded by cellular clearance mechanisms like the 20S proteasome. Aging relates to low 20S proteasome function, whereas long-lived species show high levels. However, contradictory results exist depending on the tissue or cell type and it is unknown how the 20S proteasome functions in exceptionally old mice. The aim of this study was to investigate two proteasome activities (caspase-like and chymotrypsin-like) in several tissues (lung, heart, axillary lymph nodes, liver, kidney) and cells (peritoneal leukocytes) from adult (28 ± 4 weeks, n = 12), old (76 ± 4 weeks, n = 9) and exceptionally old (128 ± 4 weeks, n = 9) BALB/c female mice. The results show different age-related changes depending on the tissue and the activity considered, so there is no universal decline in proteasome function with age in female mice. Interestingly, exceptionally old mice displayed better maintained proteasome activities, suggesting that preserved 20S proteasome is associated with successful aging.

Vitamin D3 regulates apoptosis and proliferation in the testis of D-galactose-induced aged rat model

The age-associated imbalances between proliferation and apoptosis lead to impaired spermatogenesis and infertility. The age-associated decline in vitamin D3 levels has been reported and suggested the anti-aging potential of vitamin D3. However, the age-associated decline levels of vitamin D3 has not been studied in relation to the testicular activity. Thus, we investigated the effect of vitamin D3 on the expression of testicular proliferation markers, apoptotic markers, antioxidants system and oxidative stress in a D-gal-induced aged rat model. The present study investigated the levels of vitamin D3 and AGE in serum and testes along with the expression of the AGE-receptor (AGER) in the testis. Vitamin D3 treatment significantly increases cell proliferation and decreases apoptosis in a D-gal-induced aged rat testis. Furthermore, vitamin D3 significantly decreases oxidative stress in aged rat testis by improving the antioxidant defense systems. The expression of AGER was down-regulated by vitamin D3 treatment in aged testis. The circulating and intra-testicular AGE was higher in aged groups, however, only circulating vitamin D3 levels decreased in aged groups. The immunolocalization of VDR showed increased immunostaining in the testis by vitamin D3 treatment. Thus, it can be concluded that vitamin D3 delays testicular senescence by regulating proliferation and apoptosis.

Understanding How Dogs Age: Longitudinal Analysis of Markers of Inflammation, Immune Function, and Oxidative Stress

As in human populations, advances in nutrition and veterinary care have led to an increase in the lifespan of companion animals. Detrimental physiological changes occurring later in life must be understood before interventions can be made to slow or reduce them. One important aspect of human aging is upregulation of the inflammatory response and increase in oxidative damage resulting in pathologies linked to chronic inflammation. To determine whether similar processes occur in the aging dog, changes in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were investigated in 80 Labrador retrievers from adulthood to the end of life. Serum levels of immunoglobulin M (p < .001) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (p < .001) increased with age, whereas no effect of age was detected for immunoglobulin G or C-reactive protein unless the last year of life was included in the analysis (p = .002). Baseline levels of heat shock protein 70 decreased with age (p < .001) while those after exposure to heat stress were maintained (p = .018). However, when excluding final year of life data, a decline in the heat shock protein 70 response after heat stress was observed (p = .004). These findings indicate that aging dogs undergo changes similar to human inflammaging and offer the possibility of nutritional or pharmacological intervention to delay or reduce these effects.

Pathways to disease from natural variations in human cytoplasmic tRNAs

Perfectly accurate translation of mRNA into protein is not a prerequisite for life. Resulting from errors in protein synthesis, mistranslation occurs in all cells, including human cells. The human genome encodes >600 tRNA genes, providing both the raw material for genetic variation and a buffer to ensure that resulting translation errors occur at tolerable levels. On the basis of data from the 1000 Genomes Project, we highlight the unanticipated prevalence of mistranslating tRNA variants in the human population and review studies on synthetic and natural tRNA mutations that cause mistranslation or de-regulate protein synthesis. Although mitochondrial tRNA variants are well known to drive human diseases, including developmental disorders, few studies have revealed a role for human cytoplasmic tRNA mutants in disease. In the context of the unexpectedly large number of tRNA variants in the human population, the emerging literature suggests that human diseases may be affected by natural tRNA variants that cause mistranslation or de-regulate tRNA expression and nucleotide modification. This review highlights examples relevant to genetic disorders, cancer, and neurodegeneration in which cytoplasmic tRNA variants directly cause or exacerbate disease and disease-linked phenotypes in cells, animal models, and humans. In the near future, tRNAs may be recognized as useful genetic markers to predict the onset or severity of human disease.

Heart irradiation reduces microvascular density and accumulation of HSPA1 in mice

PURPOSE

Improvement of radiotherapy techniques reduces the exposure of normal tissues to ionizing radiation. However, the risk of radiation-related late effects remains elevated. In the present study, we investigated long-term effects of radiation on heart muscle morphology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established a mouse model to study microvascular density (MVD), deposition of collagen fibers, and changes in accumulation of heat shock 70 kDa protein 1 (HSPA1) in irradiated heart tissue. Hearts of C57BL/6 mice received a single dose of X‑ray radiation in the range 0.2-16 Gy. Analyses were performed 20, 40, and 60 weeks after irradiation.

RESULTS

Reduction in MD was revealed as a long-term effect observed 20-60 weeks after irradiation. Moreover, a significant and dose-dependent increase in accumulation of HSPA1, both cytoplasmic and nuclear, was observed in heart tissues collected 20 weeks after irradiation. We also noticed an increase in collagen deposition in hearts treated with higher doses.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that some changes induced by radiation in the heart tissue, such as reduction in microvessel density, increase in collagen deposition, and accumulation of HSPA1, are observed as long-term effects which might be associated with late radiation cardiotoxicity.

How and why do toxic conformers of aberrant proteins accumulate during ageing?

Ageing can be defined as a gradual decline in cellular and physical functions accompanied by an increased sensitivity to the environment and risk of death. The increased risk of mortality is causally connected to a gradual, intracellular accumulation of so-called ageing factors, of which damaged and aggregated proteins are believed to be one. Such aggregated proteins also contribute to several age-related neurodegenerative disorders e.g. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases, highlighting the importance of protein quality control (PQC) in ageing and its associated diseases. PQC consists of two interrelated systems: the temporal control system aimed at refolding, repairing, and/or removing aberrant proteins and their aggregates and the spatial control system aimed at harnessing the potential toxicity of aberrant proteins by sequestering them at specific cellular locations. The accumulation of toxic conformers of aberrant proteins during ageing is often declared to be a consequence of an incapacitated temporal PQC system—i.e. a gradual decline in the activity of chaperones and proteases. Here, we review the current knowledge on PQC in relation to ageing and highlight that the breakdown of both temporal and spatial PQC may contribute to ageing and thus comprise potential targets for therapeutic interventions of the ageing process.