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Ding M, Yan J, Chen Y, Liu J, Chao G, Zhang S. Changes in M6A methylation: A key factor in the vicious cycle of flora -gut aging. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102351. [PMID: 38820855 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The aging process significantly impacts the gastrointestinal tract and various bodily systems, exacerbating age-related diseases. Research suggests a correlation between an imbalance in intestinal flora and gut aging, yet the precise mechanism remains incompletely elucidated. Epigenetic modifications, particularly m6A methylation, play a pivotal role in driving aging and are closely associated with gut aging. Maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal microbes is contingent upon m6A methylation, which is believed to be crucial in the vicious cycle of gut aging and intestinal flora. This article highlights the importance of m6A methylation in the nexus between gut aging and flora. It proposes the potential for targeted m6A methylation to break the vicious cycle of gut aging and flora imbalance, offering novel perspectives on attenuating or reversing gut aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglu Ding
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Junbin Yan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Yuxuan Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Jinguo Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Guanqun Chao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China.
| | - Shuo Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China.
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Zhu Y, Engmann M, Medina D, Han X, Das P, Bartke A, Ellsworth BS, Yuan R. Metformin treatment of juvenile mice alters aging-related developmental and metabolic phenotypes in sex-dependent and sex-independent manners. GeroScience 2024; 46:3197-3218. [PMID: 38227136 PMCID: PMC11009201 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01067-6] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin has attracted increasing interest for its potential benefits in extending healthspan and longevity. This study examined the effects of early-life metformin treatment on the development and metabolism of C57BL/6 J (B6) mice, with metformin administered to juvenile mice from 15 to 56 days of age. Metformin treatment led to decreased body weight in both sexes (P < 0.05, t-test). At 9 weeks of age, mice were euthanized and organ weights were recorded. The relative weight of retroperitoneal fat was decreased in females, while relative weights of perigonadal and retroperitoneal fat were decreased, and relative liver weight was increased in males (P < 0.05, t-test). Glucose and insulin tolerance tests (GTT and ITT) were conducted at the age of 7 weeks. ANOVA revealed a significant impairment in insulin sensitivity by the treatment, and a significantly interactive effect on glucose tolerance between sex and treatment, underscoring a disparity in GTT between sexes in response to the treatment. Metformin treatment reduced circulating insulin levels in fasting and non-fasting conditions for male mice, with no significant alterations observed in female mice. qRT-PCR analysis of glucose metabolism-related genes (Akt2, Glut2, Glut4, Irs1, Nrip1, Pi3k, Pi3kca, Pkca) in the liver and skeletal muscle reveals metformin-induced sex- and organ-specific effects on gene expression. Comparison with previous studies in heterogeneous UM-HET3 mice receiving the same treatment suggests that genetic differences may contribute to variability in the effects of metformin treatment on development and metabolism. These findings indicate that early-life metformin treatment affects development and metabolism in both sex- and genetics-dependent manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Morgan Engmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - David Medina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Xiuqi Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Pratyusa Das
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University SIU School of Medicine, 1135 Lincoln Drive, Life Science III, Room 2062, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Andrzej Bartke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Buffy S Ellsworth
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University SIU School of Medicine, 1135 Lincoln Drive, Life Science III, Room 2062, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Rong Yuan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, P.O. Box 19628, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA.
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Ashiqueali SA, Schneider A, Zhu X, Juszczyk E, Mansoor MAM, Zhu Y, Fang Y, Zanini BM, Garcia DN, Hayslip N, Medina D, McFadden S, Stockwell R, Yuan R, Bartke A, Zasloff M, Siddiqi S, Masternak MM. Early life interventions metformin and trodusquemine metabolically reprogram the developing mouse liver through transcriptomic alterations. Aging Cell 2024:e14227. [PMID: 38798180 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated the remarkable potential of early life intervention strategies at influencing the course of postnatal development, thereby offering exciting possibilities for enhancing longevity and improving overall health. Metformin (MF), an FDA-approved medication for type II diabetes mellitus, has recently gained attention for its promising anti-aging properties, acting as a calorie restriction mimetic, and delaying precocious puberty. Additionally, trodusquemine (MSI-1436), an investigational drug, has been shown to combat obesity and metabolic disorders by inhibiting the enzyme protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b (Ptp1b), consequently reducing hepatic lipogenesis and counteracting insulin and leptin resistance. In this study, we aimed to further explore the effects of these compounds on young, developing mice to uncover biomolecular signatures that are central to liver metabolic processes. We found that MSI-1436 more potently alters mRNA and miRNA expression in the liver compared with MF, with bioinformatic analysis suggesting that cohorts of differentially expressed miRNAs inhibit the action of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Pi3k), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (Mtor) to regulate the downstream processes of de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, very-low-density lipoprotein transport, and cholesterol biosynthesis and efflux. In summary, our study demonstrates that administering these compounds during the postnatal window metabolically reprograms the liver through induction of potent epigenetic changes in the transcriptome, potentially forestalling the onset of age-related diseases and enhancing longevity. Future studies are necessary to determine the impacts on lifespan and overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Ashiqueali
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Augusto Schneider
- Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Ewelina Juszczyk
- Research & Development Center, Celon Pharma S.A., Kazun Nowy, Poland
| | - Mishfak A M Mansoor
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Yimin Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Bianka M Zanini
- Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Driele N Garcia
- Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Natalie Hayslip
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - David Medina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Samuel McFadden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Robert Stockwell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Rong Yuan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrzej Bartke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael Zasloff
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shadab Siddiqi
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Michal M Masternak
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Vitorakis N, Piperi C. Insights into the Role of Histone Methylation in Brain Aging and Potential Therapeutic Interventions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17339. [PMID: 38139167 PMCID: PMC10744334 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play a primary role in the cellular damage associated with brain aging. Histone posttranslational modifications represent intrinsic molecular alterations essential for proper physiological functioning, while divergent expression and activity have been detected in several aspects of brain aging. Aberrant histone methylation has been involved in neural stem cell (NSC) quiescence, microglial deficits, inflammatory processes, memory impairment, cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases, and schizophrenia. Herein, we provide an overview of recent studies on epigenetic regulation of brain tissue aging, mainly focusing on the role of histone methylation in different cellular and functional aspects of the aging process. Emerging targeting strategies of histone methylation are further explored, including neuroprotective drugs, natural compounds, and lifestyle modifications with therapeutic potential towards the aging process of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece;
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Yuan R, Hascup E, Hascup K, Bartke A. Relationships among Development, Growth, Body Size, Reproduction, Aging, and Longevity - Trade-Offs and Pace-Of-Life. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1692-1703. [PMID: 38105191 PMCID: PMC10792675 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923110020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Relationships of growth, metabolism, reproduction, and body size to the biological process of aging and longevity have been studied for decades and various unifying "theories of aging" have been proposed to account for the observed associations. In general, fast development, early sexual maturation leading to early reproductive effort, as well as production of many offspring, have been linked to shorter lifespans. The relationship of adult body size to longevity includes a remarkable contrast between the positive correlation in comparisons between different species and the negative correlation seen in comparisons of individuals within the same species. We now propose that longevity and presumably also the rate of aging are related to the "pace-of-life." A slow pace-of-life including slow growth, late sexual maturation, and a small number of offspring, predicts slow aging and long life. The fast pace of life (rapid growth, early sexual maturation, and major reproductive effort) is associated with faster aging and shorter life, presumably due to underlying trade-offs. The proposed relationships between the pace-of-life and longevity apply to both inter- and intra-species comparisons as well as to dietary, genetic, and pharmacological interventions that extend life and to evidence for early life programming of the trajectory of aging. Although available evidence suggests the causality of at least some of these associations, much further work will be needed to verify this interpretation and to identify mechanisms that are responsible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yuan
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Springfield, IL 19628, USA.
| | - Erin Hascup
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Medical, Microbial, Cellular Immunology and Biology, Springfield, IL 19628, USA.
| | - Kevin Hascup
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Medical, Microbial, Cellular Immunology and Biology, Springfield, IL 19628, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment, Neuroscience Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrzej Bartke
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Springfield, IL 19628, USA.
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Jurrjens AW, Seldin MM, Giles C, Meikle PJ, Drew BG, Calkin AC. The potential of integrating human and mouse discovery platforms to advance our understanding of cardiometabolic diseases. eLife 2023; 12:e86139. [PMID: 37000167 PMCID: PMC10065800 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86139] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic diseases encompass a range of interrelated conditions that arise from underlying metabolic perturbations precipitated by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While obesity, dyslipidaemia, smoking, and insulin resistance are major risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases, individuals still present in the absence of such traditional risk factors, making it difficult to determine those at greatest risk of disease. Thus, it is crucial to elucidate the genetic, environmental, and molecular underpinnings to better understand, diagnose, and treat cardiometabolic diseases. Much of this information can be garnered using systems genetics, which takes population-based approaches to investigate how genetic variance contributes to complex traits. Despite the important advances made by human genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in this space, corroboration of these findings has been hampered by limitations including the inability to control environmental influence, limited access to pertinent metabolic tissues, and often, poor classification of diseases or phenotypes. A complementary approach to human GWAS is the utilisation of model systems such as genetically diverse mouse panels to study natural genetic and phenotypic variation in a controlled environment. Here, we review mouse genetic reference panels and the opportunities they provide for the study of cardiometabolic diseases and related traits. We discuss how the post-GWAS era has prompted a shift in focus from discovery of novel genetic variants to understanding gene function. Finally, we highlight key advantages and challenges of integrating complementary genetic and multi-omics data from human and mouse populations to advance biological discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron W Jurrjens
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marcus M Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, United States
| | - Corey Giles
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Peter J Meikle
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Brian G Drew
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anna C Calkin
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Shi L, Jiang Z, Zhang L. Childhood obesity and central precocious puberty. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1056871. [PMID: 36465655 PMCID: PMC9716129 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1056871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a major public health problem worldwide, and the relationship between obesity and central precocious puberty has long been confirmed, however, the mechanisms underlying this association remain elusive. This review provides an overview of the recent progress regarding how childhood obesity impacts on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and pubertal onset, focusing on adipokines (leptin and ghrelin), hormone (insulin), and lipid (ceramide), as well as critical signaling pathways (AMPK/SIRT, mTOR) that integrate the peripheral metabolism and central circuits. Notably, prevention of obesity and CPP is beneficial for the adult life of the children, thus we further summarize the potential strategies in treating and preventing childhood obesity and CPP. The updated understanding of metabolic stress and pediatric endocrine disease will arise the attention of society, and also contribute to preventing more serious comorbidities in the later period of life in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyan Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Epigenetic regulation of aging: implications for interventions of aging and diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:374. [PMID: 36336680 PMCID: PMC9637765 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by the decline of organismal functions and a series of prominent hallmarks, including genetic and epigenetic alterations. These aging-associated epigenetic changes include DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation, and RNA modification, all of which participate in the regulation of the aging process, and hence contribute to aging-related diseases. Therefore, understanding the epigenetic mechanisms in aging will provide new avenues to develop strategies to delay aging. Indeed, aging interventions based on manipulating epigenetic mechanisms have led to the alleviation of aging or the extension of the lifespan in animal models. Small molecule-based therapies and reprogramming strategies that enable epigenetic rejuvenation have been developed for ameliorating or reversing aging-related conditions. In addition, adopting health-promoting activities, such as caloric restriction, exercise, and calibrating circadian rhythm, has been demonstrated to delay aging. Furthermore, various clinical trials for aging intervention are ongoing, providing more evidence of the safety and efficacy of these therapies. Here, we review recent work on the epigenetic regulation of aging and outline the advances in intervention strategies for aging and age-associated diseases. A better understanding of the critical roles of epigenetics in the aging process will lead to more clinical advances in the prevention of human aging and therapy of aging-related diseases.
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