Iron-mediated lysosomal-mitochondrial crosstalk: a new direction in the treatment of aging and aging-related diseases

The Effects of Fisetin and Curcumin on Oxidative Damage Caused by Transition Metals in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases pose a significant health challenge for the elderly. The escalating presence of toxic metals and chemicals in the environment is a potential contributor to central nervous system dysfunction and the onset of neurodegenerative conditions. Transition metals play a crucial role in various pathophysiological mechanisms associated with prevalent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Given the ubiquitous exposure to metals from diverse sources in everyday life, the workplace, and the environment, most of the population faces regular contact with different forms of these metals. Disturbances in the levels and homeostasis of certain transition metals are closely linked to the manifestation of neurodegenerative disorders. Oxidative damage further exacerbates the progression of neurological consequences. Presently, there exists no curative therapy for individuals afflicted by neurodegenerative diseases, with treatment approaches primarily focusing on alleviating pathological symptoms. Within the realm of biologically active compounds derived from plants, flavonoids and curcuminoids stand out for their extensively documented antioxidant, antiplatelet, and neuroprotective properties. The utilization of these compounds holds the potential to formulate highly effective therapeutic strategies for managing neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of abnormal metal levels, particularly copper, iron, and zinc, on the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, it aims to elucidate the potential of fisetin and curcumin to inhibit or decelerate the neurodegenerative process.

Cellular senescence in cancer: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Aging exhibits several hallmarks in common with cancer, such as cellular senescence, dysbiosis, inflammation, genomic instability, and epigenetic changes. In recent decades, research into the role of cellular senescence on tumor progression has received widespread attention. While how senescence limits the course of cancer is well established, senescence has also been found to promote certain malignant phenotypes. The tumor-promoting effect of senescence is mainly elicited by a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, which facilitates the interaction of senescent tumor cells with their surroundings. Targeting senescent cells therefore offers a promising technique for cancer therapy. Drugs that pharmacologically restore the normal function of senescent cells or eliminate them would assist in reestablishing homeostasis of cell signaling. Here, we describe cell senescence, its occurrence, phenotype, and impact on tumor biology. A "one-two-punch" therapeutic strategy in which cancer cell senescence is first induced, followed by the use of senotherapeutics for eliminating the senescent cells is introduced. The advances in the application of senotherapeutics for targeting senescent cells to assist cancer treatment are outlined, with an emphasis on drug categories, and the strategies for their screening, design, and efficient targeting. This work will foster a thorough comprehension and encourage additional research within this field.

Iron Metabolism in Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Iron is a trace metal element necessary to maintain life and is also involved in a variety of biological processes. Aging refers to the natural life process in which the physiological functions of the various systems, organs, and tissues decline, affected by genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the relationship between iron metabolism and aging-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. During aging, the accumulation of nonheme iron destroys the stability of the intracellular environment. The destruction of iron homeostasis can induce cell damage by producing hydroxyl free radicals, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, brain aging, and even organismal aging. In this review, we have briefly summarized the role of the metabolic process of iron in the body, then discussed recent developments of iron metabolism in aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, and finally, explored some iron chelators as treatment strategies for those disorders. Understanding the roles of iron metabolism in aging and neurodegenerative diseases will fill the knowledge gap in the field. This review could provide new insights into the research on iron metabolism and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.