Sirtuin 1 and aging theory for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Anti-aging Strategies and Topical Delivery of Biopolymer-based Nanocarriers for Skin Cancer Treatment

Environmental factors like UV radiation and epigenetic changes are significant factors for skin cancer that trigger early aging. This review provides essential information on cancer development concerning aging, the receptors involved, and the therapeutic targets. Biopolymers like polysaccharide, polyphenols, proteins, and nucleic acid plays a vital role in the regulation of normal cell homeostasis. Therefore, it is pertinent to explore the role of biopolymers as antiaging formulations and the possibility of these formulations being used against cancer via topical administrations. As UV radiation is one of the predominant factors in causing skin cancer, the association of receptors between aging and cancer indicated that insulin receptor, melatonin receptor, toll-like receptor, SIRT 1 receptor, tumor-specific T cell receptor and mitochondria-based targeting could be used to direct therapeutics for suppression of cancer and prevent aging. Biopolymer-based nanoformulations have tremendously progressed by entrapment of drugs like curcumin and resveratrol which can prevent cancer and aging simultaneously. Certain protein signaling or calcium and ROS signaling pathways are different for cancer and aging. The involvement of mitochondrial DNA mutation along with telomere shortening with a change in cellular energetics leading to genomic instability in the aging process can also induce mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic alterations leading to skin cancer. Therefore, the use of biopolymers as a topical supplement during the aging process can result in the prevention of cancer.

SIRT1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disease characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction and lung function decline. It is well established that COPD represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Due to the substantial economic and social burdens associated with COPD, it is necessary to discover new targets and develop novel beneficial therapies. Although the pathogenesis of COPD is complex and remains to be robustly elucidated, numerous studies have shown that oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, cell apoptosis, autophagy, and aging are involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase belonging to the silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) family. Multiple studies have indicated that SIRT1 plays an important role in oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, autophagy, and cellular senescence, which contributes to the pathogenesis and development of COPD. This review aimed to discuss the functions and mechanisms of SIRT1 in the progression of COPD and concluded that SIRT1 activation might be a potential therapeutic strategy for COPD.

Association between right ventricular dysfunction and adverse cardiac events in mild COPD patients

BACKGROUND

Lung hyperinflation and systemic inflammation are currently believed to be the most important causes of right heart alterations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. A multicentre observational study was performed to assess the morphological and functional parameters of right ventricle (RV) in COPD subjects, as well as to evaluate the potential prognostic impact on the development of major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs).

METHODS

For this retrospective study, from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2021, we enrolled COPD patients on the basis of their airflow limitation. In particular, we selected subjects spanning across GOLD 1 and 2 functional stages. Clinical, laboratory and functional parameters were collected at baseline. Echocardiography was routinely performed in all COPD patients. RV dysfunction was defined on the basis of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) values. MACE occurrence (non-fatal ischemic stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, cardiac revascularization or coronary bypass surgery and cardiovascular death) was evaluated during a median follow-up of 55 (36-72) months.

RESULTS

Among the 749 enrolled patients, 408 subjects had a TAPSE value ≥20 mm, while the remaining 341 had a TAPSE value <20 mm. In patients with TAPSE ≥20 mm the observed MACEs were 1.9 events/100 patient-year, while in the group with a worse right heart function there were 4.2 events/100 patient-year (p < .0001). The multivariate analysis model confirmed the association between RV dysfunction and MACE. Indeed, a 1-mm increase in TAPSE value and the intake of long-acting β₂ -receptor agonists (LABA)/long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) inhaled therapy were protective factors for the onset of MACE, while the presence of diabetes mellitus and high values of both uric acid (UA) and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (S-PAP) enhanced the risk of MACE in study participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that in patients with mild COPD there is an association between right heart dysfunction and the risk of MACE during follow-up.

Association Between Beta-Carotene Supplementation and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Aging is a phenomenon universally involving all organisms, genetically determined, and epigenetically influenced by the environment. Numerous observational studies have shown the positive impact of non-pharmacological approaches started in younger age on chronic conditions affecting the elderly health and survival. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of beta-carotene on the total and cause-specific mortality as reported by randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

We searched Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL Cochrane from inception to September 2021. Studies were eligible if enrolled adults with any health condition, compared beta-carotene supplements at any dose with placebo or no intervention, provided information on deaths from any cause, and were RCTs, in English. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the GRADE. Risk ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were used and a P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Among 3,942 articles searched, 44 articles on 31 RCTs, which included 216,734 total subjects, 108,622 in beta-carotene supplement groups, and 108,112 in the placebo or no-intervention groups, were involved in the final analyses. In a random-effects meta-analysis of all 31 trials, beta-carotene supplements were found to have no preventive effect on mortality (risk ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.98–1.05, I2 = 42%). Further, the analysis showed no preventive effect on cancer, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and other mortality causes. Instead, beta-carotene supplementation significantly increased the risk of lung cancer mortality (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02, 1.27, I2 = 3%) but decreased the risk of human immunodeficiency virus-related mortality (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33, 0.92, I2 = 0).

Conclusion

More studies should be performed to better define the role of beta-carotene on survival, to confirm or deny our results. Therefore, the possible beneficial or harmful effects of the beta-carotene supplementation on mortality must not be overstated.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=259354], identifier [CRD42021259354].

Cellular Senescence in Aging Lungs and Diseases

Cellular senescence represents a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest occurring naturally or in response to exogenous stressors. Following the initial arrest, progressive phenotypic changes define conditions of cellular senescence. Understanding molecular mechanisms that drive senescence can help to recognize the importance of such pathways in lung health and disease. There is increasing interest in the role of cellular senescence in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in the context of understanding pathophysiology and identification of novel therapies. Herein, we discuss the current knowledge of molecular mechanisms and mitochondrial dysfunction regulating different aspects of cellular senescence-related to chronic lung diseases to develop rational strategies for modulating the senescent cell phenotype in the lung for therapeutic benefit.

Identification and validation of aging-related genes in COPD based on bioinformatics analysis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious chronic respiratory disorder. One of the major risk factors for COPD progression is aging. Therefore, we investigated aging-related genes in COPD using bioinformatic analyses. Firstly, the Aging Atlas database containing 500 aging-related genes and the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE38974) were utilized to screen candidates. A total of 24 candidate genes were identified related to both COPD and aging. Using gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses, we found that this list of 24 genes was enriched in genes associated with cytokine activity, cell apoptosis, NF-κB and IL-17 signaling. Four of these genes (CDKN1A, HIF1A, MXD1 and SOD2) were determined to be significantly upregulated in clinical COPD samples and in cigarette smoke extract-exposed Beas-2B cells in vitro, and their expression was negatively correlated with predicted forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity. In addition, the combination of expression levels of these four genes had a good discriminative ability for COPD patients (AUC = 0.794, 95% CI 0.743-0.845). All four were identified as target genes of hsa-miR-519d-3p, which was significantly down-regulated in COPD patients. The results from this study proposed that regulatory network of hsa-miR-519d-3p/CDKN1A, HIF1A, MXD1, and SOD2 closely associated with the progression of COPD, which provides a theoretical basis to link aging effectors with COPD progression, and may suggest new diagnostic and therapeutic targets of this disease.

Aerobic Exercise with Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay Diet Promotes Brain Cells’ Longevity despite Sex Hormone Deficiency in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To investigate the combined impact of aerobic exercise and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet on brain cells longevity in spite of sex hormones deficiency in obese postmenopausal women.

Design

A parallel randomized clinical trial. Subjects/Patients. Sixty-eight eligible postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to one of two groups, one experimental and one control. The participants' age ranged from 60 to 75 years, and their body mass index ranged from 30 to 39.9 kg/m².

Methods

An experimental group whose members followed moderate-intensity treadmill exercise three times/week for three months with MIND diet and a control group whose members followed the MIND diet only. In addition to serum sex hormones, pre- and post-12-week assessments were performed to measure serum sex hormones as well as cognitive and functional levels.

Results

The experimental group showed after intervention highly significant changes (p < 0.01) in sex hormones, cognitive functions, and functional levels compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, no correlation was found between the measured variables in both groups after intervention (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Aerobic exercise combined with the MIND diet improves cognitive and functional levels and substitutes sex hormones deficiency in postmenopausal women, which affects the longevity of brain health.

Interrelation of Individual-Personal Anti-Aging Strategies with Biological Age

<p>The definition of anti-aging is given as a condition that reduces the biological age, improves health or increases life expectancy. Based on the meta-analysis, 13 anti-aging strategies were identified: sports, control, creative, intellectual, subject, altruistic, humor, self-improvement, risk, communication, interaction with nature, achievement, optimism. An empirical study of the effectiveness of these strategies has been carried out. Subjects: persons of retirement age, men &mdash; 61&mdash;70, women &mdash; 56&mdash;70 years. The following methods were used: diagnostics of biological age according to Voitenko, questionnaire of personal resources, assessment of individual typological features, correlation analysis. It was found out that the relationship of biological aging with personal resources depends on the socio-demographic characteristics of the individual. Conclusions: to develop an individual-personal anti-aging strategy, it is necessary to take into account the totality of data: gender, age, place of residence, family, children, physique, emotionality, functional asymmetry, interaction style. An effective anti-aging strategy is selected individually for each respondent.</p>

Infections Are a Very Dangerous Affair: Enterobiasis and Death

BACKGROUND

Enterobiasis or oxyuriasis from Enterobius vermicularis is an infection usually localized in the large bowel and cecum. Generally, the symptoms are characterized by anal itching, and intestinal or nervous disorders. Rarely, it is responsible for death.

METHODS

A forensic autopsy of a 52-year-old white male inmate who died 5 days after hospitalization was performed. Histological and toxicological analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

The death occurred by localization of Enterobius vermicularis in the duodenum and in the proximal ileum, with intestinal haemorrhage, inflammation, and peritonitis documented by histological examination.

CONCLUSION

This is a common infectious disease, and can rarely occur with a fatal outcome, even in advanced populations. The lack of knowledge related to the rarity of death from enterobiasis disease can determine a dangerous concern.

Hydropinotherapy with Sulphurous Mineral Water as Complementary Treatment to Improve Glucose Metabolism, Oxidative Status, and Quality of Life

Hydropinotherapy is a salus per aquam (Spa) treatment suitable as a complementary approach to treat several diseases, which strongly affect the quality of life (QoL). Hydropinotherapy with sulphurous mineral water exerts benefits thanks to components, such as hydrogen sulphide, which is considered mainly responsible for antioxidant and hypoglycaemic effects. Such properties, linked from each other, could favour an improvement in patients’ QoL. However, data on humans are scarce. This study aimed to investigate whether a cycle of sulphurous hydropinotherapy was able to modify plasma levels of glucose and reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) and improve QoL in patients suffering from several chronic disorders. A prospective, observational study involved patients with gastrointestinal diseases who received a prescription of a cycle of sulphurous hydropinotherapy (S-HT). Age- and sex-matched control group was enrolled (No S-HT). Glycaemia and plasma concentration of ROMs were measured in all subjects. The impact of spa treatment on the QoL was assessed using the Short Form 36 Health Status Survey questionnaire (SF-36). All parameters were measured at baseline and at the end of a 2-week treatment. Between the groups, no differences were found in glycaemia and ROMs at baseline. In the S-HT group, a reduction in glycaemia and ROMs, both in respect to baseline (p = 0.005 and p = 0.031, respectively) and to control group, as shown by the delta value calculated, as the difference between the values at 2 weeks and baseline (p = 0.0009 and p = 0.0001, respectively). In the S-HT, delta ROMs was the best predictor of delta glycaemia with a direct linear correlation (beta = 0.559, 95% CI 0.471 to 0.647, p < 0.0001). In the S-HT, the SF-36 total score was improved both when compared with baseline (p = 0.002) and with No S-HT (p = 0.001). Sulphurous hydropinotherapy induces a decrease in glycaemia and ROM levels, also ameliorating the patients’ QoL. Therefore, it could be considered a useful complementary therapeutic approach.

Predictors of Renal Function Worsening in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Multicenter Observational Study

Background. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have multiple comorbidities which may affect renal function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in COPD patients. The predictors of CKD in COPD are not well investigated. Methods. A multicenter observational cohort study including patients affected by COPD (GOLD stages 1 and 2) was carried out. Principal endpoints were the incidence of CKD, as defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m², and the rapid decline of eGFR >5 mL/min/1.73 m²/year. Results. We enrolled 707 outpatients. Overall, 157 (22.2%) patients had CKD at baseline. Patients with CKD were older, with higher serum uric acid (UA) levels, and lower FEV₁. During a mean follow-up of 52.3 ± 30.2 months, 100 patients developed CKD, and 200 patients showed a rapid reduction of eGFR. Multivariable Cox regression analysis displayed that UA (hazard ratio (HR) 1.148, p < 0.0001) and diabetes (HR 1.050, p < 0.0001) were predictors of incident CKD. The independent predictors of rapidly declining renal function were represented by an increase of 1 mg/dL in UA (odds ratio (OR) 2.158, p < 0.0001)), an increase of 10 mL/min/1.73 m² in baseline eGFR (OR 1.054, p < 0.0001) and the presence of diabetes (OR 1.100, p < 0.009). Conclusions. This study shows that COPD patients have a significant worsening of renal function over time and that UA and diabetes were the two strongest predictors. Optimal management of these risk factors may reduce the incidence of CKD in this population thus probably improving clinical outcome.

Sirt3 Attenuates Oxidative Stress Damage and Rescues Cellular Senescence in Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Targeting Superoxide Dismutase 2

Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of aging. The process of physiological aging is always accompanied by increased levels of endogenous oxidative stress. Exogenous oxidants have contributed to premature cellular senescence. As a deacetylase located in mitochondrial matrix, Sirt3 plays critical roles in mitochondrial energy metabolism, oxidative stress regulation, and cellular senescence. However, it remains unknown whether Sirt3 exerts the analogous role in cellular senescence caused by two different oxidation pathways. In this study, the function of Sirt3 was investigated in age-related natural senescence and H₂O₂-induced premature senescence of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Our results showed that Sirt3 expression was significantly decreased in both senescent MSCs, which was concerned with reduced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and aggravated DNA injury. Sirt3 repletion could partly reverse the senescence-associated phenotypic features in natural and premature senescent MSCs. Moreover, Sirt3 replenishment led to the reduction in the levels of cellular ROS by enhancing the expression and activity of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), thus maintaining the balance of intracellular oxidation and antioxidation and ameliorating oxidative stress damage. Altogether, Sirt3 inhibits MSC natural senescence and H₂O₂-induced premature senescence through alleviating ROS-induced injury and upregulating SOD2 expression and activity. Our research indicates that Sirt3 might contribute to uncovering the novel mechanisms underlying MSC senescence and provide new insights to aging and oxidative stress-related diseases.

The Beneficial Roles of SIRT1 in Neuroinflammation-Related Diseases

Sirtuins are the class III of histone deacetylases whose deacetylate of histones is dependent on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Among seven sirtuins, SIRT1 plays a critical role in modulating a wide range of physiological processes, including apoptosis, DNA repair, inflammatory response, metabolism, cancer, and stress. Neuroinflammation is associated with many neurological diseases, including ischemic stroke, bacterial infections, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, numerous studies indicate the protective effects of SIRT1 in neuroinflammation-related diseases. Here, we review the latest progress regarding the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of SIRT1. First, we introduce the structure, catalytic mechanism, and functions of SIRT1. Next, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of SIRT1 in the regulation of neuroinflammation. Finally, we analyze the mechanisms and effects of SIRT1 in several common neuroinflammation-associated diseases, such as cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, AD, and PD. Taken together, this information implies that SIRT1 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of neuroinflammation-associated disorders.

Therapeutic Effects of SRT2104 on Lung Injury in Rats with Emphysema via Reduction of Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cell Senescence

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent and severe diseases worldwide with high societal and health care costs. The pathogenesis of COPD is very complicated, and no curative treatment is available. Cellular senescence promotes the development of COPD. Type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) play a momentous role in lung tissue repair and maintenance of alveolar homeostasis. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an antiaging molecule involved in the response to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, regulates many pathophysiological changes including stress resistance, apoptosis, inflammation, and cellular senescence. This study aimed to investigate whether the pharmacological SIRT1 activator SRT2104 protects against AECII senescence in rats with emphysema. Our findings confirmed that SRT2104 administration reduced the pathological characteristics of emphysema and improved lung function parameters, including pulmonary resistance, pulmonary dynamic compliance, and peak expiratory flow. Moreover, SRT2104 treatment upregulated the expression of surfactant proteins A and C, SIRT1, and forkhead box O 3a (FoxO3a), decreased senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, increased SIRT1 deacetylase activity, and downregulated the levels of p53 and p21. Therefore, SRT2104 administration protected against AECII senescence in rats with emphysema via SIRT1/FoxO3a and SIRT1/p53 signaling pathways and may provide a novel potential therapeutic strategy for COPD.

Cardioprotective Effects of Dietary Phytochemicals on Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure by a Sex-Gender-Oriented Point of View

Dietary phytochemicals are considered an innovative strategy that helps to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Some phytochemicals have been shown to play a beneficial role in lipid metabolism, to improve endothelial function and to modify oxidative stress pathways in experimental and clinical models of cardiovascular impairment. Importantly, investigation on phytochemical effect on cardiac remodeling appears to be promising. Nowadays, drug therapy and implantation of devices have demonstrated to ameliorate survival. Of interest, sex-gender seems to influence the response to HF canonical therapies. In fact, starting by the evidence of the feminization of world population and the scarce efficacy and safety of the traditional drugs in women, the search of alternative therapeutic tools has become mandatory. The aim of this review is to summarize the possible role of dietary phytochemicals in HF therapy and the evidence of a different sex-gender-oriented response.

Pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induced by cigarette smoke

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease that is characterized by functional and structural alterations primarily caused by long-term inhalation of harmful particles. Cigarette smoke (CS) induces airway inflammation in COPD, which is known to persist even after smoking cessation. This review discusses the basic pathogenesis of COPD, with particular focus on an endogenous protective mechanism against oxidative stress via Nrf2, altered immune response of the airway inflammatory cells, exaggerated cellular senescence of the lung structural cells, and cell death with expanded inflammation. Recently, CS-induced mitochondria autophagy is reported to initiate programmed necrosis (necroptosis). Necroptosis is a new concept of cell death which is driven by a defined molecular pathway along with exaggerated inflammation. This new cell death mechanism is of importance due to its ability to produce more inflammatory substances during the process of epithelial death, contributing to persistent airway inflammation that cannot be explained by apoptosis-derived cell death. Autophagy is an auto-cell component degradation system executed by lysosomes that controls protein and organelle degradation for successful homeostasis. As well as in the process of necroptosis, autophagy is also observed during cellular senescence. Aging of the lungs results in the acquisition of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP) that are known to secrete inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteinases resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation. In future research, we intend to highlight the genetic and epigenetic approaches that can facilitate the understanding of disease susceptibility. The goal of precision medicine is to establish more accurate diagnosis and treatment methods based on the patient-specific pathogenic characteristics. This review provides insights into CS-induced COPD pathogenesis, which contributes to a very complex disease. Investigating the mechanism of developing COPD, along with the availability of the particular inhibitors, will lead to new therapeutic approaches in COPD treatment.

Inflammaging and Oxidative Stress in Human Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Novel Treatments

It has been proposed that a chronic state of inflammation correlated with aging known as inflammaging, is implicated in multiple disease states commonly observed in the elderly population. Inflammaging is associated with over-abundance of reactive oxygen species in the cell, which can lead to oxidation and damage of cellular components, increased inflammation, and activation of cell death pathways. This review focuses on inflammaging and its contribution to various age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Recently published mechanistic details of the roles of reactive oxygen species in inflammaging and various diseases will also be discussed. Advancements in potential treatments to ameliorate inflammaging, oxidative stress, and consequently, reduce the morbidity of multiple disease states will be explored.

Mitochondrial biology in airway pathogenesis and the role of NRF2

A constant improvement in understanding of mitochondrial biology has provided new insights into mitochondrial dysfunction in human disease pathogenesis. Impaired mitochondrial dynamics caused by various stressors are characterized by structural abnormalities and leakage, compromised turnover, and reactive oxygen species overproduction in mitochondria as well as increased mitochondrial DNA mutation frequency, which leads to modified energy production and mitochondria-derived cell signaling. The mitochondrial dysfunction in airway epithelial, smooth muscle, and endothelial cells has been implicated in diseases including chronic obstructive lung diseases and acute lung injury. Increasing evidence indicates that the NRF2-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway not only enhances redox defense but also facilitates mitochondrial homeostasis and bioenergetics. Identification of functional or potential AREs further supports the role for Nrf2 in mitochondrial dysfunction-associated airway disorders. While clinical reports indicate mixed efficacy, NRF2 agonists acting on respiratory mitochondrial dynamics are potentially beneficial. In lung cancer, growth advantage provided by sustained NRF2 activation is suggested to be through increased cellular antioxidant defense as well as mitochondria reinforcement and metabolic reprogramming to the preferred pathways to meet the increased energy demands of uncontrolled cell proliferation. Further studies are warranted to better understand NRF2 regulation of mitochondrial functions as therapeutic targets in airway disorders.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as a Main Factor of Premature Aging

(1) Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as an inflammatory disorder that presents an increasingly prevalent health problem. Accelerated aging has been examined as a pathologic mechanism of many chronic diseases like COPD. We examined whether COPD is combined with accelerated aging, studying two hormones, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and growth hormone (GH), known to be characteristic biological markers of aging. (2) Methods: Data were collected from 119 participants, 70 (58.8%) COPD patients and 49 (41.2%) from a health control group over the period of 2014⁻2016 in a spirometry program. Information about their medical history, tobacco use, and blood tests was obtained. (3) Results: The average age of the health control patients was 73.5 years (SD = 5.5), and that of the COPD patients was 75.4 years (SD = 6.9). Both groups were similar in age and sex. A greater proportion of smokers were found in the COPD group (87.1%) versus the control group (36.7%). The majority of COPD patients were classified as STAGE II (51.4%) and STAGE III (37.1%) according to GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Levels of DHEA (SD = 17.1) and GH (SD = 0.37) were significantly lower in the COPD group (p < 0.001) compared to those in the controls (SD = 26.3, SD = 0.79). DHEA and GH were more significant and negatively correlated with age. The regression equation of DHEA with age produced a coefficient equal to 1.26. In this study, the difference in DHEA between COPD patients and controls was, on average, 30.2 μg/dL, indicating that the biological age of a COPD patient is on average about 24 years older than that of a control subject of the same age. Similarly, the difference in GH between COPD patients and controls was, on average, 0.42 ng/mL, indicating that the biological age of a COPD patient is on average about 13.1 years older than that of a control subject of the same age. (4) Conclusions: The findings of our study strongly suggest the presence of premature biological aging in COPD patients. Their biological age could actually vary from 13 to 23 years older than non-COPD controls according to DHEA and GH variation.

Cellular mechanisms promoting cachexia and how they are opposed by sirtuins 1

Many chronic diseases are associated with unintentional loss of body weight, which is termed "cachexia". Cachexia is a complex multifactorial syndrome associated with the underlying primary disease, and characterized by loss of skeletal muscle with or without loss of fat tissue. Patients with cachexia face dire symptoms like dyspnea, fatigue, edema, exercise intolerance, and low responsiveness to medical therapy, which worsen quality of life. Because cachexia is not a stand-alone disorder, treating primary disease - such as cancer - takes precedence for the physician, and it remains mostly a neglected illness. Existing clinical trials have demonstrated limited success mostly because of their monotherapeutic approach and late detection of the syndrome. To conquer cachexia, it is essential to identify as many molecular targets as possible using the latest technologies we have at our disposal. In this review, we have discussed different aspects of cachexia, which include various disease settings, active molecular pathways, and recent novel advances made in this field to understand consequences of this illness. We also discuss roles of the sirtuins, the NAD⁺-dependent lysine deacetylases, microRNAs, certain dietary options, and epigenetic drugs as potential approaches, which can be used to tackle cachexia as early as possible in its course.

A highly significant association between Cathepsin S gene polymorphisms rs12068264 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease susceptibility in Han Chinese population

Cathepsin S (CTSS) and Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) played crucial roles in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the associations between the polymorphisms of CTSS as well as SIRT1 and COPD in Asian population remain elusive. In the present study, one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in rs12068264 was discovered (in 385 individuals) to be associated with the susceptibility of COPD in a Chinese Han population. The genotyping was performed using improved multiplex ligase detection reaction (iMLDR) technique. Subjects with T allele of rs12068264 in CTSS gene had an increased risk of COPD (T compared with C: odds ratio (OR) = 1.351, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.008-1.811, P=0.044) compared with C allele. Subjects with TT genotype at rs12068264 had a higher risk of COPD in a recessive model (TT compared with TC + CC: OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.06-4.989, P=0.035). Compared with the C variant of rs12068264, the homozygous carriers of the TT genotype had higher procalcitonin (PCT) levels. Finally, haplotype analysis demonstrated that the SNPs in the CTSS and SIRT1 gene had no statistical differences between patients with COPD and the controls. In conclusion, the genetic polymorphisms of CTSS were associated with the susceptibility of COPD in a Chinese Han population, which may be helpful in understanding genetic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of COPD.

The Function of Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Airway Epithelial Cell Senescence in a Rat COPD Model

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis) seems to be able to alleviate airway epithelial cell senescence in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of O. sinensis on airway epithelial senescence in the COPD model both in vitro and in vivo. We observed the expression of P16 and P21 in the airway epithelia of 30 patients with COPD. The optimal concentration of O. sinensis and exposure time of the cigarette smoke extract (CSE) were determined in vitro, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) and 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were used to evaluate the senescence and proliferation of human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells pretreated with O. sinensis by staining kits. COPD model rats were treated with O. sinensis at various concentrations to determine the changes in P16 and P21 expression in airway epithelial tissues. It was found that the expression levels of P16 and P21 were higher in the airway epithelia of COPD patients than those in the control group based on immunohistochemical staining, real-time quantitative PCR, and western blotting. The CSE could induce 16HBE cell senescence, and O. sinensis could alleviate CSE-induced senescence and promote the proliferation of 16HBE cells. The expression levels of P16 and P21 were also higher in the airway epithelia of COPD model rats; however, the levels of P16 and P21 in the groups treated with all concentrations of O. sinensis were obviously lower than those in the COPD model group based on real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. In conclusion, the CSE can induce airway epithelium senescence, and O. sinensis can inhibit CSE-induced cellular senescence, both in vitro and in vivo.

Analysis of Short-Term Smoking Effects in PBMC of Healthy Subjects-Preliminary Study

Early structural changes exist in the small airways before the establishment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These changes are believed to be induced by oxidation. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of short-term smoking on the expression of the genes contributing to airway remodeling and their relationship with the oxidative status of human blood cells. Blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 16 healthy volunteers and treated with cigarette smoke ingredients (CSI): nicotine, 1-Nitrosodimethylamine, N-Nitrosopyrrolidyne, vinyl chloride, acetone, and acrolein. The expression of TGF-β1, TIMP-1, SOD1, and arginase I was determined by qPCR. Additionally, thiol groups and TBARs were assessed. CSI induced TGF and TIMP-1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and apocynin alleviated this effect. The changes were more noticeable in the smoking group (p < 0.05). TBARs concentrations were higher in smokers, and in this group, apocynin acted more effectively. SOD1 correlated with arginase expression in smokers (p < 0.05). MMP-9 showed a significant correlation with SOD1 in both groups, but only on the protein level. Blood cells appear to mirror the general changes caused by cigarette smoke ingredients, which seem to be connected with the oxidative status of the cell. Our findings indicate that a short period of smoking influences the gene expression and oxidative balance of blood cells, which might result in the development of serious disorders such as COPD.

SIRT1 Activity in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Correlates with Altered Lung Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background

Oxidative stress is a recognized pathogenic mechanism in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Expression of the NAD⁺-dependent deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an antiaging molecule with a key role in oxidative stress response, has been described as decreased in the lung of COPD patients. No studies so far investigated whether systemic SIRT1 activity was associated to decreased lung function in this disease.

Methods

We measured SIRT1 protein expression and activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and oxidative stress index (TOS/TEAC) in the plasma of 25 COPD patients, 20 healthy nonsmokers (HnS), and 20 healthy smokers (HS).

Results

The activity of SIRT1 was significantly lower in COPD patients compared to both control groups while protein expression decreased progressively (HnS > HS > COPD). TOS levels were significantly lower in HnS than in smoke-associated subjects (COPD and HS), while TEAC levels were progressively lower according (HnS > HS > COPD). In COPD patients, SIRT1 activity, but not protein levels, correlated significantly with both lung function parameters (FEV1/FVC and FEV1) and TEAC.

Conclusions

These findings suggest loss of SIRT1-driven antioxidant activity as relevant in COPD pathogenesis and identify SIRT1 activity as a potential convenient biomarker for identification of mild/moderate, stable COPD.

Reactive Oxygen Species in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Environmental exposure, primarily cigarette smoking, can cause high oxidative stress and is the main factor of COPD development. Cigarette smoke also contributes to the imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant due to exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, endogenously released ROS during the inflammatory process and mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to this disease progression. ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) can oxidize different biomolecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids leading to epithelial cell injury and death. Various detoxifying enzymes and antioxidant defense systems can be involved in ROS removal. In this review, we summarize the main findings regarding the biological role of ROS, which may contribute to COPD development, and cytoprotective mechanisms against this disease progression.

Molecular pathology endpoints useful for aging studies

The first clinical trial aimed at targeting fundamental processes of aging will soon be launched (TAME: Targeting Aging with Metformin). In its wake is a robust pipeline of therapeutic interventions that have been demonstrated to extend lifespan or healthspan of preclinical models, including rapalogs, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and senolytics. This ensures that if the TAME trial is successful, numerous additional clinical trials are apt to follow. But a significant impediment to these trials remains the question of what endpoints should be measured? The design of the TAME trial very cleverly skirts around this based on the fact that there are decades of data on metformin in humans, providing unequaled clarity of what endpoints are most likely to yield a positive outcome. But for a new chemical entity, knowing what endpoints to measure remains a formidable challenge. For economy's sake, and to achieve results in a reasonable time frame, surrogate markers of lifespan and healthy aging are desperately needed. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of molecular endpoints that are currently being used as indices of age-related phenomena (e.g., morbidity, frailty, mortality) and proposes an approach for validating and prioritizing these endpoints.

The Role of Mitochondria and Oxidative/Antioxidative Imbalance in Pathobiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable disease, characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gases. The major risk factor of COPD, which has been proven in many studies, is the exposure to cigarette smoke. However, it is 15-20% of all smokers who develop COPD. This is why we should recognize the pathobiology of COPD as involving a complex interaction between several factors, including genetic vulnerability. Oxidant-antioxidant imbalance is recognized as one of the significant factors in COPD pathogenesis. Numerous exogenous and endogenous sources of ROS are present in pathobiology of COPD. One of endogenous sources of ROS is mitochondria. Although leakage of electrons from electron transport chain and forming of ROS are the effect of physiological functioning of mitochondria, there are various intra- and extracellular factors which may increase this amount and significantly contribute to oxidative-antioxidative imbalance. With the coexistence with impaired antioxidant defence, all these issues lead to oxidative and carbonyl stress. Both of these states play a significant role in pathobiology of COPD and may account for development of major comorbidities of this disease.

Frailty and sarcopenia as the basis for the phenotypic manifestation of chronic diseases in older adults

Frailty is a functional status that precedes disability and is characterized by decreased functional reserve and increased vulnerability. In addition to disability, the frailty phenotype predicts falls, institutionalization, hospitalization and mortality. Frailty is the consequence of the interaction between the aging process and some chronic diseases and conditions that compromise functional systems and finally produce sarcopenia. Many of the clinical manifestations of frailty are explained by sarcopenia which is closely related to poor physical performance. Reduced regenerative capacity, malperfusion, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation compose the sarcopenic skeletal muscle alterations associated to the frailty phenotype. Inflammation appears as a common determinant for chronic diseases, sarcopenia and frailty. The strategies to prevent the frailty phenotype include an adequate amount of physical activity and exercise as well as pharmacological interventions such as myostatin inhibitors and specific androgen receptor modulators. Cell response to stress pathways such as Nrf2, sirtuins and klotho could be considered as future therapeutic interventions for the management of frailty phenotype and aging-related chronic diseases.

FOXO3a Gene Polymorphism Associated with Asthma in Indian Population

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder delineated by a heightened immunological response due to environmental or genetic factors. Single nucleotide polymorphism studies have shown that FOXO3a plays a pivotal role in maintaining immunoregulation. Polymorphism in FOXO3a has been linked to inflammatory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Crohn's disease suggesting that FOXO3a may be associated with asthma. Airway inflammation in asthma is characterized by activation of T helper type 2 (Th2) T cells and Foxo family members are reported to play critical roles in the suppression of T cell activation. Thus this study was undertaken to investigate an association between single nucleotide polymorphism of the FOXO3a (rs13217795, C>T transition) gene and asthma in Indian population. To our knowledge we are the first ones reporting an association between FOXO3a and asthma.