An Update on Inflamm-Aging: Mechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment

Platinum Deposition in the Central Nervous System: A Novel Insight into Oxaliplatin-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Young and Old Mice

Numerous factors can contribute to the incidence or exacerbation of peripheral neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin (OXA). Recently, platinum accumulation in the spinal cord of mice after OXA exposure, despite the efficient defenses of the central nervous system, has been demonstrated by our research group, expanding the knowledge about its toxicity. One hypothesis is platinum accumulation in the spinal cord causes oxidative damage to neurons and impairs mitochondrial function. Thus, the main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aging and OXA-induced neuropathic pain and its comorbidities, including anxious behavior and cognitive impairment. By using an OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy model, platinum and bioelement concentrations and their influence on oxidative damage, neuroprotection, and neuroplasticity pathways were evaluated in Swiss mice, and our findings showed that treatment with OXA exacerbated pain and anxious behavior, albeit not age-induced cognitive impairment. Platinum deposition in the spinal cord and, for the first time, in the brain of mice exposed to OXA, regardless of age, was identified. We found that alterations in bioelement concentration, oxidative damage, neuroprotection, and neuroplasticity pathways induced by aging contribute to OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy. Our results strive to supply a basis for therapeutic interventions for OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy considering age specificities.

Risk of Cardiovascular Events after Influenza Infection-related Hospitalizations in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease -A Nationwide Population Based Study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular complications due to viral infection pose a significant risk in vulnerable patients such as those with congenital heart disease (CHD). Limited data exists regarding the incidence of influenza and its impact on cardiovascular outcomes among this specific patient population.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was designed using the Canadian Congenital Heart Disease (CanCHD) database - a pan-Canadian database of CHD patients with up to 35 years of follow-up. CHD patients aged 40 to 65 years with influenza virus-associated hospitalizations between 2010 and 2017 were identified and 1:1 matched with CHD patients with limb fracture hospitalizations on age and calendar time. Our primary endpoint was cardiovascular complications: heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, atrial arrhythmia, ventricular arrhythmia, heart block, myocarditis, and pericarditis.

RESULTS

Of the 303 patients identified with incident influenza virus-associated hospitalizations, 255 were matched to 255 patients with limb fracture hospitalizations. Patients with influenza virus-related hospitalizations showed significantly higher cumulative probability of cardiovascular complications at one year (0.16 vs. 0.03) and five years (0.33 vs. 0.15) compared to patients hospitalized with bone fracture. Time-dependent hazard function modeling demonstrated a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular complications within nine months post-discharge for influenza-related hospitalizations. This association was confirmed by Cox regression model (average hazard ratio throughout follow-up: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.59 - 3.84).

CONCLUSIONS

This pan-Canadian cohort study of adults with CHD demonstrated an association between influenza virus-related hospitalization and risk of cardiovascular complications during the nine months post discharge. This data is essential in planning surveillance strategies to mitigate adverse outcomes and provides insights into interpreting complication rates of other emerging pathogens, such as COVID-19.

β-Hydroxybutyrate alleviates brain aging through the MTA1 pathway in D-galactose injured mice

Aging is an inevitable law of the process of life during which many physiological functions change. Brain aging is an important mechanism in the occurrence and development of degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) is a water-soluble, endogenous small-molecule ketone that can cross the blood-brain barrier and induce neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of BHBA on D-galactose (D-gal) induced aging in mice and its underlying mechanisms using in vitro and in vivo experiments. These results indicated that D-gal-induced senescence, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses were inhibited by BHBA, and autophagy was promoted by BHBA. Mechanistically, we explored the role of metastasis-associated antigen-1 (MTA1) in D-gal-induced damaged in HT22 cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA). The results demonstrated that the expression of MTA1 was significantly increased by BHBA, which attenuated D-gal-induced aging, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses, and promoted autophagy through the upregulation of MTA1. In conclusion, MTA1 may be a novel target for treating aging caused by neurological damage. BHBA improves brain aging by activating the MTA1 pathway.

Role of inflammatory cytokines and the gut microbiome in vascular dementia: insights from Mendelian randomization analysis

Background

Both inflammatory cytokines and the gut microbiome are susceptibility factors for vascular dementia (VaD). The trends in the overall changes in the dynamics of inflammatory cytokines and in the composition of the gut microbiome are influenced by a variety of factors, making it difficult to fully explain the different effects of both on the different subtypes of VaD. Therefore, this Mendelian randomization (MR) study identified the inflammatory cytokines and gut microbiome members that influence the risk of developing VaD and their causal effects, and investigated whether inflammatory cytokines are gut microbiome mediators affecting VaD.

Methods

We obtained pooled genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for 196 gut microbiota and 41 inflammatory cytokines and used GWAS data for six VaD subtypes, namely, VaD (mixed), VaD (multiple infarctions), VaD (other), VaD (subcortical), VaD (sudden onset), and VaD (undefined). We used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary MR analysis method. We conducted sensitivity analyses and reverse MR analyses to examine reverse causal associations, enhancing the reliability and stability of the conclusions. Finally, we used multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis to assess the direct causal effects of inflammatory cytokines and the gut microbiome on the risk of VaD, and performed mediation MR analysis to explore whether inflammatory factors were potential mediators.

Results

Our two-sample MR study revealed relationships between the risk of six VaD subtypes and inflammatory cytokines and the gut microbiota: 7 inflammatory cytokines and 14 gut microbiota constituents were positively correlated with increased VaD subtype risk, while 2 inflammatory cytokines and 11 gut microbiota constituents were negatively correlated with decreased VaD subtype risk. After Bonferroni correction, interleukin-18 was correlated with an increased risk of VaD (multiple infarctions); macrophage migration inhibitory factor was correlated with an increased risk of VaD (sudden onset); interleukin-4 was correlated with a decreased risk of VaD (other); Ruminiclostridium 6 and Bacillales were positively and negatively correlated with the risk of VaD (undefined), respectively; Negativicutes and Selenomonadales were correlated with a decreased risk of VaD (mixed); and Melainabacteria was correlated with an increased risk of VaD (multiple infarctions). Sensitivity analyses revealed no multilevel effects or heterogeneity and no inverse causality between VaD and inflammatory cytokines or the gut microbiota. The MVMR results further confirmed that the causal effects of Negativicutes, Selenomonadales, and Melainabacteria on VaD remain significant. Mediation MR analysis showed that inflammatory cytokines were not potential mediators.

Conclusion

This study helps us to better understand the pathological mechanisms of VaD and suggests the potential value of targeting increases or decreases in inflammatory cytokines and gut microbiome members for VaD prevention and intervention.

Follow-Up of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Levels in Belgian Nursing Home Residents and Staff Two, Four and Six Months after Primary Course BNT162b2 Vaccination

When COVID-19 vaccines were implemented, nursing home residents (NHRs) and staff (NHS) in Belgium were prioritized for vaccination. To characterize the vaccine response over time in this population and to identify poorly responding groups, we assessed antibody concentrations two (T1), four (T2) and six months (T3) after primary course BNT162b2 vaccination in six groups of infection-naive/infection-primed NHRs/NHS, with/without comorbidity (NHRs only). Participant groups (N = 125 per group) were defined within a national serosurveillance study in nursing homes, based on questionnaire data. Dried blood spots were analyzed using ELISA for the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 S1RBD IgG antibodies. Among all groups, antibody concentrations significantly decreased between T1 and T2/T3, all with a ≥70% decrease at T3, except for infection-primed staff (-32%). Antibody concentrations among infection-naive NHRs were 11.96 times lower than those among infection-primed NHR, while the latter were comparable (x1.05) to infection-primed NHS. The largest proportion [13% (95% CI: 11-24%)] of vaccine non-responders was observed in the group of infection-naive NHRs with comorbidities. A longer interval between infection and vaccination (≥3 months) elicited higher antibody responses. Our data retrospectively show the necessity of timely COVID-19 booster vaccination. Infection-naive NHRs require special attention regarding immune monitoring in future epidemics or pandemics.

Unveiling the role of chronic inflammation in ovarian aging: insights into mechanisms and clinical implications

Ovarian aging, a natural process in women and various other female mammals as they age, is characterized by a decline in ovarian function and fertility due to a reduction in oocyte reserve and quality. This phenomenon is believed to result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. While these factors collectively contribute to the shaping of ovarian aging, the substantial impact and intricate interplay of chronic inflammation in this process have been somewhat overlooked in discussions. Chronic inflammation, a prolonged and sustained inflammatory response persisting over an extended period, can exert detrimental effects on tissues and organs. This review delves into the novel hallmark of aging-chronic inflammation-to further emphasize the primary characteristics of ovarian aging. It endeavors to explore not only the clinical symptoms but also the underlying mechanisms associated with this complex process. By shining a spotlight on chronic inflammation, the aim is to broaden our understanding of the multifaceted aspects of ovarian aging and its potential clinical implications.

Neuroinflammaging: A Tight Line Between Normal Aging and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders

Aging in the healthy brain is characterized by a low-grade, chronic, and sterile inflammatory process known as neuroinflammaging. This condition, mainly consisting in an up-regulation of the inflammatory response at the brain level, contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Development of this proinflammatory state involves the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, able to induce age-related epigenetic modifications. Indeed, the exposure to environmental compounds, drugs, and infections, can contribute to epigenetic modifications of DNA methylome, histone fold proteins, and nucleosome positioning, leading to epigenetic modulation of neuroinflammatory responses. Furthermore, some epigenetic modifiers, which combine and interact during the life course, can contribute to modeling of epigenome dynamics to sustain, or dampen the neuroinflammatory phenotype. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge about neuroinflammaging with a particular focus on epigenetic mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of neuroinflammatory cascades in the central nervous system; furthermore, we describe some diagnostic biomarkers that may contribute to increase diagnostic accuracy and help tailor therapeutic strategies in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

Relationship between Modern ART Regimens and Immunosenescence Markers in Patients with Chronic HIV Infection

The increased life expectancy of PLHIV (People Living with HIV) and the successful highly combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) poses new clinical challenges regarding aging and its co-morbid condition. It is commonly believed that HIV infection "accelerates" aging. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is characterized by inflammation and immune activation that persists despite cART, and that may contribute to the development of co-morbid conditions. In this regard, we aimed to compare current cART regimens in light of premature aging to evaluate differences in their ability to reduce immune activation and inflammation in virologically suppressed patients. We studied a panel of biomarkers (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-12p70, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, IL-18, GM-CSF, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, soluble CD14), which could provide a non-invasive and affordable approach to monitor HIV-related chronic inflammation. The results of the current study do not provide hard evidence favoring a particular cART regimen, although they show a less favorable regimen profile containing a protease inhibitor. Our data suggest an incomplete reduction of inflammation and immune activation in terms of the effective cART. It is likely that the interest in various biomarkers related to immune activation and inflammation as predictors of clinical outcomes among PLHIV will increase in the future.

More than a number: Incorporating the aged phenotype to improve in vitro and in vivo modeling of neurodegenerative disease

Age is the number one risk factor for developing a neurodegenerative disease (ND), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Parkinson's disease (PD). With our rapidly ageing world population, there will be an increased burden of ND and need for disease-modifying treatments. Currently, however, translation of research from bench to bedside in NDs is poor. This may be due, at least in part, to the failure to account for the potential effect of ageing in preclinical modelling of NDs. While ageing can impact upon physiological response in multiple ways, only a limited number of preclinical studies of ND have incorporated ageing as a factor of interest. Here, we evaluate the aged phenotype and highlight the critical, but unmet, need to incorporate aspects of this phenotype into both the in vitro and in vivo models used in ND research. Given technological advances in the field over the past several years, we discuss how these could be harnessed to create novel models of ND that more readily incorporate aspects of the aged phenotype. This includes a recently described in vitro panel of ageing markers, which could help lead to more standardised models and improve reproducibility across studies. Importantly, we cannot assume that young cells or animals yield the same responses as seen in the context of ageing; thus, an improved understanding of the biology of ageing, and how to appropriately incorporate this into the modelling of ND, will ensure the best chance for successful translation of new therapies to the aged patient.

Age-related changes to macrophage subpopulations and TREM2 dysregulation characterize attenuated fracture healing in old mice

Fracture healing complications increase with age, with higher rates of delayed unions and nonunions and an associated increase in morbidity and mortality in older adults. Macrophages have a dynamic role in fracture healing, and we have previously demonstrated that age-related changes in macrophages are associated with attenuated fracture repair in old mice. Here, we provide a single cell characterization of the immune cells involved in the early phase of fracture healing. We show that there were multiple transcriptionally distinct macrophage subpopulations present simultaneously within the healing tissue. Fracture healing was attenuated in old mice compared to young, and macrophages from the fracture callus of old mice demonstrated a pro-inflammatory phenotype compared to young. Interestingly, Trem2 expression was decreased in old macrophages compared to young. Young mice lacking Trem2 demonstrated attenuated fracture healing and inflammatory dysregulation similar to old mice. Trem2 dysregulation has previously been implicated in other age-related diseases, but its role in fracture healing is unknown. This work provides a robust characterization of the macrophage subpopulations involved in fracture healing, and further reveals the important role of Trem2 in fracture healing and may be a potential driver of age-related inflammatory dysregulation. Future work may further examine macrophages and Trem2 as potential therapeutic targets for management of fracture repair in older adults.

The companion dog as a model for inflammaging: a cross-sectional pilot study

Inflammaging, the chronic, progressive proinflammatory state associated with aging, has been associated with multiple negative health outcomes in humans. The pathophysiology of inflammaging is complex; however, it is often characterized by high serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Few studies have evaluated the effects of age on inflammatory cytokines in companion dogs, and most of these studies included dogs of a single breed. In this cross-sectional study, we measured multiple circulating inflammatory markers and hematological parameters in banked serum samples from 47 healthy companion dogs of various breeds enrolled in the Dog Aging Project. Using univariate linear models, we investigated the association of each of these markers with age, sex, body weight, and body condition score (BCS), a measure of obesity in the dog. Serum IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α concentrations were all positively associated with age. Lymphocyte count was negatively associated with age. Platelet count had a negative association with body weight. IL-2, albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, bilirubin, S100A12, and NMH concentrations were not associated with age, weight, BCS, or sex after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Our findings replicate previous findings in humans, including increases in IL-6 and TNF-α with age, giving more evidence to the strength of the companion dog as a model for human aging.

Identification of crucial inflammaging related risk factors in multiple sclerosis

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by inflammatory demyelinating lesions in the central nervous system. Studies have shown that the inflammation is vital to both the onset and progression of MS, where aging plays a key role in it. However, the potential mechanisms on how aging-related inflammation (inflammaging) promotes MS have not been fully understood. Therefore, there is an urgent need to integrate the underlying mechanisms between inflammaging and MS, where meaningful prediction models are needed.

Methods

First, both aging and disease models were developed using machine learning methods, respectively. Then, an integrated inflammaging model was used to identify relative risk factors, by identifying essential "aging-inflammation-disease" triples. Finally, a series of bioinformatics analyses (including network analysis, enrichment analysis, sensitivity analysis, and pan-cancer analysis) were further used to explore the potential mechanisms between inflammaging and MS.

Results

A series of risk factors were identified, such as the protein homeostasis, cellular homeostasis, neurodevelopment and energy metabolism. The inflammaging indices were further validated in different cancer types. Therefore, various risk factors were integrated, and even both the theories of inflammaging and immunosenescence were further confirmed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study systematically investigated the potential relationships between inflammaging and MS through a series of computational approaches, and could present a novel thought for other aging-related diseases.

Safety and efficacy of autologous adipose tissue-derived stem cell transplantation in aging-related low-grade inflammation patients: a single-group, open-label, phase I clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Inflamm-aging is associated with the rate of aging and is significantly related to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and age-related degenerative diseases such as type II diabetes and osteoporosis. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficiency of autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSC) transplantation in aging-related low-grade inflammation patients.

METHODS

This study is a single-group, open-label, phase I clinical trial in which patients treated with 2 infusions (100 million cells i.v) of autologous AD-MSCs were initially evaluated in 12 inflamm-aging patients who concurrently had highly proinflammatory cytokines and 2 of the following 3 diseases: diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. The treatment effects were evaluated based on plasma cytokines.

RESULTS

During the study's follow-up period, no adverse effects were observed in AD-MSC injection patients. Compared to baseline (D-44), the inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly reduced after 180 days (D180) of MSC infusion. IL-4/IL-10 at 90 days (D90) and IL-2/IL-10 at D180 increased, reversing the imbalance between proinflammatory and inflammatory ratios in the patients.

CONCLUSION

AD-MSCs represent a potential intervention to prevent age-related inflammation in patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov number is NCT05827757, first registered on 13th Oct 2020.

Emerging Vistas for the Nutraceutical Withania somnifera in Inflammaging

Inflammaging, a coexistence of inflammation and aging, is a persistent, systemic, low-grade inflammation seen in the geriatric population. Various natural compounds have been greatly explored for their potential role in preventing and treating inflammaging. Withania somnifera has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine as a nutraceutical for its numerous health benefits including regenerative and adaptogenic effects. Recent preclinical and clinical studies on the role of Withania somnifera and its active compounds in treating aging, inflammation, and oxidative stress have shown promise for its use in healthy aging. We discuss the chemistry of Withania somnifera, the etiology of inflammaging and the protective role(s) of Withania somnifera in inflammaging in key organ systems including brain, lung, kidney, and liver as well as the mechanistic underpinning of these effects. Furthermore, we elucidate the beneficial effects of Withania somnifera in oxidative stress/DNA damage, immunomodulation, COVID-19, and the microbiome. We also delineate a putative protein-protein interaction network of key biomarkers modulated by Withania somnifera in inflammaging. In addition, we review the safety/potential toxicity of Withania somnifera as well as global clinical trials on Withania somnifera. Taken together, this is a synthetic review on the beneficial effects of Withania somnifera in inflammaging and highlights the potential of Withania somnifera in improving the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the aging population worldwide.

GKT137831 in combination with adipose-derived stem cells alleviates high glucose-induced inflammaging and improves diabetic wound healing

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been proven to promote healing in diabetic wounds, which are one of the most serious chronic refractory wounds. However, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by high glucose (HG) lead to oxidative stress and aging in ADSCs, which limits the therapeutic effect of ADSCs. In this study, we investigated the role of GKT137831, a NOX1/4 inhibitor that can reduce ROS production, in protecting ADSCs from hyperglycemia and in diabetic wound healing. In vitro, ROS levels and NOX4 expression were increased after HG treatment of ADSCs, while the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde was increased; mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased; inflammatory aging-related indicators such as p16, p21, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), MMP3, interleukin-6, and β-galactosidase were increased; and migration was weakened. In vivo, we constructed a diabetic mouse wound model and found that the combination of ADSCs and GKT137831 synergistically promoted the 21-day wound healing rate, increased the expression of collagen and hydroxyproline, increased the number of blood vessels and the expression of CD31, and reduced the expression of interleukin-6, MMP1, MMP3, and p21. These results suggest that GKT137831 could protect ADSCs from oxidative stress and aging induced by HG and enhance the therapeutic effect of ADSCs on diabetic wounds.

CD4+ T-Cell Senescence in Neurodegenerative Disease: Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Targets

With the increasing proportion of the aging population, neurodegenerative diseases have become one of the major health issues in society. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by progressive neurodegeneration associated with aging, leading to a gradual decline in cognitive, emotional, and motor functions in patients. The process of aging is a normal physiological process in human life and is accompanied by the aging of the immune system, which is known as immunosenescence. T-cells are an important part of the immune system, and their senescence is the main feature of immunosenescence. The appearance of senescent T-cells has been shown to potentially lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage, with some studies indicating a direct link between T-cell senescence, inflammation, and neuronal damage. The role of these subsets with different functions in NDs is still under debate. A growing body of evidence suggests that in people with a ND, there is a prevalence of CD4+ T-cell subsets exhibiting characteristics that are linked to senescence. This underscores the significance of CD4+ T-cells in NDs. In this review, we summarize the classification and function of CD4+ T-cell subpopulations, the characteristics of CD4+ T-cell senescence, the potential roles of these cells in animal models and human studies of NDs, and therapeutic strategies targeting CD4+ T-cell senescence.

Assessing the relationship between multimorbidity, NCD configurations, frailty phenotypes, and mortality risk in older adults

BACKGROUND

Older adults are increasingly susceptible to prolonged illness, multiple chronic diseases, and disabilities, which can lead to the coexistence of multimorbidity and frailty. Multimorbidity may result in various noncommunicable disease (NCD) patterns or configurations that could be associated with frailty and death. Mortality risk may vary depending on the presence of specific chronic diseases configurations or frailty.

METHODS

The aim was to examine the impact of NCD configurations on mortality risk among older adults with distinct frailty phenotypes. The population was analyzed from the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study Cohort (CRELES). A total of 2,662 adults aged 60 or older were included and followed for 5 years. Exploratory factor analysis and various clustering techniques were utilized to identify NCD configurations. The frequency of NCD accumulation was also assessed for a multimorbidity definition. Frailty phenotypes were set according to Fried et al. criteria. Kaplan‒Meier survival analyses, mortality rates, and Cox proportional hazards models were estimated.

RESULTS

Four different types of patterns were identified: 'Neuro-psychiatric', 'Metabolic', 'Cardiovascular', and 'Mixt' configurations. These configurations showed a higher mortality risk than the mere accumulation of NCDs [Cardiovascular HR:1.65 (1.07-2.57); 'Mixt' HR:1.49 (1.00-2.22); ≥3 NCDs HR:1.31 (1.09-1.58)]. Frailty exhibited a high and constant mortality risk, irrespective of the presence of any NCD configuration or multimorbidity definition. However, HRs decreased and lost statistical significance when phenotypes were considered in the Cox models [frailty + 'Cardiovascular' HR:1.56 (1.00-2.42); frailty + 'Mixt':1.42 (0.95-2.11); and frailty + ≥ 3 NCDs HR:1.23 (1.02-1.49)].

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty accompanying multimorbidity emerges as a more crucial indicator of mortality risk than multimorbidity alone. Therefore, studying NCD configurations is worthwhile as they may offer improved risk profiles for mortality as alternatives to straightforward counts.

Melatonin: a ferroptosis inhibitor with potential therapeutic efficacy for the post-COVID-19 trajectory of accelerated brain aging and neurodegeneration

The unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19 swept millions of lives in a short period, yet its menace continues among its survivors in the form of post-COVID syndrome. An exponentially growing number of COVID-19 survivors suffer from cognitive impairment, with compelling evidence of a trajectory of accelerated aging and neurodegeneration. The novel and enigmatic nature of this yet-to-unfold pathology demands extensive research seeking answers for both the molecular underpinnings and potential therapeutic targets. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, is a strongly proposed underlying mechanism in post-COVID-19 aging and neurodegeneration discourse. COVID-19 incites neuroinflammation, iron dysregulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, antioxidant system repression, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) disruption, and clock gene alteration. These events pave the way for ferroptosis, which shows its signature in COVID-19, premature aging, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the search for a treatment, melatonin shines as a promising ferroptosis inhibitor with its repeatedly reported safety and tolerability. According to various studies, melatonin has proven efficacy in attenuating the severity of certain COVID-19 manifestations, validating its reputation as an anti-viral compound. Melatonin has well-documented anti-aging properties and combating neurodegenerative-related pathologies. Melatonin can block the leading events of ferroptosis since it is an efficient anti-inflammatory, iron chelator, antioxidant, angiotensin II antagonist, and clock gene regulator. Therefore, we propose ferroptosis as the culprit behind the post-COVID-19 trajectory of aging and neurodegeneration and melatonin, a well-fitting ferroptosis inhibitor, as a potential treatment.

The Impact of Immune System Aging on Infectious Diseases

Immune system aging is becoming a field of increasing public health interest because of prolonged life expectancy, which is not paralleled by an increase in health expectancy. As age progresses, innate and adaptive immune systems undergo changes, which are defined, respectively, as inflammaging and immune senescence. A wealth of available data demonstrates that these two conditions are closely linked, leading to a greater vulnerability of elderly subjects to viral, bacterial, and opportunistic infections as well as lower post-vaccination protection. To face this novel scenario, an in-depth assessment of the immune players involved in this changing epidemiology is demanded regarding the individual and concerted involvement of immune cells and mediators within endogenous and exogenous factors and co-morbidities. This review provides an overall updated description of the changes affecting the aging immune system, which may be of help in understanding the underlying mechanisms associated with the main age-associated infectious diseases.

Aging in Ocular Blood Vessels: Molecular Insights and the Role of Oxidative Stress

Acknowledged as a significant pathogenetic driver for numerous diseases, aging has become a focal point in addressing the profound changes associated with increasing human life expectancy, posing a critical concern for global public health. Emerging evidence suggests that factors influencing vascular aging extend their impact to choroidal and retinal blood vessels. The objective of this work is to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of vascular aging on ocular blood vessels and related diseases. Additionally, this study aims to illuminate molecular insights contributing to vascular cell aging, with a particular emphasis on the choroid and retina. Moreover, innovative molecular targets operating within the domain of ocular vascular aging are presented and discussed.

Anemia and Its Connections to Inflammation in Older Adults: A Review

Anemia is a common hematological disorder that affects 12% of the community-dwelling population, 40% of hospitalized patients, and 47% of nursing home residents. Our understanding of the impact of inflammation on iron metabolism and erythropoiesis is still lacking. In older adults, anemia can be divided into nutritional deficiency anemia, bleeding anemia, and unexplained anemia. The last type of anemia might be caused by reduced erythropoietin (EPO) activity, progressive EPO resistance of bone marrow erythroid progenitors, and the chronic subclinical pro-inflammatory state. Overall, one-third of older patients with anemia demonstrate a nutritional deficiency, one-third have a chronic subclinical pro-inflammatory state and chronic kidney disease, and one-third suffer from anemia of unknown etiology. Understanding anemia's pathophysiology in people aged 65 and over is crucial because it contributes to frailty, falls, cognitive decline, decreased functional ability, and higher mortality risk. Inflammation produces adverse effects on the cells of the hematological system. These effects include iron deficiency (hypoferremia), reduced EPO production, and the elevated phagocytosis of erythrocytes by hepatic and splenic macrophages. Additionally, inflammation causes enhanced eryptosis due to oxidative stress in the circulation. Identifying mechanisms behind age-related inflammation is essential for a better understanding and preventing anemia in older adults.

Crosstalk between obesity and cancer: a role for adipokines

Adipose tissue is a complex organ that is increasingly being recognised as the largest endocrine organ in the body. Adipocytes among multiple cell types of adipose tissue can secrete a variety of adipokines, which are involved in signalling pathways and these can be changed by obesity and cancer. There are proposed mechanisms to link obesity/adiposity to cancer development including adipocytokine dysregulation. Among these adipokines, leptin acts through multiple pathways including the STAT3, MAPK, and PI3K pathways involved in cell growth. Adiponectin has the opposite action from leptin in tumour growth partly because of increased apoptotic responses of p53 and Bax. Visfatin increases cancer cell proliferation through ERK1/2, PI3K/AKT, and p38 which are stimulated by proinflammatory cytokines. Omentin through the PI3K/Akt-Nos pathway is involved in cancer-tumour development. Apelin might be involved through angiogenesis in tumour progressions. PAI-1 via its anti-fibrinolytic activity on cell adhesion and uPA/uPAR activity influence cancer cell growth.

Lifestyle and demographic associations with 47 inflammatory and vascular stress biomarkers in 9876 blood donors

BACKGROUND

The emerging use of biomarkers in research and tailored care introduces a need for information about the association between biomarkers and basic demographics and lifestyle factors revealing expectable concentrations in healthy individuals while considering general demographic differences.

METHODS

A selection of 47 biomarkers, including markers of inflammation and vascular stress, were measured in plasma samples from 9876 Danish Blood Donor Study participants. Using regression models, we examined the association between biomarkers and sex, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking.

RESULTS

Here we show that concentrations of inflammation and vascular stress biomarkers generally increase with higher age, BMI, and smoking. Sex-specific effects are observed for multiple biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

This study provides comprehensive information on concentrations of 47 plasma biomarkers in healthy individuals. The study emphasizes that knowledge about biomarker concentrations in healthy individuals is critical for improved understanding of disease pathology and for tailored care and decision support tools.

Impact of Immunosenescence in Older Kidney Transplant Recipients: Associated Clinical Outcomes and Possible Risk Stratification for Immunosuppression Reduction

The number of older individuals receiving a kidney transplant as replacement therapy has significantly increased in the past decades and this increase is expected to continue. Older patients have a lower rate of acute rejection but an increased incidence of death with a functioning graft. Several factors, including an increased incidence of infections, post-transplant malignancy and cardiovascular comorbidity and mortality, contribute to this increased risk. Notwithstanding, kidney transplantation is still the best form of kidney replacement therapy in all patients with chronic kidney disease, including in older individuals. The best form of immunosuppression and the optimal dose of these medications in older recipients remains a topic of discussion. Pharmacological studies have usually excluded older patients and when included, patients were highly selected and their numbers insignificant to draw a reasonable conclusion. The reduced incidence of acute rejection in older recipients has largely been attributed to immunosenescence. Immunosenescence refers to the aging of the innate and adaptive immunity, accumulating in phenotypic and functional changes. These changes influences the response of the immune system to new challenges. In older individuals, immunosenescence is associated with increased susceptibility to infectious pathogens, a decreased response after vaccinations, increased risk of malignancies and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Chronic kidney disease is associated with premature immunosenescent changes, and these are independent of aging. The immunosenescent state is associated with low-grade sterile inflammation termed inflammaging. This chronic low-grade inflammation triggers a compensatory immunosuppressive state to avoid further tissue damage, leaving older individuals with chronic kidney disease in an immune-impaired state before kidney transplantation. Immunosuppression after transplantation may further enhance progression of this immunosenescent state. This review covers the role of immunosenescence in older kidney transplant recipients and it details present knowledge of the changes in chronic kidney disease and after transplantation. The impact of immunosuppression on the progression and complications of an immunosenescent state are discussed, and the future direction of a possible clinical implementation of immunosenescence to individualize/reduce immunosuppression in older recipients is laid out.

Exploring the emerging bidirectional association between inflamm-aging and cellular senescence in organismal aging and disease

There is strong evidence that most individuals in the elderly population are characterized by inflamm-aging which refers to a subtle increase in the systemic pro-inflammatory environment and impaired innate immune activation. Although a variety of distinct factors are associated with the progression of inflamm-aging, emerging research is demonstrating a dynamic relationship between the processes of cellular senescence and inflamm-aging. Cellular senescence is a recognized factor governing organismal aging, and through a characteristic secretome, accumulating senescent cells can induce and augment a pro-inflammatory tissue environment that provides a rationale for immune system-independent activation of inflamm-aging and associated diseases. There is also accumulating evidence that inflamm-aging or its components can directly accelerate the development of senescent cells and ultimately senescent cell burden in tissues in a likely vicious inflammatory loop. The present review is intended to describe the emerging senescence-based molecular etiology of inflamm-aging as well as the dynamic reciprocal interactions between inflamm-aging and cellular senescence. Therapeutic interventions concurrently targeting cellular senescence and inflamm-aging are discussed and limitations as well as research opportunities have been deliberated. An effort has been made to provide a rationale for integrating inflamm-aging with cellular senescence both as an underlying cause and therapeutic target for further studies.

Magnesium and the Hallmarks of Aging

Magnesium is an essential ion in the human body that regulates numerous physiological and pathological processes. Magnesium deficiency is very common in old age. Age-related chronic diseases and the aging process itself are frequently associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, called 'inflammaging'. Because chronic magnesium insufficiency has been linked to excessive generation of inflammatory markers and free radicals, inducing a chronic inflammatory state, we formerly hypothesized that magnesium inadequacy may be considered among the intermediaries helping us explain the link between inflammaging and aging-associated diseases. We show in this review evidence of the relationship of magnesium with all the hallmarks of aging (genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, disabled autophagy, dysbiosis, and chronic inflammation), which may positively affect the human healthspan. It is feasible to hypothesize that maintaining an optimal balance of magnesium during one's life course may turn out to be a safe and economical strategy contributing to the promotion of healthy aging. Future well-designed studies are necessary to further explore this hypothesis.

Monocyte alteration in elderly hip fracture healing: monocyte promising role in bone regeneration

Individual aged with various change in cell and cellular microenvironments and the skeletal system undergoes physiological changes that affect the process of bone fracture healing. These changes are accompanied by alterations in regulating critical genes involved in this healing process. Unfortunately, the elderly are particularly susceptible to hip bone fractures, which pose a significant burden associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. A notable change in older adults is the increased expression of activation, adhesion, and migration markers in circulating monocytes. However, there is a decrease in the expression of co-inhibitory molecules. Recently, research evidence has shown that the migration of specific monocyte subsets to the site of hip fracture plays a crucial role in bone resorption and remodeling, especially concerning age-related factors. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about uniqueness characteristics of monocytes, and their potential regulation and moderation to enhance the healing process of hip fractures. This breakthrough could significantly contribute to the comprehension of aging process at a fundamental aging mechanism through this initiative would represent a crucial stride for diagnosing and treating age related hip fracture.

Autonomic nervous system imbalance during aging contributes to impair endogenous anti-inflammaging strategies

Inflammaging refers to the age-related low grade, sterile, chronic, systemic, and long-lasting subclinical, proinflammatory status, currently recognized as the main risk factor for development and progression of the most common age-related diseases (ARDs). Extensive investigations were focused on a plethora of proinflammatory stimuli that can fuel inflammaging, underestimating and partly neglecting important endogenous anti-inflammaging mechanisms that could play a crucial role in such age-related proinflammatory state. Studies on autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions during aging highlighted an imbalance toward an overactive sympathetic nervous system (SNS) tone, promoting proinflammatory conditions, and a diminished parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity, playing anti-inflammatory effects mediated by the so called cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). At the molecular level, CAP is characterized by signals communicated via the vagus nerve (with the possible involvement of the splenic nerves) through acetylcholine release to downregulate the inflammatory actions of macrophages, key players of inflammaging. Notably, decreased vagal function and increased burden of activated/senescent macrophages (macrophaging) probably precede the development of several age-related risk factors and diseases, while increased vagal function and reduced macrophaging could be associated with relevant reduction of risk profiles. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) is another pathway related to ANS promoting some anti-inflammatory response mainly through increased cortisol levels. In this perspective review, we highlighted that CAP and HPA, representing broadly "anti-inflammaging" mechanisms, have a reduced efficacy and lose effectiveness in aged people, a phenomenon that could contribute to fuel inflammaging. In this framework, strategies aimed to re-balance PNS/SNS activities could be explored to modulate systemic inflammaging especially at an early subclinical stage, thus increasing the chances to reach the extreme limit of human lifespan in healthy status.

A Multi-center Trial Evaluating a Serum Comprised of Plant-based Adaptogens Targeting Skin Quality

Objective

The ability of the skin to maintain homeostasis declines with age. Adaptogens support the capacity of the skin to respond to stress. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of a novel serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens for improving photoaged skin following twice-daily application.

Methods

A multi-center, 12-week trial was conducted in participants aged 45 to 65 years, Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) I to VI, with mild-to-severe photoaging based on a 10-point grading scale (3 [Minimum] to 7 [Maximum]). Visible improvements were assessed in erythema, pore size, skin dullness, skin texture, and uneven pigmentation utilizing a six-point grading scale (0=None to 5=Severe). Global skin quality was measured utilizing our Global Skin Quality Index (GSQI). Sebum measurements were obtained in a subset of participants. Patient satisfaction and tolerability were recorded throughout the study.

Results

Fifty-three participants were enrolled and completed the study. Mean age was 56 years and 66 percent were White, 17 percent were Black, 8 percent were Hispanic, 6 percent were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 81 percent had moderate photodamage. At Week 12, significant mean percent improvements from baseline were demonstrated in erythema (50%), dullness (44%), texture (52%), pore size (23%), and uneven pigmentation (21%; all p<.0001). Significant GSQI improvements from baseline were observed at Week 12 (39%; p<0.0001). Significant mean reductions from baseline in skin surface sebum were demonstrated at Week 12 (-38%; p<0.0001). All adverse events (AEs) were mild and transient.

Conclusion

A novel serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens, demonstrated improvements from baseline in the appearance of erythema, dullness, texture, pore size, uneven pigmentation, and global skin quality over 12 weeks. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction, with mild, transient AEs reported.

The Influence of Physical Exercises on the Flexibility of Older Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Background

Flexibility is a component of functional capacity and is relevant in maintaining the musculature and structures adjacent to the joints. Then, the improvement of the flexibility must be a critical goal in the rehabilitation programs. By improving flexibility in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) individuals, the pain is relieved, the risk of injury is reduced, and the need for surgical interventions is delayed. We aimed to summarize the available literature on the influence of different physical exercise modalities on flexibility in older KOA individuals.

Methods

This study followed the PRISMA statement and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020195786). Seven databases (MEDLINE/PubMed; PEDro; CINAHL; Scopus; Web of Science; Embase; and SPORTDiscus) were screened for papers published prior to Sep 6, 2022. The PEDro scale, Cochrane collaborations, and ROBINS-I tools were used to evaluate the methodological quality and risk of bias.

Results

Ten studies (including 438 participants diagnosed with KOA) fulfilled the eligibility criteria, and nine concluded that flexibility was improved after a physical exercise program.

Conclusion

Despite the modality, physical exercise improves flexibility in older KOA individuals, improving the functional capacity. Health professionals engaged in KOA rehabilitation should use physical exercise as a strategy to improve the flexibility of this population.

Gene Expression Analysis of a Topical Serum Comprised of Plant-based Adaptogens Developed to Support Homeostasis and Skin Quality

Objective

A topical serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens was purposefully developed to support the ability of the skin to adapt and achieve balance. The study described herein evaluated changes in the expression of target genes related to skin homeostasis following topical exposure.

Methods

Utilizing an in vitro epidermal skin model, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of gene expression was conducted following 48-hour exposure to 15μL of the study product (MYS serum) to the surface of each tissue (N=4). Biomarkers that play a key role in skin homeostasis were analyzed: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), chloride channel accessory 2 (CLCA2), metallothionein 1A (MT1A), 1F (MT1F), and 1G (MT1G), and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1). Statistically significant changes were calculated using unpaired t-test analysis (p<0.05) versus control (saline). A linear Fold Change (FC) value >2 was considered statistically significant.

Results

An 85 percent (FC=1.85) increase in expression of AhR vs. control occurred following exposure to MYS serum indicating enhanced support of cellular and epidermal homeostasis, and the skin barrier's response to stress. Statistically significant increases in expression occurred with TXNRD1 (293%; FC=3.93), MT1A (307%; FC=4.07), MT1F (529%; FC=6.29), and MT1G (163%; FC=12.63) vs. control, indicating support of skin's adaptive response to stress and immune homeostasis. Significantly decreased levels of CLCA2 were demonstrated (69%; FC=-3.24) indicating inhibition of oxidative stress-induced senescence.

Conclusion

Utilizing an in vitro epidermal skin model, a serum comprised of plant-based adaptogens demonstrated changes in the expression of target genes that play important roles in skin's ability to respond to stress and achieve homeostasis.

Inflammatory markers and physical frailty: towards clinical application

Global population aging poses a tremendous burden on the health care system worldwide. Frailty is associated with decreased physical reserve and is considered an important indicator of adverse events in the older population. Therefore, there is growing interest in the early diagnosis and intervention of frailty, but the cellular mechanisms responsible for frailty are still not completely understood. Chronic inflammation is related to decreased physical function and increased disease risk. Additionally, multiple human and animal studies suggest that inflammation probably plays the largest role in contributing to frailty. Some inflammatory markers have been proposed to predict physical frailty. However, there are still large gaps in knowledge related to the clinical application of these markers in frail patients. Therefore, understanding the biological processes and identifying recognized and reliable markers are urgent and pivotal tasks for geriatricians. In the present review, we broadly summarize the inflammatory markers that may have potential diagnostic and therapeutic use, thereby translating them into health care for older people with frailty in the near future.

A cross-sectional analysis of zinc and copper levels and their relationship to cardiovascular disease risk markers in Qatar biobank participants

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Dietary intake, particularly zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) has been strongly associated with CVD. These trace elements play a crucial role in human enzyme activity, suppressing inflammation, catalyzing lipid metabolism enzymes, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating glucose metabolism. However, imbalances in these elements are linked to cardiovascular disturbances. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between circulating levels of Zn, Cu, and Zn/Cu ratio with CVD risk factors in the Qatari population. Bivariate logistic regression, adjusted for age, nationality, gender, and education was performed to examine the impact of Zn, Cu, and Zn/Cu ratio (as independent variables) on major CVD risk markers (as dependent variables). Participants in the highest Zn tertiles (T2 and T3) were at greater odds ratio (OR) of unfavorable metabolic functions such as elevated HbA1C [OR = 2.5, p = 0.015 (T2) and OR = 3.2, p = 0.002 (T3)], triglycerides [OR = 2.17, p = 0.015 (T2), and TyG index [OR = 2.21, p = 0.004 (T2), and OR = 2.67, p < 0.001 (T3)] compared to T1. Conversely, they had significantly lower ORs for prolonged prothrombin time [OR = 0.37, p = 0.001 (T3)]. Higher levels of Cu (T2 and T3) had higher OR for elevated HDL-C levels [OR = 1.69, p = 0.046 (T2), and OR = 2.27, p = 0.002 (T3)] and lower OR for elevated levels of triglycerides (OR = 0.4, p = 0.009, T3), diastolic blood pressure [OR = 0.41, p = 0.024 (T2), and OR = 0.47, p = 0.049 (T3)], and creatinine kinase (OR = 0.27, p = 0.014, T3) compared to T1. Higher levels of Cu (T2 and T3) were associated with a higher risk for elevated fibrinogen levels [OR = 3.1, p = 0.035 (T2), and OR = 5.04, p = 0.002 (T3)]. Additionally, higher Zn/Cu ratio (T2 and T3) were associated with lower ORs for elevated fibrinogen levels [OR = 0.3, p = 0.005 (T2), and OR = 0.27, p = 0.005 (T3)] compared to T1, indicating a lower risk of developing CVD. The study reveals a link between Zn, Cu, and the Zn/Cu ratio and cardiovascular disease risk. A higher Zn/Cu ratio may protect against CVD, while elevated Cu levels are linked to obesity, fibrinogen levels, and HbA1C. Maintaining optimal levels of these trace elements, either through diet or supplementation, may help reduce CVD risk.

Aging Hallmarks and Progression and Age-Related Diseases: A Landscape View of Research Advancement

Aging is a dynamic, time-dependent process that is characterized by a gradual accumulation of cell damage. Continual functional decline in the intrinsic ability of living organisms to accurately regulate homeostasis leads to increased susceptibility and vulnerability to diseases. Many efforts have been put forth to understand and prevent the effects of aging. Thus, the major cellular and molecular hallmarks of aging have been identified, and their relationships to age-related diseases and malfunctions have been explored. Here, we use data from the CAS Content Collection to analyze the publication landscape of recent aging-related research. We review the advances in knowledge and delineate trends in research advancements on aging factors and attributes across time and geography. We also review the current concepts related to the major aging hallmarks on the molecular, cellular, and organismic level, age-associated diseases, with attention to brain aging and brain health, as well as the major biochemical processes associated with aging. Major age-related diseases have been outlined, and their correlations with the major aging features and attributes are explored. We hope this review will be helpful for apprehending the current knowledge in the field of aging mechanisms and progression, in an effort to further solve the remaining challenges and fulfill its potential.

Inflammation and Behavior Changes in Dogs and Cats

Sickness is a normal response to infections or stress triggered by proinflammatory cytokines that drive local and systemic inflammatory responses. Proinflammatory cytokines act on the brain causing the so called "sickness behavior,"which is thought to improve recovery but can become maladaptive in the long term. Chronic inflammation characterizes many diseases and there is some evidence that dogs and cats experience age-associated increases in inflammation, a condition named "inflammaging." A complex and multifactorial relationship exists between these inflammatory mechanisms, pain, and psychological illness that may complicate veterinary diagnosis and affect the outcome.

Immunosenescence and Inflamm-Aging: Clinical Interventions and the Potential for Reversal of Aging

Inflammation is often associated with the impairment of the ability to sustain the consequences of the physical, chemical, nutritional, and antigenic triggers of inflammation. The process of immunosenescence may only partially be explained by the senescence of cells, tissues, or the organism, and, hence, the hallmarks of immunosenescence may be markedly and differentially affected by the history of an individual's pathogenic encounter. Inflammation is a key component of immunosenescence, which itself is a direct consequence of aging. This review article highlights the therapeutic interventions for slowing the processes of inflamm-aging and immunosenescence and the possible reversal of aging and includes domains of immunomodulatory interventions, vaccination strategies, nutritional interventions, stem cell therapies, personalized medicine, microbiome interventions, and the positive effects of physical activity and exercise.

From biological aging to functional decline: Insights into chronic inflammation and intrinsic capacity

Intrinsic capacity is the sum of an individual's physical and mental capacities, which helps determine functional ability. Intrinsic capacity decline is an important predictor of adverse health outcomes and can identify individuals at higher risk of functional decline. Aging is characterized by a decrease in physiological reserves and functional abilities. Chronic inflammation, a mechanism of aging, is associated with decreased intrinsic capacity, which may mirror the broader relationship between aging and functional ability. Therefore, it is crucial for maintaining functional ability and promoting healthy aging to study the mechanisms of intrinsic capacity decline, identify easily available markers, and make targets for intervention from the perspective of chronic inflammation. We reviewed the current research on chronic inflammation, inflammation-related markers, and intrinsic capacity. To date, there is still no inflammatory markers with high specificity and sensitivity to monitor intrinsic capacity decline. Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha may potentially indicate changes in intrinsic capacity, but their results with intrinsic capacity or each intrinsic capacity domain are inconsistent. Considering the variations in individual responses to changes in inflammatory markers, it may be beneficial to explore the use of multiple analytes instead of relying on a single marker. This approach could be valuable in monitoring the decline of intrinsic capacity in the future.

Discovery of a 4-Hydroxy-3'-Trifluoromethoxy-Substituted Resveratrol Derivative as an Anti-Aging Agent

With the intensification of population aging, aging-related diseases are attracting more and more attention, thus, the study of aging mechanisms and anti-aging drugs is becoming increasingly urgent. Resveratrol is a potential candidate as an anti-aging agent, but its low bioavailability limits its application in vivo. In this work, a 4-hydroxy-3'-trifluoromethoxy-substituted resveratrol derivative (4-6), owing to its superior cell accumulation, could inhibit NO production in an inflammatory cell model, inhibit oxidative cytotoxicity, and reduce ROS accumulation and the population of apoptotic cells in an oxidative stress cell model. In D-galactose (D-gal)-stimulated aging mice, 4-6 could reverse liver and kidney damage; protect the serum, brain, and liver against oxidative stress; and increase the body's immunity in the spleen. Further D-gal-induced brain aging studies showed that 4-6 could improve the pathological changes in the hippocampus and the dysfunction of the cholinergic system. Moreover, protein expression related to aging, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the brain tissue homogenate measured via Western blotting also showed that 4-6 could ameliorate brain aging by protecting against oxidative stress and reducing apoptosis. This work revealed that meta-trifluoromethoxy substituted 4-6 deserved to be further investigated as an effective anti-aging candidate drug.

Biological Effects of "Inflammageing" on Human Oral Cells: Insights into a Potential Confounder of Age-Related Diseases

OBJECTIVES

The term "inflammageing" describes the process of inflammation-induced aging that leads living cells to a state of permanent cell cycle arrest due to chronic antigenic irritation. This in vitro study aimed to shed light on the mechanisms of "inflammageing" on human oral cells.

METHODS

Primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were exposed to variable pro-inflammatory stimuli, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFa), and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) collected from active periodontal pockets of systemically healthy patients. Inflammageing was studied through two experimental models, employing either late-passage ("aged") cells (p. 10) that were exposed to the pro-inflammatory stimuli or early-passage ("young") cells (p. 1) continuously exposed during a period of several passages (up to p. 10) to the above-mentioned stimuli. Cells were evaluated for the expression of beta-galactosidase activity (histochemical staining), senescence-associated genes (qPCR analysis), and biomarkers related to a Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), through proteome profile analysis and bioinformatics.

RESULTS

A significant increase (p < 0.05) in beta-galactosidase-positive cells was observed after exposure to each pro-inflammatory stimulus. The senescence-associated gene expression included upregulation for CCND1 and downregulation for SUSD6, and STAG1, a profile typical for cellular senescence. Overall, pro-inflammatory priming of late-passage cells caused more pronounced effects in terms of senescence than long-term exposure of early-passage cells to these stimuli. Proteomic analysis showed induction of SASP, evidenced by upregulation of several pro-inflammatory proteins (IL-6, IL-10, IL-16, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-2, M-CSF, MIP-1a, MIP-1b, TNFb, sTNF-RI, sTNF-RII, TIMP-2) implicated in cellular aging and immune responses. The least potent impact on the induction of SASP was provoked by LPS and the most pronounced by GCF.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that long-term exposure of hGFs to various pro-inflammatory signals induced or accelerated cellular senescence with the most pronounced impact noted for the late-passage cells. The outcome of these analyses provides insights into oral chronic inflammation as a potential confounder of age-related diseases.

Steroid Hormones as Modulators of Emotional Regulation in Male Urogenital Cancers

BACKGROUND

Tumors develop within an organism operating in a specific social and physical environment. Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), two of the most abundant steroid hormones in humans, are involved in both emotional regulation and the tumor progression. Several studies reported preclinical findings that DHEA can have preventive and therapeutic efficacy in treating major age-associated diseases, including cancer, although the mechanisms of action are not yet defined. The main aim of current study was to investigate the relationship between psychological and physiological emotional regulation and cancer development.

METHOD

This study assessed the quality of life of urogenital cancer male patients using several validated tools, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General and the Profile of Mood States. Saliva samples were collected to monitor peripheral activity of both cortisol and DHEA. It was hypothesized that patients with a better quality of life would have higher levels of the DHEA/cortisol ratios.

RESULTS

We found that the quality of life was positively related to DHEA, but not cortisol levels. Negative mood increases were related to lower levels of DHEA. Logistic regression of the predictors of metastases indicated three main independent factors involved: DHEA, age, and cortisol. In other words, the higher the DHEA levels in comparison to cortisol levels, controlling for age, the lower the probability of metastases.

CONCLUSION

Our results appear to support the hypothesis that emotional dysregulation mediated by DHEA/cortisol activity is a key factor in the probability of metastasis in urogenital cancers.

The role of cardiac resident macrophage in cardiac aging

Advancements in longevity research have provided insights into the impact of cardiac aging on the structural and functional aspects of the heart. Notable changes include the gradual remodeling of the myocardium, the occurrence of left ventricular hypertrophy, and the decline in both systolic and diastolic functions. Macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a pivotal role in innate immunity by serving as vigilant agents against pathogens, facilitating wound healing, and orchestrating the development of targeted acquired immune responses. Distinct subsets of macrophages are present within the cardiac tissue and demonstrate varied functions in response to myocardial injury. The differentiation of cardiac macrophages according to their developmental origin has proven to be a valuable strategy in identifying reparative macrophage populations, which originate from embryonic cells and reside within the tissue, as well as inflammatory macrophages, which are derived from monocytes and recruited to the heart. These subsets of macrophages possess unique characteristics and perform distinct functions. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the roles and phenotypes of cardiac macrophages in various conditions, including the steady state, aging, and other pathological conditions. Additionally, it will highlight areas that require further investigation to expand our knowledge in this field.

T cell control of inflammaging

T cells are a critical component of the immune system, found in abundance in blood, secondary lymphoid organs, and peripheral tissues. As individuals age, T cells are particularly susceptible to changes, making them one of the most affected immune subsets. These changes can have significant implications for age-related dysregulations, including the development of low-grade inflammation - a hallmark of aging known as inflammaging. In this review, we first present age-related changes in the functionality of the T cell compartment, including dysregulation of cytokine and chemokine production and cytotoxicity. Next, we discuss how these changes can contribute to the development and maintenance of inflammaging. Furthermore, we will summarize the mechanisms through which age-related changes in T cells may drive abnormal physiological outcomes.

The influence of inflammation and frailty in the aging continuum

Inflammaging is a low-grade inflammatory state that can be considered an adaptive process aimed at stimulating appropriate anti-inflammatory response. Frailty is determined by the accumulation of molecular and cellular defects accumulated throughout life; therefore, an appropriate frailty computation could be a valuable tool for measuring biological age. This study aims to analyse the association between inflammatory markers and both chronological age "per se" and frailty. We studied 452 persons aged 43-114 years. A Frailty Index (FI) was computed considering a wide range of age-related signs, symptoms, disabilities, and diseases. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and peripheral markers of neuroinflammation were analysed by next-generation ELISA. The mean age of the cohort was 79.7 (from 43 to 114) years and the median FI was 0.19 (from 0.00 to 0.75). The concentrations of most inflammatory markers increased significantly with chronological age, after adjustment for sex and FI. Interferon-γ was significantly affected only by FI, while interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-1β were associated only with chronological age. In conclusion, we described different associations between inflammatory components and chronological vs. biological age. A better characterization of the molecular signature of aging could help to understand the complexity of this process.

Modulation of bone marrow and peripheral blood cytokine levels by age and clonal hematopoiesis in healthy individuals

Aging is associated with bone marrow (BM) inflammaging and, in some individuals, with the onset of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) of indeterminate potential. In this study conducted on 94 strictly healthy volunteers (18 to 80 yo), we measured BM and peripheral blood (PB) plasma levels of 49 hematopoietic and inflammatory cytokines. With aging, 7 cytokines increased in BM (FLT3L, CXCL9, HGF, FGF-2, CCL27, IL-16, IL-18) and 8 decreased (G-CSF, TNF, IL-2, IL-15, IL-17A, CCL7, IL-4, IL-10). In PB, 10 cytokines increased with age (CXCL9, FLT3L, CCL27, CXCL10, HGF, CCL11, IL-16, IL-6, IL-1 beta, CCL2). CH was associated with higher BM levels of MIF and IL-1 beta, lower BM levels of IL-9 and IL-5 and higher PB levels of IL-15, VEGF-A, IL-2, CXCL8, CXCL1 and G-CSF. These reference values provide a useful tool to investigate anomalies related to inflammaging and potentially leading to the onset of age-related myeloid malignancies or inflammatory conditions.

Effects of Whey Protein Supplementation on Inflammatory Marker Concentrations in Older Adults

Although whey protein isolate (WPI) has been shown to be immunomodulatory, its ability to modulate production of a broad array of inflammatory markers has not previously been investigated in healthy adults. We investigated the effects of daily supplementation with 35 g of WPI for 3 weeks on inflammatory marker concentrations in the blood serum and feces of 14 older adult subjects (mean age: 59). Serum was analyzed using a multiplex assay to quantify the cytokines IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A and TNF-α. Fecal samples were analyzed using an ELISA for the inflammatory markers calprotectin and lactoferrin. Our results yielded high inter-subject variability and a significant proportion of cytokine concentrations that were below our method's limit of quantification. We observed decreases in serum IL-12p70 in the washout phase compared with baseline, as well as the washout stage for fecal lactoferrin relative to the intervention stage. Serum IL-13 was also significantly reduced during the intervention and washout stages. Our data suggest that whey protein supplementation did not significantly alter most inflammatory markers measured but can alter concentrations of some inflammatory markers in healthy older adults. However, our study power of 35% suggests the number of participants was too low to draw strong conclusions from our data.

Aging exaggerates pulpal pain sensation by increasing the expression levels of nociceptive neuropeptides and inflammatory cytokines

BACKGROUND

Dental pain is a main clinical problem in the elderly population and its assessment and treatment make special challenges for health care services. However, the age-induced alteration in dental pain perception and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) has not yet been fully clarified.

METHODS

Here, the effect of aging on nociceptive behaviors following inflammatory dental pulp pain was evaluated. Since prostaglandins, nociceptive neuropeptides, and inflammatory cytokines have critical roles in the development of aging as well as pain signaling, the expression levels of COX-2, CGRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and its converting enzyme TACE were assessed in the trigeminal ganglion of young and aged rats with dental pain. Dental pulp pain was induced by intradental application of capsaicin (100 μg). The immunofluorescence (COX-2 and CGRP) and western blot techniques were used.

RESULTS

The data showed that aged animals have different pattern of pain. So that, the mean of nociceptive scores was significantly greater in aged rats at 10 and 15 min after capsaicin injection. In aged rats, dental pain was persisting over 7 h, while it was disappeared at 300 min in young rats. Molecular data showed that dental pain significantly increased the expression of COX-2, CGRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and TACE in the trigeminal ganglion of the young and aged rats. In addition, the amount of those parameters, except TACE, in capsaicin-treated aged animals were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those in capsaicin-treated young rats.

CONCLUSION

It seems that the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in an acute inflammatory pulpal pain model may contribute, at least in part to the increased nociceptive behaviors and pain perception in aged rats.

Frailty: the perioperative and anesthesia challenges of an emerging pandemic

Frailty is a complex and multisystem biological process characterized by reductions in physiological reserve. It is an increasingly common phenomena in the surgical population, and significantly impacts postoperative recovery. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiology of frailty, as well as preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations for frailty care. We will also discuss the different models of postoperative care, including enhanced recovery pathways, as well as elective critical care admission. With discoveries of new effective interventions, and advances in healthcare information technology, optimized pathways could be developed to provide the best care possible that meets the challenges of perioperative frailty.

The role of the CD8+ T cell compartment in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders

CD8+ lymphocytes are adaptive immunity cells with the particular function to directly kill the target cell following antigen recognition in the context of MHC class I. In addition, CD8+ T cells may release pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and a plethora of other cytokines and chemoattractants modulating immune and inflammatory responses. A role for CD8+ T cells has been suggested in aging and several diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, limbic encephalitis-induced temporal lobe epilepsy and Susac syndrome. Here we discuss the phenotypic and functional alterations of CD8+ T cell compartment during these conditions, highlighting similarities and differences between CNS disorders. Particularly, we describe the pathological changes in CD8+ T cell memory phenotypes emphasizing the role of senescence and exhaustion in promoting neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. We also discuss the relevance of trafficking molecules such as selectins, mucins and integrins controlling the extravasation of CD8+ T cells into the CNS and promoting disease development. Finally, we discuss how CD8+ T cells may induce CNS tissue damage leading to neurodegeneration and suggest that targeting detrimental CD8+ T cells functions may have therapeutic effect in CNS disorders.

Mitochondrial epigenetics in aging and cardiovascular diseases

Mitochondria are cellular organelles which generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules for the maintenance of cellular energy through the oxidative phosphorylation. They also regulate a variety of cellular processes including apoptosis and metabolism. Of interest, the inner part of mitochondria-the mitochondrial matrix-contains a circular molecule of DNA (mtDNA) characterised by its own transcriptional machinery. As with genomic DNA, mtDNA may also undergo nucleotide mutations that have been shown to be responsible for mitochondrial dysfunction. During physiological aging, the mitochondrial membrane potential declines and associates with enhanced mitophagy to avoid the accumulation of damaged organelles. Moreover, if the dysfunctional mitochondria are not properly cleared, this could lead to cellular dysfunction and subsequent development of several comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as well as inflammatory disorders and psychiatric diseases. As reported for genomic DNA, mtDNA is also amenable to chemical modifications, namely DNA methylation. Changes in mtDNA methylation have shown to be associated with altered transcriptional programs and mitochondrial dysfunction during aging. In addition, other epigenetic signals have been observed in mitochondria, in particular the interaction between mtDNA methylation and non-coding RNAs. Mitoepigenetic modifications are also involved in the pathogenesis of CVDs where oxygen chain disruption, mitochondrial fission, and ROS formation alter cardiac energy metabolism leading to hypertrophy, hypertension, heart failure and ischemia/reperfusion injury. In the present review, we summarize current evidence on the growing importance of epigenetic changes as modulator of mitochondrial function in aging. A better understanding of the mitochondrial epigenetic landscape may pave the way for personalized therapies to prevent age-related diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Nutritionally Relevant Concentrations of Oleuropein and Hydroxytyrosol on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: An Age-Related Analysis

Immunosenescence and inflammaging facilitate the insurgence of chronic diseases. The Mediterranean diet is a non-invasive intervention to improve the chronic low-grade inflammatory status associated with aging. Olive oil oleuropein (OLE) and hydroxytyrosol (HT) demonstrated a controversial modulatory action on inflammation in vitro when tested at concentrations exceeding those detectable in human plasma. We studied the potential anti-inflammatory effects of OLE and HT at nutritionally relevant concentrations on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as regards cell viability, frequency of leukocyte subsets, and cytokine release, performing an age-focused analysis on two groups of subjects: Adult (age 18-64 years) and Senior (age ≥ 65 years). OLE and HT were used alone or as a pre-treatment before challenging PBMCs with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Both polyphenols had no effect on cell viability irrespective of LPS, but 5 µM HT had an LPS-like effect on monocytes, reducing the intermediate subset in Adult subjects. OLE and HT had no effect on LPS-triggered release of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, but 5 µM HT reduced IL-10 secretion by PBMCs from Adult vs. Senior group. In summary, nutritionally relevant concentrations of OLE and HT elicit no anti-inflammatory effect and influence the frequency of immune cell subsets with age-related different outcomes.