FOXO3: A Major Gene for Human Longevity--A Mini-Review

The Citrus flavanone naringenin prolongs the lifespan in C. elegans and slows signs of brain aging in mice

Aging is one of the main risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders, which represent a global burden on healthcare systems. Therefore, identifying new strategies to slow the progression of brain aging is a compelling challenge. In this article, we first assessed the potential anti-aging effects of the Citrus flavanone naringenin (NAR), an activator of the enzyme sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), in a 3R-compliant and short-lived aging model (i.e., the nematode C. elegans). Then, we investigated the preventive effects of a 6-month treatment with NAR (100 mg/kg, orally) against brain aging and studied its mechanism of action in middle-aged mice. We demonstrated that NAR (100 μM) extends lifespan and improves healthspan in C. elegans. In the brain of middle-aged mice, NAR promotes the activity of metabolic enzymes (citrate synthase, cytochrome C oxidase) and increases the expression of the SIRT1 enzyme. Consistently, NAR up-regulates the expression of downstream antioxidant (Foxo3, Nrf2, Ho-1), anti-senescence (p16), and anti-inflammatory (Il-6, Il-18) markers. Our findings support NAR supplementation to slow the signs of brain aging.

Identification of Autophagy-Related Genes Involved in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Microarray Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Nucleus pulposus cells survive in a hypoxic, acidic, nutrient-poor, and hypotonic microenvironment. Consequently, they maintain low proliferation and undergo autophagy to protect themselves from cellular stress. Therefore, we aimed to identify autophagy-related biomarkers involved in intervertebral disc degeneration pathogenesis.

METHODS

Autophagy-related differentially expressed genes were derived from the intersection between the public GSE147383 microarray data set to identify differentially expressed genes and online databases to identify autophagy-related genes. Furthermore, we assessed their biological functions with gene annotation and enrichment analysis in the Metscape portal. Then, the STRING database and Cytoscape software allowed inferring a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and identifying hub genes. In addition, to predict transcription factors that may regulate the hub genes, we used the GeneMANIA website. Finally, the competing endogenous RNA prediction tools and Cytoscape were also used to construct an mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network.

RESULTS

A total of 123 autophagy-related differentially expressed genes were identified, they were mainly involved in phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt signaling, autophagy animal, and apoptosis pathways. Nine were identified as hub genes (PTEN, MYC, CTNNB1, JUN, BECN1, ERBB2, FOXO3, ATM, and FN1) and 36 transcription factors were associated with them. Finally, an autophagy-associated competing endogenous RNA network was constructed based on the 9 hub genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Nine hub genes were identified and a network of competing endogenous RNA associated with autophagy was established. They can be used as autophagy-related biomarkers of intervertebral disc degeneration and for further exploration.

The Roles of White Adipose Tissue and Liver NADPH in Dietary Restriction-Induced Longevity

Dietary restriction (DR) protocols frequently employ intermittent fasting. Following a period of fasting, meal consumption increases lipogenic gene expression, including that of NADPH-generating enzymes that fuel lipogenesis in white adipose tissue (WAT) through the induction of transcriptional regulators SREBP-1c and CHREBP. SREBP-1c knockout mice, unlike controls, did not show an extended lifespan on the DR diet. WAT cytoplasmic NADPH is generated by both malic enzyme 1 (ME1) and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), while liver cytoplasmic NADPH is primarily synthesized by folate cycle enzymes provided one-carbon units through serine catabolism. During the daily fasting period of the DR diet, fatty acids are released from WAT and are transported to peripheral tissues, where they are used for beta-oxidation and for phospholipid and lipid droplet synthesis, where monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) may activate Nrf1 and inhibit ferroptosis to promote longevity. Decreased WAT NADPH from PPP gene knockout stimulated the browning of WAT and protected from a high-fat diet, while high levels of NADPH-generating enzymes in WAT and macrophages are linked to obesity. But oscillations in WAT [NADPH]/[NADP+] from feeding and fasting cycles may play an important role in maintaining metabolic plasticity to drive longevity. Studies measuring the WAT malate/pyruvate as a proxy for the cytoplasmic [NADPH]/[NADP+], as well as studies using fluorescent biosensors expressed in the WAT of animal models to monitor the changes in cytoplasmic [NADPH]/[NADP+], are needed during ad libitum and DR diets to determine the changes that are associated with longevity.

Advances in SIRT3 involvement in regulating autophagy-related mechanisms

The silencing regulatory factor 2-like protein 3 (SIRT3) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) dependent deacetylase located primarily in the mitochondria. This protein plays an important role in oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and autophagy in multicellular organisms. Autophagy (macroautophagy) is primarily a cytoprotective mechanism necessary for intracellular homeostasis and the synthesis, degradation, and recycling of cellular products. Autophagy can influence the progression of several neural, cardiac, hepatic, and renal diseases and can also contribute to the development of fibrosis, diabetes, and many types of cancer. Recent studies have shown that SIRT3 has an important role in regulating autophagy. Therefore in this study, we aimed to perform a literature review to summarize the role of SIRT3 in the regulation of cellular autophagy. The findings of this study could be used to identify new drug targets for SIRT3-related diseases. Methods: A comprehensive literature review of the mechanism involved behind SIRT3 and autophagy-related diseases was performed. Relevant literature published in Pubmed and Web of Science up to July 2023 was identified using the keywords "silencing regulatory factor 2-like protein 3", "SIRT3" and "autophagy".

Ovarian aging: energy metabolism of oocytes

In women who are getting older, the quantity and quality of their follicles or oocytes and decline. This is characterized by decreased ovarian reserve function (DOR), fewer remaining oocytes, and lower quality oocytes. As more women choose to delay childbirth, the decline in fertility associated with age has become a significant concern for modern women. The decline in oocyte quality is a key indicator of ovarian aging. Many studies suggest that age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism may impact oocyte quality. Changes in oocyte energy metabolism affect adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) production, but how related products and proteins influence oocyte quality remains largely unknown. This review focuses on oocyte metabolism in age-related ovarian aging and its potential impact on oocyte quality, as well as therapeutic strategies that may partially influence oocyte metabolism. This research aims to enhance our understanding of age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism, and the identification of biomarkers and treatment methods.

Exosomal YB-1 facilitates ovarian restoration by MALAT1/miR-211-5p/FOXO3 axis

Premature ovarian failure (POF) affects many adult women less than 40 years of age and leads to infertility. Mesenchymal stem cells-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSCs-sEVs) are attractive candidates for ovarian function restoration and folliculogenesis for POF due to their safety and efficacy, however, the key mediator in MSCs-sEVs that modulates this response and underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Herein, we reported that YB-1 protein was markedly downregulated in vitro and in vivo models of POF induced with H2O2 and CTX respectively, accompanied by granulosa cells (GCs) senescence phenotype. Notably, BMSCs-sEVs transplantation upregulated YB-1, attenuated oxidative damage-induced cellular senescence in GCs, and significantly improved the ovarian function of POF rats, but that was reversed by YB-1 depletion. Moreover, YB-1 showed an obvious decline in serum and GCs in POF patients. Mechanistically, YB-1 as an RNA-binding protein (RBP) physically interacted with a long non-coding RNA, MALAT1, and increased its stability, further, MALAT1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to elevate FOXO3 levels by sequestering miR-211-5p to prevent its degradation, leading to repair of ovarian function. In summary, we demonstrated that BMSCs-sEVs improve ovarian function by releasing YB-1, which mediates MALAT1/miR-211-5p/FOXO3 axis regulation, providing a possible therapeutic target for patients with POF.

Mitochondria in biology and medicine - 2023

Mitochondria are an indispensable part of the cell that plays a crucial role in regulating various signaling pathways, energy metabolism, cell differentiation, proliferation, and cell death. Since mitochondria have their own genetic material, they differ from their nuclear counterparts, and dysregulation is responsible for a broad spectrum of diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with several disorders, including neuro-muscular disorders, cancer, and premature aging, among others. The intricacy of the field is due to the cross-talk between nuclear and mitochondrial genes, which has also improved our knowledge of mitochondrial functions and their pathogenesis. Therefore, interdisciplinary research and communication are crucial for mitochondrial biology and medicine due to the challenges they pose for diagnosis and treatment. The ninth annual conference of the Society for Mitochondria Research and Medicine (SMRM)- India, titled "Mitochondria in Biology and Medicine" was organized at the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India, on June 21-23, 2023. The latest advancements in the field of mitochondrial biology and medicine were discussed at the conference. In this article, we summarize the entire event for the benefit of researchers working in the field of mitochondrial biology and medicine.

p53 accelerates endothelial cell senescence in diabetic retinopathy by enhancing FoxO3a ubiquitylation and degradation via UBE2L6

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common ocular fundus disease in diabetic patients. Chronic hyperglycemia not only promotes the development of diabetes and its complications, but also aggravates the occurrence of senescence. Previous studies have shown that DR is associated with senescence, but the specific mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here, we first detected the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cellular senescence level of db/db mouse retinas by bulk RNA sequencing. Then, we used single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) to identify the main cell types in the retina and analyzed the DEGs in each cluster. We demonstrated that p53 expression was significantly increased in retinal endothelial cell cluster of db/db mice. Inhibition of p53 can reduce the expression of SA-β-Gal and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in HRMECs. Finally, we found that p53 can promote FoxO3a ubiquitination and degradation by increasing the expression of the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBE2L6. Overall, our results demonstrate that p53 can accelerate the senescence process of endothelial cells and aggravate the development of DR. These data reveal new targets and insights that may be used to treat DR.

Synovia tissue-specific exosomes participate in the dual variation of the osteoarthritis microenvironment via miR-182

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of joint disease and the leading cause of chronic disability among older adults. As an important component of the joint, synovium influences the inflammatory and degenerative process of OA. This study found that miRNA 182 (miR-182) in synovium-specific exosomes can modulate inflammation and apoptotic signaling. It also regulated different biological functions to promote the progression of OA. Experiments based on rat OA model and synovium samples from OA patients, we found that synovium-derived miR-182 regulates inflammatory response in the early stage of OA by regulating the expression level of forkhead box O-3 (FOXO3). However, the expression of miR-182 was significantly increased in synovial tissue of advanced OA, which was involved in the apoptotic signal of severe OA. These findings suggest that miR-182 may directly regulate OA progression by modulating FOXO3 production inflammation, and apoptosis.

Forkhead box O proteins: steering the course of stem cell fate

Stem cells are pivotal players in the intricate dance of embryonic development, tissue maintenance, and regeneration. Their behavior is delicately balanced between maintaining their pluripotency and differentiating as needed. Disruptions in this balance can lead to a spectrum of diseases, underscoring the importance of unraveling the complex molecular mechanisms that govern stem cell fate. Forkhead box O (FOXO) proteins, a family of transcription factors, are at the heart of this intricate regulation, influencing a myriad of cellular processes such as survival, metabolism, and DNA repair. Their multifaceted role in steering the destiny of stem cells is evident, as they wield influence over self-renewal, quiescence, and lineage-specific differentiation in both embryonic and adult stem cells. This review delves into the structural and regulatory intricacies of FOXO transcription factors, shedding light on their pivotal roles in shaping the fate of stem cells. By providing insights into the specific functions of FOXO in determining stem cell fate, this review aims to pave the way for targeted interventions that could modulate stem cell behavior and potentially revolutionize the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Novel protective effect of the FOXO3 longevity genotype on mechanisms of cellular aging in Okinawans

The genetic association of FOXO3 genotypes with human longevity is well established, although the mechanism is not fully understood. We now report on the relationship of the FOXO3 longevity variant rs2802292 with telomere length, telomerase activity, FOXO3 expression, and inflammatory cytokine levels in men and women. In agreement with earlier work, the FOXO3 longevity variant conferred protection against telomere shortening of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from adults aged 55 years and older. This was accompanied by higher levels of telomerase activity in mononuclear cells for carriers of the longevity-associated FOXO3 G-allele of SNP rs2802292 (P = 0.015). FOXO3 mRNA expression increased slightly with age in both young (P = 0.02) and old (P = 0.08) G-allele carriers. Older female G-allele carriers displayed a modest decline in levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 with age (P = 0.07). In contrast, older male G-allele carriers displayed an age-dependent increase in levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 with age (P = 0.04). Thus, FOXO3 may act through several different pro-longevity mechanisms, which may differ by age and sex.

An EWAS of dementia biomarkers and their associations with age, African ancestry, and PTSD

BACKGROUND

Large-scale cohort and epidemiological studies suggest that PTSD confers risk for dementia in later life but the biological mechanisms underlying this association remain unknown. This study examined this question by assessing the influences of PTSD, APOE ε4 genotypes, DNA methylation, and other variables on the age- and dementia-associated biomarkers Aβ40, Aβ42, GFAP, NfL, and pTau-181 measured in plasma. Our primary hypothesis was that PTSD would be associated with elevated levels of these markers.

METHODS

Analyses were based on data from a PTSD-enriched cohort of 849 individuals. We began by performing factor analyses of the biomarkers, the results of which identified a two-factor solution. Drawing from the ATN research framework, we termed the first factor, defined by Aβ40 and Aβ42, "Factor A" and the second factor, defined by GFAP, NfL and pTau-181, "Factor TN." Next, we performed epigenome-wide association analyses (EWAS) of the two-factor scores. Finally, using structural equation modeling (SEM), we evaluated (a) the influence of PTSD, age, APOE ε4 genotype and other covariates on levels of the ATN factors, and (b) tested the mediating influence of the EWAS-significant DNAm loci on these associations.

RESULTS

The Factor A EWAS identified one significant locus, cg13053408, in FANCD2OS. The Factor TN analysis identified 3 EWAS-significant associations: cg26033520 near ASCC1, cg23156469 in FAM20B, and cg15356923 in FAM19A4. The SEM showed age to be related to both factors, more so with Factor TN (β = 0.581, p < 0.001) than Factor A (β = 0.330, p < 0.001). Genotype-determined African ancestry was associated with lower Factor A (β = 0.196, p < 0.001). Contrary to our primary hypothesis, we found a modest negative bivariate correlation between PTSD and the TN factor scores (r = - 0.133, p < 0.001) attributable primarily to reduced levels of GFAP (r = - 0.128, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified novel epigenetic associations with ATN biomarkers and demonstrated robust age and ancestral associations that will be essential to consider in future efforts to develop the clinical applications of these tests. The association between PTSD and reduced GFAP, which has been reported previously, warrants further investigation.

FOXO3 longevity genotype attenuates the impact of hypertension on cerebral microinfarct risk

OBJECTIVE

The G -allele of FOXO3 SNP rs2802292 , which is associated with human resilience and longevity, has been shown to attenuate the impact of hypertension on the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We sought to determine whether the FOXO3 G -allele similarly attenuates the impact of hypertension on the risk of cerebral microinfarcts (CMI).

METHODS

From a prospective population-based cohort of American men of Japanese ancestry from the Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program (KHHP) and Kuakini Honolulu-Asia Aging Study (KHAAS) that had brain autopsy data, age-adjusted prevalence of any CMI on brain autopsy was assessed. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age at death, cardiovascular risk factors, FOXO3 and APOE-ε4 genotypes, were utilized to determine the predictors of any CMI. Interaction of FOXO3 genotype and hypertension was analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 809 men with complete data, 511 (63.2%) participants had evidence of CMI. A full multivariable model demonstrated that BMI [odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.14, P  = 0.015) was the only predictor of CMI, while hypertension was a borderline predictor (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.00-2.08, P  = 0.052). However, a significant interaction between FOXO3 G -allele carriage and hypertension was observed ( P  = 0.020). In the stratified analyses, among the participants without the longevity-associated FOXO3 G -allele, hypertension was a strong predictor of CMI (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.34-3.77, P  = 0.002), while among those with the longevity-associated FOXO3 G -allele, hypertension was not a predictor of CMI (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.51-1.54, P  = 0.66).

CONCLUSION

The longevity-associated FOXO3 G -allele mitigates the impact of hypertension on the risk of CMI.

Improving DNA nanostructure stability: A review of the biomedical applications and approaches

DNA's programmable, predictable, and precise self-assembly properties enable structural DNA nanotechnology. DNA nanostructures have a wide range of applications in drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, and theranostics. However, physiological conditions, including low cationic ions and the presence of nucleases in biological systems, can limit the efficacy of DNA nanostructures. Several strategies for stabilizing DNA nanostructures have been developed, including i) coating them with biomolecules or polymers, ii) chemical cross-linking of the DNA strands, and iii) modifications of the nucleotides and nucleic acids backbone. These methods significantly enhance the structural stability of DNA nanostructures and thus enable in vivo and in vitro applications. This study reviews the present perspective on the distinctive properties of the DNA molecule and explains various DNA nanostructures, their advantages, and their disadvantages. We provide a brief overview of the biomedical applications of DNA nanostructures and comprehensively discuss possible approaches to improve their biostability. Finally, the shortcomings and challenges of the current biostability approaches are examined.

RNA binding protein PUM2 promotes IL-1β-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes via regulating FOXO3 expression

Objective

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been recently proven to be involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases. However, few studies elaborated RBPs in regulating osteoarthritis. This study aims to define the function and mechanism of RBPs-PUM2 in chondrocyte apoptosis during osteoarthritis.

Methods

Cartilage tissue samples and human juvenile chondrocyte cell line C28/I2 were collected for further study. PUM2 expression in the human tissues and cells was determined using qRT-PCR. Chondrocyte viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT and flow cytometry. ROS generation was determined by flow cytometry. The regulation of PUM2 on FOXO3 translation was evaluated by RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, and Luciferase gene reporter analysis.

Results

PUM2 is upregulated in both cartilage tissue of osteoarthritis patients and IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. PUM2 overexpression reduces cell viability and promotes cell apoptosis and ROS generation of chondrocytes. PUM2 silencing increases cell viability and ameliorates cell apoptosis as well as ROS generation in chondrocytes induced by IL-1β. PUM2 inhibits FOXO3 expression via binding its mRNA 3'-UTR. PUM2 forms a signaling axis with FOXO3 in IL-1β induced chondrocyte damage.

Conclusion

PUM2 is upregulated in cartilage tissue of osteoarthritis and positively regulates chondrocytes apoptosis through controlling FOXO3 protein expression.

Electroacupuncture efficacy in diabetic polyneuropathy: Study protocol for a double-blinded randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); its diagnosis and treatment are based on symptomatic improvement. However, as pharmacological therapy causes multiple adverse effects, the implementation of acupunctural techniques, such as electroacupuncture (EA) has been suggested as an alternative treatment. Nonetheless, there is a lack of scientific evidence, and its mechanisms are still unclear. We present the design and methodology of a new clinical randomized trial, that investigates the effectiveness of EA for the treatment of DPN.

METHODS

This study is a four-armed, randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial (20-week intervention period, plus 12 weeks of follow-up after concluding intervention). A total of 48 T2DM patients with clinical signs and symptoms of DPN; and electrophysiological signs in the Nerve Conduction Study (NCS); will be treated by acupuncture specialists in outpatient units in Mexico City. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of the following four groups: (a) short fibre DPN with EA, (b) short fibre DPN with sham EA, (c) axonal DPN with EA and (d) axonal DPN with sham EA treatment. The intervention will consist of 32 sessions, 20 min each, per patient over two cycles of intervention of 8 weeks each and a mid-term rest period of 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be NCS parameters, and secondary outcomes will include DPN-related symptoms and pain by Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Score (MDNS), Dolour Neuropatique Score (DN-4), Semmes-Westein monofilament, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain assessment, and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). To measure quality of life and improve oxidative stress, the inflammatory response; and genetic expression; will be analysed at the beginning and at the end of treatment.

DISCUSSION

This study will be conducted to compare the efficacy of EA versus sham EA combined with conventional diabetic and neuropathic treatments if needed. EA may improve NCS, neuropathic pain and symptoms, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and genetic expression, and it could be considered a potential coadjutant treatment for the management of DPN with a possible remyelinating effect.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05521737 Registered on 30 August 2022. International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) ISRCTN97391213 Registered on 26 September 2022 [2b].

Molecular and Structural Alterations of Skeletal Muscle Tissue Nuclei during Aging

Aging is accompanied by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are certainly multifactorial and still remain to be fully elucidated. Changes in the cell nucleus structure and function have been considered among the possible contributing causes. This review offers an overview of the current knowledge on skeletal muscle nuclei in aging, focusing on the impairment of nuclear pathways potentially involved in age-related muscle decline. In skeletal muscle two types of cells are present: fiber cells, constituting the contractile muscle mass and containing hundreds of myonuclei, and the satellite cells, i.e., the myogenic mononuclear stem cells occurring at the periphery of the fibers and responsible for muscle growth and repair. Research conducted on different experimental models and with different methodological approaches demonstrated that both the myonuclei and satellite cell nuclei of aged skeletal muscles undergo several structural and molecular alterations, affecting chromatin organization, gene expression, and transcriptional and post-transcriptional activities. These alterations play a key role in the impairment of muscle fiber homeostasis and regeneration, thus contributing to the age-related decrease in skeletal muscle mass and function.

MicroRNAs-associated with FOXO3 in cellular senescence and other stress responses

FOXO3 is a member of the FOXO transcription factor family and is known for regulating cellular survival in response to stress caused by various external and biological stimuli. FOXO3 decides cell fate by modulating cellular senescence, apoptosis and autophagy by transcriptional regulation of genes involved in DNA damage response and oxidative stress resistance. These cellular processes are tightly regulated physiologically, with FOXO3 acting as the hub that integrates signalling networks controlling them. The activity of FOXO3 is influenced by post-translational modifications, altering its subcellular localisation. In addition, FOXO3 can also be regulated directly or indirectly by microRNAs (miRNAs) or vice versa. This review discusses the involvement of various miRNAs in FOXO3-driven cellular responses such as senescence, apoptosis, autophagy, redox and inflammation defence. Given that these responses are linked and influence cell fate, a thorough understanding of the complex regulation by miRNAs would provide key information for developing therapeutic strategy and avoid unintended consequences caused by off-site targeting of FOXO3.

To Be Frail or Not to Be Frail: This Is the Question-A Critical Narrative Review of Frailty

Many factors have contributed to rendering frailty an emerging, relevant, and very popular concept. First, many pandemics that have affected humanity in history, including COVID-19, most recently, have had more severe effects on frail people compared to non-frail ones. Second, the increase in human life expectancy observed in many developed countries, including Italy has led to a rise in the percentage of the older population that is more likely to be frail, which is why frailty is much a more common concern among geriatricians compared to other the various health-care professionals. Third, the stratification of people according to the occurrence and the degree of frailty allows healthcare decision makers to adequately plan for the allocation of available human professional and economic resources. Since frailty is considered to be fully preventable, there are relevant consequences in terms of potential benefits both in terms of the clinical outcome and healthcare costs. Frailty is becoming a popular, pervasive, and almost omnipresent concept in many different contexts, including clinical medicine, physical health, lifestyle behavior, mental health, health policy, and socio-economic planning sciences. The emergence of the new "science of frailty" has been recently acknowledged. However, there is still debate on the exact definition of frailty, the pathogenic mechanisms involved, the most appropriate method to assess frailty, and consequently, who should be considered frail. This narrative review aims to analyze frailty from many different aspects and points of view, with a special focus on the proposed pathogenic mechanisms, the various factors that have been considered in the assessment of frailty, and the emerging role of biomarkers in the early recognition of frailty, particularly on the role of mitochondria. According to the extensive literature on this topic, it is clear that frailty is a very complex syndrome, involving many different domains and affecting multiple physiological systems. Therefore, its management should be directed towards a comprehensive and multifaceted holistic approach and a personalized intervention strategy to slow down its progression or even to completely reverse the course of this condition.

Butein Increases Resistance to Oxidative Stress and Lifespan with Positive Effects on the Risk of Age-Related Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans

Butein is a flavonoid found in many plants, including dahlia, butea, and coreopsis, and has both antioxidant and sirtuin-activating activities. In light of the postulated role of free radicals in aging, we examined the effects of butein on aging and on genetic or nutritional models of age-related diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans. Butein showed radical scavenging activity and increased resistance to oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. The mean lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans was significantly increased by butein, from 22.7 days in the untreated control to 25.0 days in the butein-treated group. However, the lifespan-extending effect of butein was accompanied by reduced production of progeny as a trade-off. Moreover, the age-related decline in motility was delayed by butein supplementation. Genetic analysis showed that the lifespan-extending effect of butein required the autophagic protein BEC-1 and the transcription factor DAF-16 to regulate stress response and aging. At the genetic level, expression of the DAF-16 downstream target genes hsp-16.2 and sod-3 was induced in butein-treated worms. Butein additionally exhibited a preventive effect in models of age-related diseases. In an Alzheimer's disease model, butein treatment significantly delayed the paralysis caused by accumulation of amyloid-beta in muscle, which requires SKN-1, not DAF-16. In a high-glucose-diet model of diabetes mellitus, butein markedly improved survival, requiring both SKN-1 and DAF-16. In a Parkinson's disease model, dopaminergic neurodegeneration was completely inhibited by butein supplementation and the accumulation of α-synuclein was significantly reduced. These findings suggest the use of butein as a novel nutraceutical compound for aging and age-related diseases.

Role of sirtuins in attenuating plaque vulnerability in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the development of intimal plaque, thrombosis, and stenosis of the vessel lumen causing decreased blood flow and hypoxia precipitating angina. Chronic inflammation in the stable plaque renders it unstable and rupture of unstable plaques results in the formation of emboli leading to hypoxia/ischemia to the organs by occluding the terminal branches and precipitate myocardial infarction and stroke. Such delibitating events could be controlled by the strategies that prevent plaque development or plaque stabilization. Despite the use of statins to stabilize plaques, there is a need for novel targets due to continuously increasing cases of cardiovascular events. Sirtuins (SIRTs), a family of signaling proteins, are involved in sustaining genome integrity, DNA damage response and repair, modulating oxidative stress, aging, inflammation, and energy metabolism. SIRTs play a critical role in modulating inflammation and involves in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The role of SIRTs in relation to atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability is scarcely discussed in the literature. Since SIRTs regulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging, they may also regulate plaque progression and vulnerability as these molecular mechanisms underlie the pathogenesis of plaque development, progression, and vulnerability. This review critically discusses the role of SIRTs in plaque progression and vulnerability and the possibility of targeting SIRTs to attenuate plaque rupture, focusing on the highlights in genomics, molecular pathways, and cell types involved in the underlying pathophysiology.

Title Expression of FOXO3 and MAPK1 Genes in Patients with Benign Salivary Gland Tumors

Pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) and Warthin tumors (WTs) are the most common benign tumors that occur in the salivary gland. PA has a tendency towards malignant transformation. Thus, searching for new methods to diagnose salivary gland tumors and treatment is important. The members of the class O forehead box transcription factor (FOXO3) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) genes participate in the cellular processes, including in cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to analyze these genes' expression in the salivary gland tissues and in salivary gland tumors. The study group consisted of 50 patients treated for salivary gland tumors. For genetic tests, fresh samples of tissue collected during the surgery were used. The expression levels of the FOXO3 and MAPK1 genes were statistically significantly lower in PA tissue than in normal salivary gland tissue and WT tissue. This research revealed that the FOXO3 and MAPK1 genes are present in benign salivary gland tumors and also indicated a role of these genes in the development of benign salivary gland tumors. The cause of the development of pleomorphic adenomas may be apoptotic disorder and the activation of the inflammatory process. The examined genes may have potential to be new therapeutic targets for the treatment of pleomorphic adenomas.

The Involvement of Peroxiporins and Antioxidant Transcription Factors in Breast Cancer Therapy Resistance

Breast cancer is still the leading cause of death in women of all ages. The reason for this is therapy resistance, which leads to the progression of the disease and the formation of metastases. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a multifactorial process that leads to therapy failure. MDR involves multiple processes and many signaling pathways that support each other, making it difficult to overcome once established. Here, we discuss cellular-oxidative-stress-modulating factors focusing on transcription factors NRF2, FOXO family, and peroxiporins, as well as their possible contribution to MDR. This is significant because oxidative stress is a consequence of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, and the activation of detoxification pathways could modulate the cellular response to therapy and could support MDR. These proteins are not directly responsible for MDR, but they support the survival of cancer cells under stress conditions.

Emerging links between FOXOs and diabetic complications

Diabetes and its complications are increasing worldwide in the working population as well as in elders. Prolonged hyperglycemia results in damage to blood vessels of various tissues followed by organ damage. Hyperglycemia-induced damage in small blood vessels as in nephrons, retina, and neurons results in diabetic microvascular complications which involve nephropathy, retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy. Additionally, damage in large blood vessels is considered as a macrovascular complication including diabetic cardiomyopathy. These long-term complications can result in organ failure and thus becomes the leading cause of diabetic-related mortality in patients. Members of the Forkhead Box O family (FOXO) are involved in various body functions including cell proliferation, metabolic processes, differentiation, autophagy, and apoptosis. Moreover, increasing shreds of evidence suggest the involvement of FOXO family members FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4, and FOXO6 in several chronic diseases including diabetes and diabetic complications. Hence, this review focuses on the role of FOXO transcription factors in the regulation of diabetic complications.

Immune mechanisms of group B coxsackievirus induced viral myocarditis

Viral myocarditis is known to be a primary cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) that can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death and is invariably caused by myocardial viral infection following active inflammatory destruction of the myocardium. Although acute viral myocarditis frequently recovers on its own, current chronic myocarditis therapies are unsatisfactory, where the persistence of viral or immunological insults to the heart may play a role. Cellular and mouse experimental models that utilized the most prevalent Coxsackievirus group B type 3 (CVB3) virus infection causing myocarditis have illustrated the pathophysiology of viral myocarditis. In this review, immunological insights into the different stages of development of viral myocarditis were discussed, concentrating on the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity in the development of CVB3-induced myocarditis.

Genes That Extend Lifespan May Do So by Mitigating the Increased Risk of Death Posed by Having Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Genetic factors influence lifespan. In humans, there appears to be a particularly strong genetic effect in those aged ≥ 90 years. An important contribution is nutrient sensing genes which confer cell resilience.

METHODS

Our research has been investigating the genetic factors by longitudinal studies of American men of Japanese descent living on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. This cohort began as the Honolulu Heart Program in the mid-1960s and most subjects are now deceased.

RESULTS

We previously discovered various genes containing polymorphisms associated with longevity. In recent investigations of the mechanism involved we found that the longevity genotypes ameliorated the risk of mortality posed by having a cardiometabolic disease (CMD)-most prominently hypertension. For the gene FOXO3 the protective alleles mitigated the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes. For the kinase MAP3K5 it was hypertension, CHD and diabetes, for the kinase receptor PIK3R1 hypertension, CHD and stroke, and for the growth hormone receptor gene (GHR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 gene (FLT1), it was nullifying the higher mortality risk posed by hypertension. Subjects with a CMD who had a longevity genotype had similar survival as men without CMD. No variant protected against risk of death from cancer. We have postulated that the longevity-associated genotypes reduced mortality risk by effects on intracellular resilience mechanisms. In a proteomics study, 43 "stress" proteins and associated biological pathways were found to influence the association of FOXO3 genotype with reduced mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our landmark findings indicate how heritable genetic components affect longevity.

FOXO family isoforms

FOXO family of proteins are transcription factors involved in many physiological and pathological processes including cellular homeostasis, stem cell maintenance, cancer, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. Genetic evidence has been accumulating to suggest a prominent role of FOXOs in lifespan regulation in animal systems from hydra, C elegans, Drosophila, and mice. Together with the observation that FOXO3 is the second most replicated gene associated with extreme human longevity suggests that pharmacological targeting of FOXO proteins can be a promising approach to treat cancer and other age-related diseases and extend life and health span. However, due to the broad range of cellular functions of the FOXO family members FOXO1, 3, 4, and 6, isoform-specific targeting of FOXOs might lead to greater benefits and cause fewer side effects. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the common and specific features of these proteins as well as their redundant and specific functions in our cells represents the basis of specific targeting strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolution, structure, function, and disease-relevance of each of the FOXO family members.

Fortification of Iron Oxide as Sustainable Nanoparticles: An Amalgamation with Magnetic/Photo Responsive Cancer Therapies

Due to their non-toxic function in biological systems, Iron oxide NPs (IO-NPs) are very attractive in biomedical applications. The magnetic properties of IO-NPs enable a variety of biomedical applications. We evaluated the usage of IO-NPs for anticancer effects. This paper lists the applications of IO-NPs in general and the clinical targeting of IO-NPs. The application of IONPs along with photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) is highlighted in this review's explanation for cancer treatment strategies. The review's study shows that IO-NPs play a beneficial role in biological activity because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, simplicity of production, and hybrid NPs forms with IO-NPs. In this review, we have briefly discussed cancer therapy and hyperthermia and NPs used in PTT, PDT, and MHT. IO-NPs have a particular effect on cancer therapy when combined with PTT, PDT, and MHT were the key topics of the review and were covered in depth. The IO-NPs formulations may be uniquely specialized in cancer treatments with PTT, PDT, and MHT, according to this review investigation.

Adrenomedullin/FOXO3 enhances sunitinib resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by inhibiting FDX1 expression and cuproptosis

Cuproptosis, a new type of copper-induced cell death, is involved in the antitumor activity and resistance of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. Our previous study revealed that adrenomedullin (ADM) was engaged in sunitinib resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, it has yet to be investigated whether and how ADM regulates sunitinib resistance by cuproptosis. This study found that the ADM expression was elevated in sunitinib-resistant ccRCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, the upregulation of ADM significantly enhanced the chemoresistance of sunitinib compared with their respective control. Moreover, cuproptosis was involved in ADM-regulated sunitinib resistance by inhibiting mammalian ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) expression. Mechanically, the upregulated ADM activates the p38/MAPK signaling pathway to promote Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) phosphorylation and its entry into the nucleus. Consequently, the increased FOXO3 in the nucleus inhibited FDX1 transcription and cell cuproptosis, promoting chemoresistance. Collectively, cuproptosis has a critical effector role in ccRCC progress and chemoresistance and thus is a relevant target to eradicate the cell population of sunitinib resistance.

Cell Survival, Death, and Proliferation in Senescent and Cancer Cells: the Role of (Poly)phenols

Cellular senescence has long been considered a permanent state of cell cycle arrest occurring in proliferating cells subject to different stressors, used as a cellular defense mechanism from acquiring potentially harmful genetic faults. However, recent studies highlight that senescent cells might also alter the local tissue environment and concur to chronic inflammation and cancer risk by secreting inflammatory and matrix remodeling factors, acquiring a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Indeed, during aging and age-related diseases, senescent cells amass in mammalian tissues, likely contributing to the inevitable loss of tissue function as we age. Cellular senescence has thus become one potential target to tackle age-associated diseases as well as cancer development. One important aspect characterizing senescent cells is their telomere length. Telomeres shorten as a consequence of multiple cellular replications, gradually leading to permanent cell cycle arrest, known as replicative senescence. Interestingly, in the large majority of cancer cells, a senescence escape strategy is used and telomere length is maintained by telomerase, thus favoring cancer initiation and tumor survival. There is growing evidence showing how (poly)phenols can impact telomere maintenance through different molecular mechanisms depending on dose and cell phenotypes. Although normally, (poly)phenols maintain telomere length and support telomerase activity, in cancer cells this activity is negatively modulated, thus accelerating telomere attrition and promoting cancer cell death. Some (poly)phenols have also been shown to exert senolytic activity, thus suggesting both antiaging (directly eliminating senescent cells) and anticancer (indirectly, via SASP inhibition) potentials. In this review, we analyze selective (poly)phenol mechanisms in senescent and cancer cells to discriminate between in vitro and in vivo evidence and human applications considering (poly)phenol bioavailability, the influence of the gut microbiota, and their dose-response effects.

Toxoplasma gondii inhibits the expression of autophagy-related genes through AKT-dependent inactivation of the transcription factor FOXO3a

The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii induces host AKT activation to prevent autophagy-mediated clearance; however, the molecular underpinnings are not fully understood. Autophagy can be negatively regulated through AKT-sensitive phosphorylation and nuclear export of the transcription factor Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a). Using a combination of pharmacological and genetic approaches, herein we investigated whether T. gondii hinders host autophagy through AKT-dependent inactivation of FOXO3a. We found that infection by type I and II strains of T. gondii promotes gradual and sustained AKT-dependent phosphorylation of FOXO3a at residues S253 and T32 in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) and murine 3T3 fibroblasts. Mechanistically, AKT-sensitive phosphorylation of FOXO3a by T. gondii required live infection and the activity of PI3K but was independent of the plasma membrane receptor EGFR and the kinase PKCα. Phosphorylation of FOXO3a at AKT-sensitive residues was paralleled by its nuclear exclusion in T. gondii-infected HFF. Importantly, the parasite was unable to drive cytoplasmic localization of FOXO3a upon pharmacological blockade of AKT or overexpression of an AKT-insensitive mutant form of FOXO3a. Transcription of a subset of bona fide autophagy-related targets of FOXO3a was reduced during T. gondii infection in an AKT-dependent fashion. However, parasite-directed repression of autophagy-related genes was AKT-resistant in cells deficient in FOXO3a. Consistent with this, T. gondii failed to inhibit the recruitment of acidic organelles and LC3, an autophagy marker, to the parasitophorous vacuole upon chemically or genetically induced nuclear retention of FOXO3a. In all, we provide evidence that T. gondii suppresses FOXO3a-regulated transcriptional programs to prevent autophagy-mediated killing. IMPORTANCE The parasite Toxoplasma gondii is the etiological agent of toxoplasmosis, an opportunistic infection commonly transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water. To date, no effective vaccines in humans have been developed and no promising drugs are available to treat chronic infection or prevent congenital infection. T. gondii targets numerous host cell processes to establish a favorable replicative niche. Of note, T. gondii activates the host AKT signaling pathway to prevent autophagy-mediated killing. Herein, we report that T. gondii inhibits FOXO3a, a transcription factor that regulates the expression of autophagy-related genes, through AKT-dependent phosphorylation. The parasite's ability to block the recruitment of the autophagy machinery to the parasitophorous vacuole is impeded upon pharmacological inhibition of AKT or overexpression of an AKT-insensitive form of FOXO3a. Thus, our study provides greater granularity in the role of FOXO3a during infection and reinforces the potential of targeting autophagy as a therapeutic strategy against T. gondii.

Proteomic basis of mortality resilience mediated by FOXO3 longevity genotype

FOXO3 is a ubiquitous transcription factor expressed in response to cellular stress caused by nutrient deprivation, inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, radiation, hypoxia, and other factors. We showed previously that the association of inherited FOXO3 variants with longevity was the result of partial protection against mortality risk posed by aging-related life-long stressors, particularly cardiometabolic disease. We then referred to the longevity-associated genotypes as conferring "mortality resilience." Serum proteins whose levels change with aging and are associated with mortality risk may be considered as "stress proteins." They may serve as indirect measures of life-long stress. Our aims were to (1) identify stress proteins that increase with aging and are associated with an increased risk of mortality, and (2) to determine if FOXO3 longevity/resilience genotype dampens the expected increase in mortality risk they pose. A total of 4500 serum protein aptamers were quantified using the Somalogic SomaScan proteomics platform in the current study of 975 men aged 71-83 years. Stress proteins associated with mortality were identified. We then used age-adjusted multivariable Cox models to investigate the interaction of stress protein with FOXO3 longevity-associated rs12212067 genotypes. For all the analyses, the p values were corrected for multiple comparisons by false discovery rate. This led to the identification of 44 stress proteins influencing the association of FOXO3 genotype with reduced mortality. Biological pathways were identified for these proteins. Our results suggest that the FOXO3 resilience genotype functions by reducing mortality in pathways related to innate immunity, bone morphogenetic protein signaling, leukocyte migration, and growth factor response.

Gastrodia elata and parishin ameliorate aging induced 'leaky gut' in mice: Correlation with gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

The aging-induced decrease in intestinal barrier function contributes to many age-related diseases. Studies on preventive measures for "leaky gut" may help improve the quality of life of geriatric patients. The potent anti-aging effect of Gastrodia elata and parishin, which is one of its active ingredients, has been reported previously. However, their effects on the gut remain elusive, and the effect of parishin on mammals has not been studied.

METHODS

We used quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemical analysis, and 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate the effect of G. elata and parishin on the intestinal barrier function of D-Gal-induced aging mice.

RESULTS

G. elata and parishin prevented the decrease in tight junction protein (TJP) expression and morphological changes, modulated the composition of fecal microbiota to a healthier state, and reversed the translocation of microbial toxins and systemic inflammation. The correlation analyses showed that TJP expression and systemic inflammation were significantly positively or negatively correlated with the composition of fecal microbiota after G. elata and parishin administration. Additionally, TJP expression was also correlated with systemic inflammation. Moreover, G. elata and parishin administration reversed the decreased or increased expression of aging-related biomarkers, such as FOXO3a, SIRT1, CASPASE3 and P21, in the gut.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that G. elata and parishin could prevent gut aging and ameliorate the "leaky gut" of aged mice and that the underlying mechanism is related to the mutual correlations among barrier function, fecal microbiota composition, and inflammation.

Deacetylation of FOXP1 by HDAC7 potentiates self-renewal of mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in a variety of tissue regeneration and clinical trials due to their multiple differentiation potency. However, it remains challenging to maintain their replicative capability during in vitro passaging while preventing their premature cellular senescence. Forkhead Box P1 (FOXP1), a FOX family transcription factor, has been revealed to regulate MSC cell fate commitment and self-renewal capacity in our previous study.

METHODS

Mass spectra analysis was performed to identify acetylation sites in FOXP1 protein. Single and double knockout mice of FOXP1 and HDAC7 were generated and analyzed with bone marrow MSCs properties. Gene engineering in human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived MSCs was obtained to evaluate the impact of FOXP1 key modification on MSC self-renewal potency.

RESULTS

FOXP1 is deacetylated and potentiated by histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) in MSCs. FOXP1 and HDAC7 cooperatively sustain bone marrow MSC self-renewal potency while attenuating their cellular senescence. A mutation within human FOXP1 at acetylation site (T176G) homologous to murine FOXP1 T172G profoundly augmented MSC expansion capacity during early passages.

CONCLUSION

These findings reveal a heretofore unanticipated mechanism by which deacetylation of FOXP1 potentiates self-renewal of MSC and protects them from cellular senescence. Acetylation of FOXP1 residue T172 as a critical modification underlying MSC proliferative capacity. We suggest that in vivo gene editing of FOXP1 may provide a novel avenue for manipulating MSC capability during large-scale expansion in clinical trials.

Research Progress on the Anti-Aging Potential of the Active Components of Ginseng

Aging is a cellular state characterized by a permanent cessation of cell division and evasion of apoptosis. DNA damage, metabolic dysfunction, telomere damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction are the main factors associated with senescence. Aging increases β-galactosidase activity, enhances cell spreading, and induces Lamin B1 loss, which further accelerate the aging process. It is associated with a variety of diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes, and chronic inflammation. Ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-aging effects. The active components of ginseng, including saponins, polysaccharides, and active peptides, have antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, neuroprotective, and age-delaying effects. DNA damage is the main factor associated with aging, and the mechanism through which the active ingredients of ginseng reduce DNA damage and delay aging has not been comprehensively described. This review focuses on the anti-aging mechanisms of the active ingredients of ginseng. Furthermore, it broadens the scope of ideas for further research on natural products and aging.

The Hydra stem cell system - Revisited

Cnidarians are >600 million years old and are considered the sister group of Bilateria based on numerous molecular phylogenetic studies. Apart from Hydra, the genomes of all major clades of Cnidaria have been uncovered (e.g. Aurelia, Clytia, Nematostella and Acropora) and they reveal a remarkable completeness of the metazoan genomic toolbox. Of particular interest is Hydra, a model system of aging research, regenerative biology, and stem cell biology. With the knowledge gained from scRNA research, it is now possible to characterize the expression profiles of all cell types with great precision. In functional studies, our picture of the Hydra stem cell biology has changed, and we are in the process of obtaining a clear picture of the homeostasis and properties of the different stem cell populations. Even though Hydra is often compared to plant systems, the new data on germline and regeneration, but also on the dynamics and plasticity of the nervous system, show that Hydra with its simple body plan represents in a nutshell the prototype of an animal with stem cell lineages, whose properties correspond in many ways to Bilateria. This review provides an overview of the four stem cell lineages, the two epithelial lineages that constitute the ectoderm and the endoderm, as well as the multipotent somatic interstitial lineage (MPSC) and the germline stem cell lineage (GSC), also known as the interstitial cells of Hydra.

Nutritional Programming of the Lifespan of Male Drosophila by Activating FOXO on Larval Low-Nutrient Diet

Nutrition during the developmental stages has long-term effects on adult physiology, disease and lifespan, and is termed nutritional programming. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of nutritional programming are not yet well understood. In this study, we showed that developmental diets could regulate the lifespan of adult Drosophila in a way that interacts with various adult diets during development and adulthood. Importantly, we demonstrated that a developmental low-yeast diet (0.2SY) extended both the health span and lifespan of male flies under nutrient-replete conditions in adulthood through nutritional programming. Males with a low-yeast diets during developmental stages had a better resistance to starvation and lessened decline of climbing ability with age in adulthood. Critically, we revealed that the activity of the Drosophila transcription factor FOXO (dFOXO) was upregulated in adult males under developmental low-nutrient conditions. The knockdown of dFOXO, with both ubiquitous and fat-body-specific patterns, can completely abolish the lifespan-extending effect from the larval low-yeast diet. Ultimately, we identify that the developmental diet achieved the nutritional programming of the lifespan of adult males by modulating the activity of dFOXO in Drosophila. Together, these results provide molecular evidence that the nutrition in the early life of animals could program the health of their later life and their longevity.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) impairs circadian regulation: impact on the aging process

Circadian clocks control the internal sleep-wake rhythmicity of 24hours which is synchronized by the solar cycle. Circadian regulation of metabolism evolved about 2.5 billion years ago, i.e., the rhythmicity has been conserved from cyanobacteria and Archaea through to mammals although the mechanisms utilized have developed with evolution. While the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an evolutionarily conserved defence mechanism against environmental threats, it has gained many novel functions during evolution, such as the regulation of cell cycle, proteostasis, and many immune functions. There is robust evidence that AhR signaling impairs circadian rhythmicity, e.g., by interacting with the core BMAL1/CLOCK complex and disturbing the epigenetic regulation of clock genes. The maintenance of circadian rhythms is impaired with aging, disturbing metabolism and many important functions in aged organisms. Interestingly, it is known that AhR signaling promotes an age-related tissue degeneration, e.g., it is able to inhibit autophagy, enhance cellular senescence, and disrupt extracellular matrix. These alterations are rather similar to those induced by a long-term impairment of circadian rhythms. However, it is not known whether AhR signaling enhances the aging process by impairing circadian homeostasis. I will examine the experimental evidence indicating that AhR signaling is able to promote the age-related degeneration via a disruption of circadian rhythmicity.

Multi-modal profiling of peripheral blood cells across the human lifespan reveals distinct immune cell signatures of aging and longevity

BACKGROUND

Age-related changes in immune cell composition and functionality are associated with multimorbidity and mortality. However, many centenarians delay the onset of aging-related disease suggesting the presence of elite immunity that remains highly functional at extreme old age.

METHODS

To identify immune-specific patterns of aging and extreme human longevity, we analyzed novel single cell profiles from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of a random sample of 7 centenarians (mean age 106) and publicly available single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets that included an additional 7 centenarians as well as 52 people at younger ages (20-89 years).

FINDINGS

The analysis confirmed known shifts in the ratio of lymphocytes to myeloid cells, and noncytotoxic to cytotoxic cell distributions with aging, but also identified significant shifts from CD4+ T cell to B cell populations in centenarians suggesting a history of exposure to natural and environmental immunogens. We validated several of these findings using flow cytometry analysis of the same samples. Our transcriptional analysis identified cell type signatures specific to exceptional longevity that included genes with age-related changes (e.g., increased expression of STK17A, a gene known to be involved in DNA damage response) as well as genes expressed uniquely in centenarians' PBMCs (e.g., S100A4, part of the S100 protein family studied in age-related disease and connected to longevity and metabolic regulation).

INTERPRETATION

Collectively, these data suggest that centenarians harbor unique, highly functional immune systems that have successfully adapted to a history of insults allowing for the achievement of exceptional longevity.

FUNDING

TK, SM, PS, GM, SA, TP are supported by NIH-NIAUH2AG064704 and U19AG023122. MM and PS are supported by NIHNIA Pepper center: P30 AG031679-10. This project is supported by the Flow Cytometry Core Facility at BUSM. FCCF is funded by the NIH Instrumentation grant: S10 OD021587.

Extracellular vesicles secreted by adenomyosis endometrial organoids contain miRNAs involved in embryo implantation and pregnancy

RESEARCH QUESTION

Do extracellular vesicles secreted by the endometrium of women with adenomyosis contain miRNAs involved in adenomyosis-related infertility?

DESIGN

A descriptive study using organoids from eutopic endometrium of women with adenomyosis (n = 4) generated and differentiated to secretory and gestational phases, in which miRNA cargo from extracellular vesicles secreted by these differentiated organoids in each phase was analysed by next-generation sequencing. miRNAs in secretory-extracellular vesicles and gestational-extracellular vesicles were selected based on the counts per million. miRNAs target genes in each phase were obtained from miRNet and gene ontology was used for enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

miRNA sequencing identified 80 miRNAs in secretory-phase extracellular vesicles, including hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-92a-3p, hsa-miR-92b-3p, hsa-miR-200c-3p and hsa-miR-423a-5p, related to adenomyosis pathogenesis and implantation failure. Further, 60 miRNAs were identified in gestational-phase extracellular vesicles, including hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-miR-30c-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p and hsa-miR-423a-5p were associated with preeclampsia and miscarriage. Among the target genes of these miRNAs, PTEN, MDM4, PLAGL2 and CELF1, whose downregulation (P = 0.0003, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0003, respectively) contributes to adenomyosis pathogenesis, and impaired early embryo development, leading to implantation failure and miscarriage, are highlihghted. Further, functional enrichment analyses of the target genes revealed their involvement in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation and response to extracellular stimuli.

CONCLUSIONS

Eutopic endometrium in secretory and gestational phase from women with adenomyosis releases extracellular vesicles containing miRNAs involved in adenomyosis progression, impaired embryo implantation and pregnancy complications.

FOXO3A acts as immune response modulator in human virus-negative inflammatory cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory cardiomyopathy is characterised by inflammatory infiltrates leading to cardiac injury, left ventricular (LV) dilatation and reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Several viral pathogens and autoimmune phenomena may cause cardiac inflammation.The effects of the gain of function FOXO3A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12212067 on inflammation and outcome were studied in a cohort of patients with inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMi) in relation to cardiac viral presence.

METHODS

Distribution of the SNP was determined in virus-positive and virus-negative DCMi patients and in control subjects without myocardial pathology. Baseline and outcome data were compared in 221 virus-negative patients with detection of cardiac inflammation and reduced LVEF according to their carrier status of the SNP.

RESULTS

Distribution of SNP rs12212067 did not differ between virus-positive (n=22, 19.3%), virus-negative (n=45, 20.4 %) and control patients (n=18, 23.4 %), indicating the absence of susceptibility for viral infection or inflammation per se (p=0.199). Patients in the virus-negative DCMi group were characterised by reduced LVEF 35.5% (95% CI) 33.5 to 37.4) and increased LVEDD (LV end-diastolic diameter) 59.8 mm (95% CI 58.5 to 61.2). Within the group, SNP and non-SNP carriers had similarly impaired LVEF 39.2% (95% CI 34.3% to 44.0%) vs 34.5% (95% CI 32.4 to 36.5), p=0.083, and increased LVEDD 58.9 mm (95% CI 56.3 to 61.5) vs 60.1 mm (95% CI 58.6 to 61.6), p=0.702, respectively. The number of inflammatory infiltrates was not different in both SNP groups at baseline. Outcome after 6 months showed a significant improvement in LVEF and clinical symptoms in SNP rs12212067 carriers 50.9% (95% CI 45.4 to 56.3) versus non-SNP carriers 41.7% (95% CI 39.2 to 44.2), p≤0.01. The improvement in clinical symptoms and LVEF was associated with a significant reduction in cardiac inflammation (ΔCD45RO⁺ p≤0.05; ΔMac-1⁺ p≤0.05; ΔLFA-1⁺ p≤0.01; ΔCD54⁺ p≤0.01) in the SNP cohort versus non-SNP cohort, respectively. Subgroup analyses identified ΔMac-1⁺, ΔLFA-1⁺, ΔCD3⁺ and Δperforin⁺ as predictors for improvement in cardiac function in SNP-positive patients.

CONCLUSION

FOXO3A might act as modulator of the cardiac immune response, diminishing cardiac inflammation and injury in pathogen-negative DCMi.

Effects of fasting on FOXO3 expression as an anti-aging biomarker in the liver

Background

Aging is a multifactorial degenerative process that can be modulated by fasting through activation of the Fork-head transcription factor of the O class 3 (FOXO3), which plays an important role in increasing lifespans. However, the effects of different fasting durations on the expression of FOXO3 in the liver has not yet been reported.

Objective

This study analyzed the effects of different fasting durations on the FOXO3 expression and its pathway by measuring sirtuin1 (SIRT1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the liver.

Methods

New Zealand white rabbits were used to mimic the effects of fasting on humans. The rabbits were divided into the control, intermittent fasting (IF), and prolonged fasting (PF) groups. Both fasting groups were interspersed with the non-fasting phase for 8 h. This treatment was conducted for 6 days. On Day 7, all the rabbits were sacrificed, and their livers were taken to measure the FOXO3 and SIRT1 mRNA expressions, the IGF-1 protein level, and the SOD activity level. ANOVA, multiple comparison, and Pearson's correlation were performed for statistical analysis.

Results

The FOXO3 and SIRT1 mRNA expressions were significantly higher in the IF group than in the control group. The FOXO3 expression was also 2.5 times higher in the IF group than in the PF group. There was a positive correlation between the FOXO3 and SIRT1 mRNA expressions. The IGF-1 protein level was significantly lower in the IF and PF groups than in the control group. The SOD-specific activity level was significantly higher in the IF group than in the control and PF groups.

Conclusions

Intermittent fasting significantly increased the FOXO3 and SIRT1 mRNA expressions and the SOD activity level in the livers of the rabbits and significantly decreased the circulating and hepatic IGF-1. Therefore, intermittent fasting may give a protective intervention effect towards aging.

Incidence of Alzheimer's Disease in Men with Late-Life Hypertension Is Ameliorated by FOXO3 Longevity Genotype

BACKGROUND

It is well established that mid-life hypertension increases risk of dementia, whereas the association of late-life hypertension with dementia is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether FOXO3 longevity-associated genotype influences the association between late-life hypertension and incident dementia.

METHODS

Subjects were 2,688 American men of Japanese ancestry (baseline age: 77.0±4.1 years, range 71-93 years) from the Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program. Status was known for FOXO3 rs2802292 genotype, hypertension, and diagnosis of incident dementia to 2012. Association of FOXO3 genotype with late-life hypertension and incident dementia, vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

During 21 years of follow-up, 725 men were diagnosed with all-cause dementia, 513 with AD, and 104 with VaD. A multivariable Cox model, adjusting for age, education, APOEɛ4, and cardiovascular risk factors, showed late-life hypertension increased VaD risk only (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.08-2.71, p = 0.022). We found no significant protective effect of FOXO3 longevity genotype on any type of dementia at the population level. However, in a full Cox model adjusting for age, education, APOEɛ4, and other cardiovascular risk factors, there was a significant interaction effect of late-life hypertension and FOXO3 longevity genotype on incident AD (β= -0.52, p = 0.0061). In men with FOXO3 rs2802292 longevity genotype (TG/GG), late-life hypertension showed protection against AD (HR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.55-0.95, p = 0.021). The non-longevity genotype (TT) (HR = 1.16; 95% CI = 0.90-1.51, p = 0.25) had no protective effect.

CONCLUSION

This longitudinal study found late-life hypertension was associated with lower incident AD in subjects with FOXO3 genotype.

Fitness to Work Assessment for Oil Palm Fruits Harvest Workers Diagnosed with Color Blindness using Color Blind Test Media Based on the Color of Oil Palm Fruit

Color blindness or color vision deficiency (CVD) is a disease that makes recognizing colors difficult or impossible. A person with color blindness may find it challenging to obtain employment, particularly in positions that need the ability to distinguish or see colors accurately. As the world's largest producer of palm oil, Indonesia employs a vast number of people in this industry. To discern between ripe and unripe oil palm fruit, harvesting jobs for oil palms is one of the occupations that require excellent color recognition skills. In the lack of a practical test method to determine the eligibility of a color blind oil palm fruit harvester, a simple yet effective test that can be modified for each enterprise is required.

FoxO3 Regulates the Progress and Development of Aging and Aging-Related Diseases

Aging is an inevitable risk factor for many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Investigation into the molecular mechanisms involved in aging and longevity will benefit the treatment of age-dependent diseases and the development of preventative medicine for agingrelated diseases. Current evidence has revealed that FoxO3, encoding the transcription factor (FoxO)3, a key transcription factor that integrates different stimuli in the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and is involved in cell differentiation, protein homeostasis, stress resistance and stem cell status, plays a regulatory role in longevity and in age-related diseases. However, the precise mechanisms by which the FoxO3 transcription factor modulates aging and promotes longevity have been unclear until now. Here, we provide a brief overview of the mechanisms by which FoxO3 mediates signaling in pathways involved in aging and aging-related diseases, as well as the current knowledge on the role of the FoxO3 transcription factor in the human lifespan and its clinical prospects. Ultimately, we conclude that FoxO3 signaling pathways, including upstream and downstream molecules, may be underlying therapeutic targets in aging and age-related diseases.

Short Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism in Relation to Gut Microbiota and Genetic Variability

It is widely accepted that the gut microbiota plays a significant role in modulating inflammatory and immune responses of their host. In recent years, the host-microbiota interface has gained relevance in understanding the development of many non-communicable chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, autoimmunity and neurodegeneration. Importantly, dietary fibre (DF) and associated compounds digested by the microbiota and their resulting metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), were significantly associated with health beneficial effects, such as via proposed anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, SCFA metabolic pathways are not fully understood. Major steps include production of SCFA by microbiota, uptake in the colonic epithelium, first-pass effects at the liver, followed by biodistribution and metabolism at the host's cellular level. As dietary patterns do not affect all individuals equally, the host genetic makeup may play a role in the metabolic fate of these metabolites, in addition to other factors that might influence the microbiota, such as age, birth through caesarean, medication intake, alcohol and tobacco consumption, pathogen exposure and physical activity. In this article, we review the metabolic pathways of DF, from intake to the intracellular metabolism of fibre-derived products, and identify possible sources of inter-individual variability related to genetic variation. Such variability may be indicative of the phenotypic flexibility in response to diet, and may be predictive of long-term adaptations to dietary factors, including maladaptation and tissue damage, which may develop into disease in individuals with specific predispositions, thus allowing for a better prediction of potential health effects following personalized intervention with DF.

Effects of Fisetin, a Plant-Derived Flavonoid, on Response to Oxidative Stress, Aging, and Age-Related Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans

Fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone), a flavonoid abundant in various fruits and vegetables, including apple, strawberry, and onion, shows several beneficial effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. The free radical theory of aging suggests that age-related accumulation of oxidative damage is the major cause of aging and that decreasing cellular oxidative stress can regulate aging. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with fisetin on the stress response, aging, and age-related diseases. Fisetin reduced the cellular ROS levels and increased the resistance to oxidative stress. However, the response to UV irradiation was not affected by fisetin. Both the mean and maximum lifespans were significantly extended by fisetin; lifespan extension by fisetin was accompanied by reduced fertility as a trade-off. Age-related decline in motility was also delayed by supplementation with fisetin. Amyloid beta-induced toxicity was markedly decreased by fisetin, which required DAF-16 and SKN-1. Reduced motility induced by a high-glucose diet was completely recovered by supplementation with fisetin, which was dependent on SKN-1. Using a Parkinson's disease model, we showed that degeneration of dopaminergic neurons was significantly inhibited by treatment with fisetin. Genetic analysis revealed that lifespan extension by fisetin was mediated by DAF-16-induced stress response and autophagy. These findings support the free radical theory of aging and suggest that fisetin can be a strong candidate for use in novel anti-aging anti-oxidant nutraceuticals.

miR-122-5p Regulates Renal Fibrosis In Vivo

The role of exogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) in renal fibrosis is poorly understood. Here, the effect of exogenous miRNAs on renal fibrosis was investigated using a renal fibrosis mouse model generated by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). miRNA microarray analysis and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that miR-122-5p was the most downregulated (0.28-fold) miRNA in the kidneys of UUO mice. The injection of an miR-122-5p mimic promoted renal fibrosis and upregulated COL1A2 and FN1, whereas an miR-122-5p inhibitor suppressed renal fibrosis and downregulated COL1A2 and FN1. The expression levels of fibrosis-related mRNAs, which were predicted targets of miR-122-5p, were evaluated. The expression level of TGFBR2, a pro-fibrotic mRNA, was upregulated by the miR-122-5p mimic, and the expression level of FOXO3, an anti-fibrotic mRNA, was upregulated by the miR-122-5p inhibitor. The protein expressions of TGFBR2 and FOXO3 were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the expression levels of LC3, downstream anti-fibrotic mRNAs of FOXO3, were upregulated by the miR-122-5p inhibitor. These results suggest that miR-122-5p has critical roles in renal fibrosis.

FOXOs: masters of the equilibrium

Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors (TFs) are a subclass of the larger family of forkhead TFs. Mammalians express four members FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4, and FOXO6. The interest in FOXO function stems mostly from their observed role in determining lifespan, where in model organisms, increased FOXO activity results in extended lifespan. FOXOs act as downstream of several signaling pathway and are extensively regulated through post-translational modifications. The transcriptional program activated by FOXOs in various cell types, organisms, and under various conditions has been described and has shed some light on what the critical transcriptional targets are in mediating FOXO function. At the cellular level, these studies have revealed a role for FOXOs in cell metabolism, cellular redox, cell proliferation, DNA repair, autophagy, and many more. The general picture that emerges hereof is that FOXOs act to preserve equilibrium, and they are important for cellular homeostasis. Here, we will first briefly summarize the general knowledge of FOXO regulation and possible functions. We will use genomic stability to illustrate how FOXOs ensure homeostasis. Genomic stability is critical for maintaining genetic integrity, and therefore preventing disease. However, genomic mutations need to occur during lifetime to enable evolution, yet their accumulation is believed to be causative to aging. Therefore, the role of FOXO in genomic stability may underlie its role in lifespan and aging. Finally, we will come up with questions on some of the unknowns in FOXO function, the answer(s) to which we believe will further our understanding of FOXO function and ultimately may help to understand lifespan and its consequences.

FOXO transcription factors as therapeutic targets in human diseases

Forkhead box (FOX)O proteins are transcription factors (TFs) with four members in mammals designated FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4, and FOXO6. FOXO TFs play a pivotal role in the cellular adaptation to diverse stress conditions. FOXO proteins act as context-dependent tumor suppressors and their dysregulation has been implicated in several age-related diseases. FOXO3 has been established as a major gene for human longevity. Accordingly, FOXO proteins have emerged as potential targets for the therapeutic development of drugs and geroprotectors. In this review, we provide an overview of the most recent advances in our understanding of FOXO regulation and function in various pathological conditions. We discuss strategies targeting FOXOs directly or by the modulation of upstream regulators, shedding light on the most promising intervention points. We also reveal the most relevant clinical indications and discuss the potential, trends, and challenges of modulating FOXO activity for therapeutic purposes.