The Role of Immune Cells in Oxi-Inflamm-Aging

Integrated approach to reducing polypharmacy in older people: exploring the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant potential therapy

Increased life expectancy, attributed to improved access to healthcare and drug development, has led to an increase in multimorbidity, a key contributor to polypharmacy. Polypharmacy is characterised by its association with a variety of adverse events in the older persons. The mechanisms involved in the development of age-related chronic diseases are largely unknown; however, altered redox homeostasis due to ageing is one of the main theories. In this context, the present review explores the development and interaction between different age-related diseases, mainly linked by oxidative stress. In addition, drug interactions in the treatment of various diseases are described, emphasising that the holistic management of older people and their pathologies should prevail over the individual treatment of each condition.

Interactive association of the dietary oxidative balance score and cardiovascular disease with mortality in older adults: evidence from NHANES

Objectives: We conducted an assessment to explore potential associations of the dietary oxidative balance score (DOBS), cardiovascular disease (CVD), with all-cause mortality among older adults, while also exploring the potential moderating effect of DOBS on the relationship between CVD and mortality. Methods: This study included 9059 older adults (≥60 years) from NHANES 2003-2014. Determination of DOBS involves scoring the combination of 16 nutrients, comprising 2 pro-oxidants and 14 anti-oxidants. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the individual associations of CVD and DOBS status with all-cause mortality. Additional evaluations were conducted to assess the combined impact of CVD and DOBS status on mortality, and the interaction were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were performed by excluding participants who died within two years. Results: The findings demonstrated a significant association between pro-oxidant diet (lower DOBS) or CVD and elevated mortality risk among older adults. It is also suggested that older adults with CVD and pro-oxidant diet exhibit the highest risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.64-2.34), compared to individuals without CVD who follow an antioxidant-rich diet. Further stratified analysis based on CVD status revealed a different pattern in the correlation between pro-oxidant diet and all-cause mortality risk (P for interaction = 0.015). The results of sensitivity analysis were consistent. Conclusions: The lower levels of DOBS and/or CVD were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in older adults. Notably, we also identified a significant interaction between DOBS and CVD affecting all-cause mortality.

Predictive Models of Life Span in Old Female Mice Based on Immune, Redox, and Behavioral Parameters

The development of mathematical models capable of predicting the lifespan of animals is growing. However, there are no studies that compare the predictive power of different sets of parameters depending on the age of the animals. The aim of the present study is to test whether mathematical models for life span prediction developed in adult female mice based on immune, redox, and behavioral parameters can predict life span in old animals and to develop new models in old mice. For this purpose, 29 variables, including parameters of immune function, redox state, and behavioral ones, were evaluated in old female Swiss mice (80 ± 4 weeks). Life span was registered when they died naturally. Firstly, we observed that the models developed in adults were not able to accurately predict the life span of old mice. Therefore, the immunity (adjusted R2 = 73.6%), redox (adjusted R2 = 46.5%), immunity-redox (adjusted R2 = 96.4%), and behavioral (adjusted R2 = 67.9%) models were developed in old age. Finally, the models were validated in another batch of mice. The developed models in old mice show certain similarities to those in adults but include different immune, redox, and behavioral markers, which highlights the importance of age in the prediction of life span.

Addressing global health disparities in the management of RSV infection in infants and children: Strategies for preventing bronchiolitis and post-bronchiolitis recurrent wheezing

Background: The topic of equitable access to health care and its impact on exacerbating worldwide inequities in child health not only strikes at the heart of our health-care delivery systems but also deeply resonates with our collective social consciences. Nowhere is this better seen on a global scale than in the burden of illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, which extracts the most severe morbidity and mortality in infants and children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This report addresses global health disparities that exist in the management of RSV infection in infants and children, and offers strategies for preventing bronchiolitis and postbronchiolitis recurrent wheezing in LMICs. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted across the PubMed data bases of RSV infection and the socioeconomic impact of bronchiolitis and postbronchiolitis recurrent wheezing in LMICs. Results: The results of the present study address the many issues that deal with the question if prevention of RSV bronchiolitis can mitigate recurrent wheezing episodes and links RSV risks, downstream effects, prevention, malnutrition, and socioeconomic restraints of developing countries with a call for possible global action. Conclusion: The present study stresses the importance of considering the linkage between malnutrition and disease susceptibility because of the known relationships between undernutrition and greater vulnerability to infectious diseases, including RSV infection. These complex interactions between infectious disease and undernutrition also raise issues on the longer-term sequelae of postbronchiolitis recurrent wheezing. This prompts a discussion on whether industrialized countries should prioritize the provision of newly developed monoclonal antibodies and RSV vaccines to LMICs or whether vital nutritional needs should be a first focus. The resolution of these issues will require research and greater international discourse.

Exploring the Prospective Role of Propolis in Modifying Aging Hallmarks

Aging populations worldwide are placing age-related diseases at the forefront of the research agenda. The therapeutic potential of natural substances, especially propolis and its components, has led to these products being promising agents for alleviating several cellular and molecular-level changes associated with age-related diseases. With this in mind, scientists have introduced a contextual framework to guide future aging research, called the hallmarks of aging. This framework encompasses various mechanisms including genomic instability, epigenetic changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, impaired nutrient sensing, and altered intercellular communication. Propolis, with its rich array of bioactive compounds, functions as a potent functional food, modulating metabolism, gut microbiota, inflammation, and immune response, offering significant health benefits. Studies emphasize propolis' properties, such as antitumor, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects, as well as its ability to mitigate inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and pathogenic gut bacteria growth. This article underscores current scientific evidence supporting propolis' role in controlling molecular and cellular characteristics linked to aging and its hallmarks, hypothesizing its potential in geroscience research. The aim is to discover novel therapeutic strategies to improve health and quality of life in older individuals, addressing existing deficits and perspectives in this research area.

Age-related bone diseases: Role of inflammaging

Bone aging is characterized by an imbalance in the physiological and pathological processes of osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis, resulting in exacerbated bone loss and the development of age-related bone diseases, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis. Inflammaging, a novel concept in the field of aging research, pertains to the persistent and gradual escalation of pro-inflammatory reactions during the aging process. This phenomenon is distinguished by its low intensity, systemic nature, absence of symptoms, and potential for management. The mechanisms by which inflammaging contribute to age-related chronic diseases, particularly in the context of age-related bone diseases, remain unclear. The precise manner in which systemic inflammation induces bone aging and consequently contributes to the development of age-related bone diseases has yet to be fully elucidated. This article primarily examines the mechanisms underlying inflammaging and its association with age-related bone diseases, to elucidate the potential mechanisms of inflammaging in age-related bone diseases and offer insights for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies for such conditions.

The immunity and redox clocks in mice, markers of lifespan

Immune function and redox markers are used for estimating the aging rate, namely biological age (BA). However, it is unknown if this BA and its changes can be reflected in longevity. Thus, we must quantify BA in experimental animals. In peritoneal immune cells of 202 female mice (ICR/CD1) in different ages, 10 immune and 6 redox parameters were evaluated to construct two mathematical models for BA quantification in mice by multiple linear regression. Immune and redox parameters were selected as independent variables and chronological age as dependent, developing two models: the Immunity and the Redox Clocks, reaching both an adjusted R2 of 80.9% and a standard error of 6.38 and 8.57 weeks, respectively. Both models were validated in a different group of healthy mice obtaining a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.844 and 0.800 (p < 0.001) between chronological and BA. Furthermore, they were applied to adult prematurely aging mice, which showed a higher BA than non-prematurely aging mice. Moreover, after positive and negative lifestyle interventions, mice showed a lower and higher BA, respectively, than their age-matched controls. In conclusion, the Immunity and Redox Clocks allow BA quantification in mice and both the ImmunolAge and RedoxAge in mice relate to lifespan.

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.

Aging: silencing the PKA and AkT/PKB signaling pathways alters the antioxidant capacity of resveratrol

One of the theories related to aging is the increase in oxidative stress. Given this, the objective of the study is to evaluate the cellular mechanisms responsible for the resveratrol antioxidant effect on leukocytes from donors aged between 20 and 80 years old. For this, leukocytes from donors of three age groups (20-39, 40-59 and 60-80) were isolated. Image-iT™LIVE Green Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Kit was used. Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) analysis was performed by measuring nitric oxide and peroxynitrite. The PKA, Akt/PKB and p38-MAPK were evaluated by chemiluminescence. The statistical analysis between age and treatments were performed by Pearson correlation (*p < 0.05). It was possible to observe the antioxidant effect of resveratrol in all age groups. The correlation results show loss of resveratrol effect in decreasing ROS in leukocytes from older donors. We observed an active antioxidant effect of p38-MAPK in all ages, with resveratrol acting on it. The PKA and Akt/PKB were active in leukocytes from donors aged 20-59. In cells from donors older than 60, these pathways are silenced, and an effect is also not observed in cells treated with resveratrol. Therefore, resveratrol showed antioxidant effect in all age, although it was more pronounced in leukocytes from younger. One of resveratrol's mechanisms is due to the activation of the PKA and Akt/PKB, which were activated in younger donor cells.

A pathological convergence theory for non-communicable diseases

The current paradigm considers the study of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are the main causes of mortality, as individual disorders. Nevertheless, this conception is being solidly challenged by numerous remarkable studies. The clear fact that the mortality, by virtually all NCDs, tends to cluster at old ages (with the exception of congenital malformations and certain types of cancer, among a few others); makes us intuitive to assume that the common convergence mechanism that exponentially increases mortality by almost all NCDs in older ages is cell aging. Moreover, when we study NCDs, we are not analyzing which disorders cause the mortality of the populations, rather that which disorders kill us before others do, because the aging of the individuals causes inevitably their death by one cause or another. This is not a defeatist perspective, but a challenging and efficient one. These intuitive assumptions have been supported by studies from the pathophysiologic, epidemiologic, and genetic fields, leading to the affirmation that, as NCDs share genetic and pathophysiological mechanisms (derived from mostly the same risk factors), they should no longer be considered independently. Those studies should make us reconsider our current conceptions of studying NCDs as individual disorders, and to hypothesize about a paradigm that would consider most NCDs (cancer, neurological pathologies, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory diseases, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis, among others) different manifestations of the same process: the cell aging.

Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Diabetes Mellitus with Diabetic Nephropathy Complications

The present study aimed to investigate and compare biomarkers of oxidative stress and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the plasma of patients with different stages of diabetic nephropathy. For this purpose, we studied (1) the levels of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species as oxidative stress parameters, (2) lipid and protein oxidation, (3) the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and (4) cytokine production. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into three groups according to the loss of renal function: patients with compensated diabetes mellitus with normal renal function DMT2N0 measured as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, a group with decompensated diabetes mellitus with complication diabetic nephropathy and mild-to-moderate loss of renal function DMT2N1 (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2: 59-45 mL/min/1.73 m2), and a decompensated diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy group with moderate-to-severe loss of renal function DMT2N2 (eGFR > 30 mL/min/1.73 m2: 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m2). All results were compared with healthy volunteers. The results showed that patients with diabetic nephropathy had significantly higher levels of ROS, cytokine production, and end products of lipid and protein oxidation compared to healthy volunteers. Furthermore, patients with diabetic nephropathy had depleted levels of nitric oxide (NO), an impaired NO synthase (NOS) system, and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that patients with impaired renal function are unable to compensate for oxidative stress. The decreased levels of NO radicals in patients with advanced renal complications may be attributed to damage NO availability in plasma. The study highlights the compromised oxidative status as a contributing factor to impaired renal function in patients with decompensated type 2 diabetes mellitus. The findings of this study have implications for understanding the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and the role of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in its development. The assessment of oxidative stress levels and inflammatory biomarkers may aid in the early detection and prediction of diabetic complications.

Chronic inflammation and the hallmarks of aging

BACKGROUND

Recently, the hallmarks of aging were updated to include dysbiosis, disabled macroautophagy, and chronic inflammation. In particular, the low-grade chronic inflammation during aging, without overt infection, is defined as "inflammaging," which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the aging population. Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional and cyclical relationship between chronic inflammation and the development of age-related conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, cancer, and frailty. How the crosstalk between chronic inflammation and other hallmarks of aging underlies biological mechanisms of aging and age-related disease is thus of particular interest to the current geroscience research.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This review integrates the cellular and molecular mechanisms of age-associated chronic inflammation with the other eleven hallmarks of aging. Extra discussion is dedicated to the hallmark of "altered nutrient sensing," given the scope of Molecular Metabolism. The deregulation of hallmark processes during aging disrupts the delicate balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling, leading to a persistent inflammatory state. The resultant chronic inflammation, in turn, further aggravates the dysfunction of each hallmark, thereby driving the progression of aging and age-related diseases.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS

The crosstalk between chronic inflammation and other hallmarks of aging results in a vicious cycle that exacerbates the decline in cellular functions and promotes aging. Understanding this complex interplay will provide new insights into the mechanisms of aging and the development of potential anti-aging interventions. Given their interconnectedness and ability to accentuate the primary elements of aging, drivers of chronic inflammation may be an ideal target with high translational potential to address the pathological conditions associated with aging.

Components of the Glutathione Cycle as Markers of Biological Age: An Approach to Clinical Application in Aging

The oxidative-inflammatory theory of aging states that aging is the result of the establishment of a chronic oxidative-inflammatory stress situation in which the immune system is implicated. Among the redox parameters, those involved in the glutathione cycle have been suggested as essential in aging. Thus, the first objective of this study was to determine if several components of the glutathione cycle (glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and concentrations of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and reduced glutathione (GSH)) in leukocytes) are associated with the biological age (ImmunolAge) estimated using the Immunity Clock in 190 men and women. The second objective was to identify the best blood fraction (whole blood, blood cells, erythrocytes, or plasma) to quantify these components and correlate them with the estimated ImmunolAge. The results show that the oxidative state of peripheral leukocytes correlates with their functionality, supporting the idea that this is the basis of immunosenescence. In blood, the correlations are more significant in the fraction of blood cells with respect to ImmunolAge (positive correlations with GSSG concentration and the GSSG/GSH ratio, and negative correlations with GPx and GR activities). Therefore, blood cells are proposed as the most effective sample to estimate the biological age of individuals in clinical settings.

Inflammation and aging: signaling pathways and intervention therapies

Aging is characterized by systemic chronic inflammation, which is accompanied by cellular senescence, immunosenescence, organ dysfunction, and age-related diseases. Given the multidimensional complexity of aging, there is an urgent need for a systematic organization of inflammaging through dimensionality reduction. Factors secreted by senescent cells, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), promote chronic inflammation and can induce senescence in normal cells. At the same time, chronic inflammation accelerates the senescence of immune cells, resulting in weakened immune function and an inability to clear senescent cells and inflammatory factors, which creates a vicious cycle of inflammation and senescence. Persistently elevated inflammation levels in organs such as the bone marrow, liver, and lungs cannot be eliminated in time, leading to organ damage and aging-related diseases. Therefore, inflammation has been recognized as an endogenous factor in aging, and the elimination of inflammation could be a potential strategy for anti-aging. Here we discuss inflammaging at the molecular, cellular, organ, and disease levels, and review current aging models, the implications of cutting-edge single cell technologies, as well as anti-aging strategies. Since preventing and alleviating aging-related diseases and improving the overall quality of life are the ultimate goals of aging research, our review highlights the critical features and potential mechanisms of inflammation and aging, along with the latest developments and future directions in aging research, providing a theoretical foundation for novel and practical anti-aging strategies.

The oxidative aging model integrated various risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus at system level

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic endocrine metabolic disease caused by insulin dysregulation. Studies have shown that aging-related oxidative stress (as "oxidative aging") play a critical role in the onset and progression of T2DM, by leading to an energy metabolism imbalance. However, the precise mechanisms through which oxidative aging lead to T2DM are yet to be fully comprehended. Thus, it is urgent to integrate the underlying mechanisms between oxidative aging and T2DM, where meaningful prediction models based on relative profiles are needed.

Methods

First, machine learning was used to build the aging model and disease model. Next, an integrated oxidative aging model was employed to identify crucial oxidative aging risk factors. Finally, a series of bioinformatic analyses (including network, enrichment, sensitivity, and pan-cancer analyses) were used to explore potential mechanisms underlying oxidative aging and T2DM.

Results

The study revealed a close relationship between oxidative aging and T2DM. Our results indicate that nutritional metabolism, inflammation response, mitochondrial function, and protein homeostasis are key factors involved in the interplay between oxidative aging and T2DM, even indicating key indices across different cancer types. Therefore, various risk factors in T2DM were integrated, and the theories of oxi-inflamm-aging and cellular senescence were also confirmed.

Conclusion

In sum, our study successfully integrated the underlying mechanisms linking oxidative aging and T2DM through a series of computational methodologies.

Mitochondrial transplantation as a possible therapeutic option for sarcopenia

With advancing age, the skeletal muscle phenotype is characterized by a progressive loss of mass, strength, and quality. This phenomenon, known as sarcopenia, has a negative impact on quality of life and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Accumulating evidence suggests that damaged and dysfunctional mitochondria play a critical role in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. Lifestyle modifications, such as physical activity, exercise, and nutrition, as well as medical interventions with therapeutic agents, are effective in the management of sarcopenia and offer solutions to maintain and improve skeletal muscle health. Although a great deal of effort has been devoted to the identification of the best treatment option, these strategies are not sufficient to overcome sarcopenia. Recently, it has been reported that mitochondrial transplantation may be a possible therapeutic approach for the treatment of mitochondria-related pathological conditions such as ischemia, liver toxicity, kidney injury, cancer, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Given the role of mitochondria in the function and metabolism of skeletal muscle, mitochondrial transplantation may be a possible option for the treatment of sarcopenia. In this review, we summarize the definition and characteristics of sarcopenia and molecular mechanisms associated with mitochondria that are known to contribute to sarcopenia. We also discuss mitochondrial transplantation as a possible option. Despite the progress made in the field of mitochondrial transplantation, further studies are needed to elucidate the role of mitochondrial transplantation in sarcopenia. KEY MESSAGES: Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and quality. Although the specific mechanisms that lead to sarcopenia are not fully understood, mitochondria have been identified as a key factor in the development of sarcopenia. Damaged and dysfunctional mitochondria initiate various cellular mediators and signaling pathways, which largely contribute to the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Mitochondrial transplantation has been reported to be a possible option for the treatment/prevention of several diseases. Mitochondrial transplantation may be a possible therapeutic option for improving skeletal muscle health and treating sarcopenia. Mitochondrial transplantation as a possible treatment option for sarcopenia.

The Biological and Molecular Action of Ozone and Its Derivatives: State-of-the-Art, Enhanced Scenarios, and Quality Insights

The ultimate objective of this review is to encourage a multi-disciplinary and integrated methodological approach that, starting from the recognition of some current uncertainties, helps to deepen the molecular bases of ozone treatment effects on human and animal well-being and to optimize their performance in terms of reproducibility of results, quality, and safety. In fact, the common therapeutic treatments are normally documented by healthcare professionals' prescriptions. The same applies to medicinal gases (whose uses are based on their pharmacological effects) that are intended for patients for treatment, diagnostic, or preventive purposes and that have been produced and inspected in accordance with good manufacturing practices and pharmacopoeia monographs. On the contrary, it is the responsibility of healthcare professionals, who thoughtfully choose to use ozone as a medicinal product, to achieve the following objectives: (i) to understand the molecular basis of the mechanism of action; (ii) to adjust the treatment according to the clinical responses obtained in accordance with the principles of precision medicine and personalized therapy; (iii) to ensure all quality standards.

[Touch, a crucial sense in social interactions to improve homeostasis in aging and promote healthy longevity]

Aging is associated with the generalized deterioration of the organism, being of great relevance experienced by homeostatic systems such as the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems, which increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Among the lifestyle strategies that have been researched to improve these systems and achieve greater healthy longevity, this review will focus on the social environment. In order to verify the effectiveness of these both in the improvement of homeostasis and in life expectancy, the research carried out with experimental animals that have allowed this to be done will be discussed. In addition, as it has been observed that physical contact is crucial for the positive outcomes of social interaction on homeostatic systems and longevity to occur, we will focus on that mechanism, as well as some of the possible molecular pathways underlying the effects found.

Positive effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on behavior, immune function, and oxidative and inflammatory state in old mice

The establishment of chronic oxidative and inflammatory stress with aging leads to the deterioration of the nervous and immune systems and, consequently, to the loss of health. The aim of this work was to study the effect of exposure to low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) produced by the NEURALTER® system (15 min/day for 4 weeks) in the behavior, immune functions, and oxidative and inflammatory state of old mice. Female old CD1 mice were divided into three groups: control group, handling control group and Neuralter group. Then, behavioral tests were performed, and peritoneal leukocytes were extracted to analyze function, oxidative and inflammatory parameters. In peritoneal leukocytes from old mice, the effects in vitro of 15 min with NEURALTER® were studied on function and oxidative parameters. The results show that after this type of treatment, old mice had greater coordination and locomotion, better immune function, and an oxidative-inflammatory state. Similarly, the immune function and oxidative state of leukocytes showed an improvement when these cells were exposed directly to the NEURALTER® system. In conclusion, the exposure to low-frequency PEMFs produced by the NEURALTER® system has beneficial effects on health in aging. In addition, this effect is direct, at least in part, on immune cells.

Resveratrol has its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protective mechanisms decreased in aging

In the elderly, there is an increase in oxidative and inflammatory activity. Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenol that has several proven biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Thus, the aim of our study was to verify the possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of RSV on human mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from donors aged between 40 and 59 and 60-80 years old. For this, 6-8 patients were selected by age group. Cells were isolated and divided into 4 groups: Control (C), RSV only, H₂O₂ (to induce an oxidizing environment - C+) and H₂O₂+RSV. The quantification of reactive nitrogen species (NO and ONOO-), as well as pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6 and IL-10) was performed. Pearson's correlation and comparison between groups were performed (p<0.05). Our results showed a greater role of RSV in the middle-aged compared to the elderly group, in relation to the balance of NO/ONOO- and the levels of cytokines IL-6 and TNFα. It was also possible to observe an improvement in the anti-inflammatory profile in both age groups, but more effective in the cells in the middle-aged group. Thus, we could observe that RSV has better activity in the reduction of important biomarkers of oxidation and inflammation.

Sex differences in neuroimmunoendocrine communication. Involvement on longevity

Endocrine, nervous, and immune systems work coordinately to maintain the global homeostasis of the organism. They show sex differences in their functions that, in turn, contribute to sex differences beyond reproductive function. Females display a better control of the energetic metabolism and improved neuroprotection and have more antioxidant defenses and a better inflammatory status than males, which is associated with a more robust immune response than that of males. These differences are present from the early stages of life, being more relevant in adulthood and influencing the aging trajectory in each sex and may contribute to the different life lifespan between sexes.

Bibliometric and visualization analysis of global research trends on immunosenescence (1970-2021)

BACKGROUND

Immunosenescence, the aging of the immune system, leads to a decline in the body's adaptability to the environment and plays an important role in various diseases. Immunosenescence has been widely studied in recent years. However, to date, no relevant bibliometric analyses have been conducted. This study aimed to analyze the foundation and frontiers of immunosenescence research through bibliometric analysis.

METHODS

Articles and reviews on immunosenescence from 1970 to 2021 were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection. Countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords were analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. The R language and Microsoft Excel 365 were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 3763 publications were included in the study. The global literature on immunosenescence research has increased from 1970 to 2021. The United States was the most productive country with 1409 papers and the highest H-index. Italy had the highest average number of citations per article (58.50). Among the top 10 institutions, 50 % were in the United States. The University of California was the most productive institution, with 159 articles. Kroemer G, Franceschi C, Goronzy JJ, Solana R, and Fulop T were among the top 10 most productive and co-cited authors. Experimental Gerontology (n = 170) published the most papers on immunosenescence. The analysis of keywords found that current research focuses on "inflammaging", "gut microbiota", "cellular senescence", and "COVID-19".

CONCLUSIONS

Immunosenescence research has increased over the years, and future cooperation and interaction between countries and institutions must be expanded. The connection between inflammaging, gut microbiota, age-related diseases, and immunosenescence is a current research priority. Individualized treatment of immunosenescence, reducing its negative effects, and promoting healthy longevity will become an emerging research direction.

Sex differences in markers of oxidation and inflammation. Implications for ageing

Sexual dimorphism is a key factor to consider in the ageing process given the impact that it has on life expectancy. The oxidative-inflammatory theory of ageing states that the ageing process is the result of the establishment of oxidative stress which, due to the interplay of the immune system, translates into inflammatory stress, and that both processes are responsible for the damage and loss of function of an organism. We show that there are relevant gender differences in a number of oxidative and inflammatory markers and propose that they may account for the differential lifespan between sexes, given that males display, in general, higher oxidation and basal inflammation. In addition, we explain the significant role of circulating cell-free DNA as a marker of oxidative damage and an inductor of inflammation, connecting both processes and having the potential to become a useful ageing marker. Finally, we discuss how oxidative and inflammatory changes take place differentially with ageing in each sex, which could also have an impact on the sex-differential lifespan. Further research including sex as an essential variable is needed to understand the grounds of sex differences in ageing and to better comprehend ageing itself.

Skin-to-Skin Contact: Crucial for Improving Behavior, Immunity, and Redox State after Short Cohabitation of Chronologically Old Mice and Prematurely Aging Mice with Adult Mice

(1) Background: Aging is characterized by a deterioration of the homeostatic systems, namely the nervous and immune systems. The rate of aging can be modified by lifestyle factors such as social interactions. Recently, improvements in behavior, immune function, and oxidative state were observed in adult prematurely aging mice (PAM) and chronologically old mice after cohabitation with exceptional non-PAM (E-NPAM) and adult mice, respectively, for 2 months. However, the cause of this positive effect is not known. The objective of the present work was to study whether skin-to-skin contact promotes these improvements both in chronologically old mice and in adult PAM. (2) Methods: Old and adult CD1 female mice were used as well as adult PAM and E-NPAM. After cohabitation for 15 min/day for 2 months (two old mice or PAM with five adult mice or E-NPAM, respectively, with both non- and skin-to-skin contact), several behavioral tests were performed and functions and oxidative stress parameters in peritoneal leukocytes were analyzed. (3) Results: This social interaction improved behavioral responses, immune functions, redox state, and longevity, but only if the animals had skin-to-skin contact. (4) Conclusions: Physical contact seems to be crucial to experiencing the positive effects of social interaction.

Association between a Mediterranean lifestyle and growth differentiation factor 15: The seniors ENRICA-2 cohort

BACKGROUND

Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15) is a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress that has been associated with multiple age-related chronic diseases. Since lifestyle is key for preventing these adverse health outcomes, we examined the association between a Mediterranean lifestyle and GDF-15 serum concentrations in Spanish older adults.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional data from 2502 older adults participating in the Seniors ENRICA-2 cohort. Adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle was assessed with the 27-item MEDLIFE index, divided into three blocks: 1) "Mediterranean food consumption, 2) Mediterranean dietary habits, 3) Physical activity, rest, social habits, and conviviality". Analyses of the association between the MEFLIFE index and GDF-15 concentrations were performed using multivariable linear regression models adjusting for the main potential confounders.

RESULTS

The MEDLIFE index was inversely associated with GDF-15. Compared with participants in the lowest quartile of the MEDLIFE score, GDF-15 mean percentage differences (95% CI) were -3.0% (-8.0, 2.3) for the second quartile, -8.7% (-13.0, -4.1) for the third quartile, and -10.1% (-15.0, -4.9) for the fourth quartile (p-trend<0.001). Block 3 of MEDLIFE, and particularly doing sufficient physical activity, adequate sleep duration, and participating in collective sports, was individually linked to lower concentrations of GDF-15. Results remained similar after excluding participants with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

A Mediterranean lifestyle was associated with reduced levels of GDF-15, suggesting that a combination of multiple lifestyles may be an integral approach to reduce chronic inflammation and disease burden in older adults.

HIV Infection, Chromosome Instability, and Micronucleus Formation

Genome integrity is critical for proper cell functioning, and chromosome instability can lead to age-related diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Chromosome instability is caused by multiple factors, including replication stress, chromosome missegregation, exposure to pollutants, and viral infections. Although many studies have investigated the effects of environmental or lifestyle genotoxins on chromosomal integrity, information on the effects of viral infections on micronucleus formation and other chromosomal aberrations is still limited. Currently, HIV infection is considered a chronic disease treatable by antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, HIV-infected individuals still face important health problems, such as chronic inflammation and age-related diseases. In this context, this article reviews studies that have evaluated genomic instability using micronucleus assays in the context of HIV infection. In brief, HIV can induce chromosome instability directly through the interaction of HIV proteins with host DNA and indirectly through chronic inflammation or as a result of ART use. Connections between HIV infection, immunosenescence and age-related disease are discussed in this article. The monitoring of HIV-infected individuals should consider the increased risk of chromosome instability, and lifestyle interventions, such as reduced exposure to genotoxins and an antioxidant-rich diet, should be considered. Therapies to reduce chronic inflammation in HIV infection are needed.

Impacts of Telomeric Length, Chronic Hypoxia, Senescence, and Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype on the Development of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is an age-related and life-threatening vascular disease. Telomere shortening is a predictor of age-related diseases, and its progression is associated with premature vascular disease. The aim of the present work was to investigate the impacts of chronic hypoxia and telomeric DNA damage on cellular homeostasis and vascular degeneration of TAA. We analyzed healthy and aortic aneurysm specimens (215 samples) for telomere length (TL), chronic DNA damage, and resulting changes in cellular homeostasis, focusing on senescence and apoptosis. Compared with healthy thoracic aorta (HTA), patients with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) showed telomere shortening with increasing TAA size, in contrast to genetically predisposed bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). In addition, TL was associated with chronic hypoxia and telomeric DNA damage and with the induction of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). TAA-TAV specimens showed a significant difference in SASP-marker expression of IL-6, NF-κB, mTOR, and cell-cycle regulators (γH2AX, Rb, p53, p21), compared to HTA and TAA-BAV. Furthermore, we observed an increase in CD163⁺ macrophages and a correlation between hypoxic DNA damage and the number of aortic telocytes. We conclude that chronic hypoxia is associated with telomeric DNA damage and the induction of SASP in a diseased aortic wall, promising a new therapeutic target.

The Relationship between Reactive Oxygen Species and the cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway in the Inflammaging Process

During Inflammaging, a dysregulation of the immune cell functions is generated, and these cells acquire a senescent phenotype with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and ROS. This increase in pro-inflammatory molecules contributes to the chronic inflammation and oxidative damage of biomolecules, classically observed in the Inflammaging process. One of the most critical oxidative damages is generated to the host DNA. Damaged DNA is located out of the natural compartments, such as the nucleus and mitochondria, and is present in the cell's cytoplasm. This DNA localization activates some DNA sensors, such as the cGAS/STING signaling pathway, that induce transcriptional factors involved in increasing inflammatory molecules. Some of the targets of this signaling pathway are the SASPs. SASPs are secreted pro-inflammatory molecules characteristic of the senescent cells and inducers of ROS production. It has been suggested that oxidative damage to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA generates activation of the cGAS/STING pathway, increasing ROS levels induced by SASPs. These additional ROS increase oxidative DNA damage, causing a loop during the Inflammaging. However, the relationship between the cGAS/STING pathway and the increase in ROS during Inflammaging has not been clarified. This review attempt to describe the potential connection between the cGAS/STING pathway and ROS during the Inflammaging process, based on the current literature, as a contribution to the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that occur and contribute to the development of the considered adaptative Inflammaging process during aging.

Identification of an Oxidative Stress-Related LncRNA Signature for Predicting Prognosis and Chemotherapy in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in oncogenesis and tumor progression. However, the prognostic role of oxidative stress-related lncRNA in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) has not been fully explored.

Methods: We used the gene expression data and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to identify oxidative stress-related differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) by pearson correlation analysis. A four-oxidative stress-related DElncRNA signature was constructed by LASSO regression and Cox regression analyses. The predictive signature was further validated by Kaplan–Meier (K–M) survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, nomogram and calibration plots, and principal component analysis (PCA). Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to explore the relationship between the signature and immune status. Finally, the correlation between the signature and chemotherapeutic response of HCC patients was analyzed.

Results: In our study, the four-DElncRNA signature was not only proved to be a robust independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) prediction, but also played a crucial role in the regulation of progression and chemotherapeutic response of HCC. ssGSEA showed that the signature was correlated with the infiltration level of immune cells. HCC patients in high-risk group were more sensitive to the conventional chemotherapeutic drugs including Sorafenib, lapatinib, Nilotinib, Gefitinib, Erlotinib and Dasatinib, which pave the way for targeting DElncRNA-associated treatments for HCC patients.

Conclusion: Our study has originated a prognostic signature for HCC based on oxidative stress-related DElncRNAs, deepened the understanding of the biological role of four key DElncRNAs in HCC and laid a theoretical foundation for the choice of chemotherapy.

Global research trends in atherosclerosis: A bibliometric and visualized study

Background

Increasing evidence has spurred a considerable evolution of concepts related to atherosclerosis, prompting the need to provide a comprehensive view of the growing literature. By retrieving publications in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) of Clarivate Analytics, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on atherosclerosis to describe the research landscape.

Methods

A search was conducted of the WoSCC for articles and reviews serving exclusively as a source of information on atherosclerosis published between 2012 and 2022. Microsoft Excel 2019 was used to chart the annual productivity of research relevant to atherosclerosis. Through CiteSpace and VOSviewer, the most prolific countries or regions, authors, journals, and resource-, intellectual-, and knowledge-sharing in atherosclerosis research, as well as co-citation analysis of references and keywords, were analyzed.

Results

A total of 20,014 publications were retrieved. In terms of publications, the United States remains the most productive country (6,390, 31,93%). The most publications have been contributed by Johns Hopkins Univ (730, 3.65%). ALVARO ALONSO produced the most published works (171, 0.85%). With a betweenness centrality of 0.17, ERIN D MICHOS was the most influential author. The most prolific journal was identified as Atherosclerosis (893, 4.46%). Circulation received the most co-citations (14,939, 2.79%). Keywords with the ongoing strong citation bursts were “nucleotide-binding oligomerization (NOD), Leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing protein (NLRP3) inflammasome,” “short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs),” “exosome,” and “homeostasis,” etc.

Conclusion

The research on atherosclerosis is driven mostly by North America and Europe. Intensive research has focused on the link between inflammation and atherosclerosis, as well as its complications. Specifically, the NLRP3 inflammasome, interleukin-1β, gut microbiota and SCFAs, exosome, long non-coding RNAs, autophagy, and cellular senescence were described to be hot issues in the field.

Redox-based disruption of cellular hormesis and promotion of degenerative pathways: perspectives on ageing processes

The present work aims to link the redox and cell-centric theories of chronic processes in human biology, focusing on ageing. A synthetic overview of cellular redox pathways will be integrated by the concept of hormesis, which disruption leads to several physiopathological processes. The onset of age-related diseases due to the restriction of homeodynamic capacity will be herein considered in a redox fashion. Up-to-date arguments on hormetic agents, such as geroprotectors, dietary interventions, and physical exercise are refining the presented theoretical framework, integrated by insights from extracellular vesicles, microbiota, pollutants, and timing mechanisms. The broad concepts of exposome encompass the redox-based alteration of cellular hormesis for providing meaningful perspectives on redox biogerontology.

Proteolysis dysfunction in the process of aging and age-related diseases

In this review, we discuss in detail the most relevant proteolytic systems that together with chaperones contribute to creating the proteostasis network that is kept in dynamic balance to maintain overall functionality of cellular proteomes. Data accumulated over decades demonstrate that the effectiveness of elements of the proteostasis network declines with age. In this scenario, failure to degrade misfolded or faulty proteins increases the risk of protein aggregation, chronic inflammation, and the development of age-related diseases. This is especially important in the context of aging-related modification of functions of the immune system.

Mitochondrial DNA insertions into nuclear DNA affecting chromosome segregation: Insights for a novel mechanism of immunosenescence in mice

Mitochondrial DNA sequences were found inserted in the nuclear genome of mouse peritoneal T lymphocytes that increased progressively with aging. These insertions were preferentially located at the pericentromeric heterochromatin. In the same individuals, binucleated T-cells with micronuclei showed a significantly increased frequency associated with age. Most of them were positive for centromere sequences, reflecting the loss of chromatids or whole chromosomes. The proliferative capacity of T lymphocytes decreased with age as well as the glutathione reductase activity, whereas the oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde concentrations exhibited a significant increase. These results may point to a common process that provides insights for a new approach to understanding immunosenescence. We propose a novel mechanism in which mitochondrial fragments, originated by the increased oxidative stress status during aging, accumulate inside the nuclear genome of T lymphocytes in a time-dependent way. The primary entrance of mitochondrial fragments at the pericentromeric regions may compromise chromosome segregation, causing genetic loss that leads to micronuclei formation, rendering aneuploid cells with reduced proliferation capacity, one of the hallmark of immunosenescence. Future experiments deciphering the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon are needed.

The Role of Immunosenescence in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Review

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is one of the most important causes of vascular dementia. Immunosenescence and inflammatory response, with the involvement of the cerebrovascular system, constitute the basis of this disease. Immunosenescence identifies a condition of deterioration of the immune organs and consequent dysregulation of the immune response caused by cellular senescence, which exposes older adults to a greater vulnerability. A low-grade chronic inflammation status also accompanies it without overt infections, an “inflammaging” condition. The correlation between immunosenescence and inflammaging is fundamental in understanding the pathogenesis of age-related CSVD (ArCSVD). The production of inflammatory mediators caused by inflammaging promotes cellular senescence and the decrease of the adaptive immune response. Vice versa, the depletion of the adaptive immune mechanisms favours the stimulation of the innate immune system and the production of inflammatory mediators leading to inflammaging. Furthermore, endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation promoted by senescent innate immune cells, oxidative stress and impairment of microglia functions constitute, therefore, the framework within which small vessel disease develops: it is a concatenation of molecular events that promotes the decline of the central nervous system and cognitive functions slowly and progressively. Because the causative molecular mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated, the road of scientific research is stretched in this direction, seeking to discover other aberrant processes and ensure therapeutic tools able to enhance the life expectancy of people affected by ArCSVD. Although the concept of CSVD is broader, this manuscript focuses on describing the neurobiological basis and immune system alterations behind cerebral aging. Furthermore, the purpose of our work is to detect patients with CSVD at an early stage, through the evaluation of precocious MRI changes and serum markers of inflammation, to treat untimely risk factors that influence the burden and the worsening of the cerebral disease.

Paeonol increases the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

Paeonol, a naturally occurring polyphenol isolated from medical plant, has been known to exhibit anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In order to evaluate the effect of paeonol on Carassius auratus gibelio infected by pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydriphila. 750 fish were randomly divided into 5 groups, which separately treated with 0.85% sterile saline (blank), A. hydriphila (negative control), A. hydriphila with paeonol (4 mg/kg, 64 mg/kg), and A. hydriphila with enrofloxacin (12 mg/kg, positive control). Fish were anaesthetized with MS-222 (100 mg/L), and samples were collected at 6 and 72 h after A. hydriphila challenge. The results showed that compared with the negative group, the survival in paeonol groups marked increased by 14.75% and 18.94%. The plasma immunoglobulin M (IgM) was notably increased, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) was significantly decreased in paeonol groups at 6 h (P < 0.05). The antioxidative enzymes catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were significantly increased in paeonol groups at 6 h, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) contents were lower (P < 0.05). The inflammatory related genes MyD88 and TLR-5 were significantly downregulated, and the TLR-3 was significantly increased in paeonol groups at 72 h (P < 0.05). In addition, histopathological analyses showed that the lesion in liver, spleen and caudal kidney were considerably attenuated in paeonol groups. In conclusion, paeonol could increase the survival rate, mitigate oxidative damage, inflammation, tissue lesions, and improve the immunity of gibel carp challenged with A. hydrophila.

The process of ovarian aging: it is not just about oocytes and granulosa cells

Ovarian age is classically considered the main cause of female reproductive infertility. In women, the process proceeds as an ongoing decline in the primordial follicle stockpile and it is associated with reduced fertility in the mid-thirties, irregular menstruation from the mid-forties, cessation of fertility, and, eventually, menopause in the early fifties. Reproductive aging is historically associated with changes in oocyte quantity and quality. However, besides the oocyte, other cellular as well as environmental factors have been the focus of more recent investigations suggesting that ovarian decay is a complex and multifaceted process. Among these factors, we will consider mitochondria and oxidative stress as related to nutrition, changes in extracellular matrix molecules, and the associated ovarian stromal compartment where immune cells of both the native and adaptive systems seem to play an important role. Understanding such processes is crucial to design treatment strategies to  slow down ovarian aging and consequently prolong reproductive lifespan and, more to this, alleviaingt side effects of menopause on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.

Endothelial Senescence and the Chronic Vascular Diseases: Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is probably one of the paradigms of disease linked to aging. Underlying the physiopathology of atherosclerosis are cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These factors are increased in the elderly and from chronic disease patients. Elevated levels of oxidative stress affect cellular function and metabolism, inducing senescence. This senescence modifies the cell phenotype into a senescent secretory phenotype. This phenotype activates immune cells, leading to chronic systemic inflammation. Moreover, due to their secretory phenotype, senescence cells present an increased release of highlighted extracellular vesicles that will change nearby/neighborhood cells and paracrine signaling. For this reason, searching for specific senescent cell biomarkers and therapies against the development/killing of senescent cells has become relevant. Recently, senomorphic and senolityc drugs have become relevant in slowing down or eliminating senescence cells. However, even though they have shown promising results in experimental studies, their clinical use is still yet to be determined.

Biomarkers of aging-associated chronic inflammation as a prognostic factor for human longevity

It has been well-established that age-associated low-grade chronic inflammation contributes to the development of a spectrum of chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and neurodegenerative diseases, which affect the quality of life of the elderly and influence their life span. This phenomenon is suggested to arise due to the weakening of the regulatory mechanisms of the immune response, and the persistence of exogenous and endogenous (reflecting oxidative cell injury) antigenic challenges, so it is referred to as oxi-inflamm-aging. Considering that the development of age-associated chronic inflammation is "silent", i.e., without clinical signs until the aforementioned complications become apparent, it is important to identify the biomarker(s) or pattern/cluster of biomarkers for this inflammation. It is also important to define new strategies to combat the "silent" damage induced by chronic inflammation. Given that at present there are no reliable biomarkers for chronic inflammation, this review points out the problems in defining biomarker(s) or patterns/clusters of biomarkers for chronic inflammation in order to stimulate further research and points to some possible routes of investigation.