Genome-Protecting Compounds as Potential Geroprotectors

In Vitro Studies of the Effect of Oil Emulsions from Transgenic Flax Varieties on the Treatment of Wound Healing and Care of Human Skin with the Tendency to Inflammation

Excessive amounts of free-oxygen radicals produced during inflammation induce oxidative stress and lead to cell damage, thus delaying the transition of inflammation into the proliferation in the wound healing process. Oxidative stress on skin cells also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases. The aim of the planned in vitro studies was to assess the mechanisms of regenerative action and protection of cells against oxidative stress of three oil emulsions from transgenic (GMO) flax varieties M, B, and MB and a linseed emulsion from traditional NIKE linseed oil. Antioxidant and gene-protective properties were identified for the tested oil emulsions in a healthy cell model and in an in vitro model of cells under oxidative stress. The wound-healing regenerative potential of these linseed emulsions was also assessed in the proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and apoptosis and necrosis assays. The conducted research presented that the tested transgenic oil emulsions are safe for human skin because they do not induce the proliferation of skin cancer cells and, at the same time, induce the migration processes of normal human skin cells. Additionally, their use increases the ability to eliminate damaged cells. Transgenic linseed oils provide a gene-protective effect and an increased antioxidant effect, resulting in increased protection of skin cells against oxidative stress, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Linen emulsion B has the best regenerative and protective properties against human epidermis cancer, which is probably due to the presence of an increased amount of stigmasterol in its composition along with the appropriate content of polyphenol compounds, as well as an increased amount of oleic and linoleic acids.

Exploring Holy Basil's Bioactive Compounds for T2DM Treatment: Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations with Human Omentin-1

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) presents a substantial health concern on a global scale, driving the search for innovative therapeutic strategies. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants, particularly Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil), have garnered attention for their potential in T2DM management. The increased focus on plant-based treatments stems from their perceived safety profile, lower risk of adverse effects, and the diverse range of bioactive molecules they offer, which can target multiple pathways involved in T2DM. Computational techniques explored the binding interactions between O. tenuiflorum phytochemicals and Human Omentin-1, a potential T2DM target. ADMET evaluation and targeted docking identified lead compounds: Luteolin (-4.84 kcal/mol), Madecassic acid (-4.12 kcal/mol), Ursolic acid (-5.91 kcal/mol), Stenocereol (-5.59 kcal/mol), and Apigenin (-4.64 kcal/mol), to have a better binding affinity to target protein compared to the control drug, Metformin (-2.01 kcal/mol). Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations evaluated the stability of Stenocereol, Luteolin, and Metformin complexes for 200 nanoseconds, analysing RMSD, RMSF, RG, SASA, PCA, FEL, and MM-PBSA parameters. Results indicated Stenocereol's strong binding affinity with Omentin-1, suggesting its potential as a potent therapeutic agent for T2DM management. These findings lay the groundwork for further experimental validation and drug discovery endeavours.

Bee Pollen Phytochemicals and Nutrients as Unequaled Pool of Epigenetic Regulators: Implications for Age-Related Diseases

Bee pollen is characterized by an exceptional diversity and abundance of micronutrients and bioactive phytochemicals. This richness remains very sparsely investigated, but accumulating evidence strongly supports a promising future for bee pollen in human nutrition and medicine. Epigenetic regulation is among the most compelling biomedical topics that remain completely untapped in bee pollen and bee derivative research. In our current research, we identified numerous ubiquitous compounds that are consistently present in this matrix, regardless of its botanical and geographical origins, and that have been well studied and documented as epigenetic regulators in recent years. Given the relative newness of both bee pollen biomedical research and epigenetic studies within nutritional, pharmaceutical, and medical sciences, this review aims to bridge these valuable fields and advance related experimental investigations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that has aimed to comprehensively investigate the epigenetic modulatory potential of bee pollen compounds. Our findings have also unveiled several intriguing phenomena, such as a dual effect of the same compound depending on the cellular context or the effect of some compounds on the cross-generational heritability of epigenetic traits. Although experimental studies of epigenetic regulation by bee pollen as a whole or by its extract are still lacking, our current study clearly indicates that this research avenue is very promising and worth further investigations. We hope that our current work constitutes a foundational cornerstone of future investigations for this avenue of research.

Nrf2 and Ferroptosis: Exploring Translational Avenues for Therapeutic Approaches to Neurological Diseases

Nrf2, a crucial protein involved in defense mechanisms, particularly oxidative stress, plays a significant role in neurological diseases (NDs) by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. NDs, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy, schizophrenia, depression, and autism, exhibit ferroptosis, iron-dependent regulated cell death resulting from lipid and iron-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Nrf2 has been shown to play a critical role in regulating ferroptosis in NDs. Age-related decline in Nrf2 expression and its target genes (HO-1, Nqo-1, and Trx) coincides with increased iron-mediated cell death, leading to ND onset. The modulation of iron-dependent cell death and ferroptosis by Nrf2 through various cellular and molecular mechanisms offers a potential therapeutic pathway for understanding the pathological processes underlying these NDs. This review emphasizes the mechanistic role of Nrf2 and ferroptosis in multiple NDs, providing valuable insights for future research and therapeutic approaches.

Testing the amount of nicotinamide mononucleotide and urolithin A as compared to the label claim

Healthy Longevity Medicine aims to optimize health by targeting aging processes across the lifespan. Addressing accelerated aging involves adaptation of lifestyle and the use of geroprotective drugs and supplements, including nutritional supplements and bioactive compounds. The Food and Drug Administration, under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, categorizes bioactive compounds and medicinal products as dietary supplements. While numerous companies sell ingredients that can be deemed geroprotectors, there's limited oversight in their quality control. Governmental safety authorities only verify the presence of prohibited compounds, not the accuracy of ingredients listed on labels.Here, Nicotinamide mononucleotide and Urolithin A supplements, easily accessible online or in pharmacies, were tested for their active ingredient content. Results showed a significant deviation from the labeled amounts, ranging from + 28.6% to -100%. This indicates a considerable disparity in the quality of geroprotective supplements.To address this variability, collaboration between and within societies representing healthcare professionals, industry and regulatory bodies is imperative to ensure the quality of geroprotective supplements.

Do aluminum, boron, arsenic, cadmium, lipoperoxidation, and genetic polymorphism determine male fertility?

Male infertility is a world multifactorial problem modulated by environmental and genetic factors. Male aspects account for 20-50 % of infertility cases. Our results are unique because they treat the importance of components participating in the determination of male infertility (environmental and immunogenetic determinants, seminological analysis, lipoperoxidation, genetic determinants, role of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium and boron). We analyzed agents affecting male reproductive potential (aluminum, boron, cadmium, arsenic, lipid peroxidation, gene polymorphisms (MTHFRv.C677T (rs1801133) (chromosome-1) and IL-4v.C589T (rs2243250) (chromosome-5) in men with semen disorders (n=76) and with normozoospermia (n=87) from Central Poland. Polymorphisms of MTHFRv.C677T and IL-4v.C589T genes indirectly shape toxic metals concentration and lipoperoxidation but do not exert direct influence on male fertility disorders (monomorphism and lack of differences in genotypes frequency). Men with genotype TT or CC (IL-4v.C589T) show some differentiation in elements concentration and intensity of lipoperoxidation. Analysis of TT or CC (IL-4v.C589T) genotype brought correlations with B, Al, Cd, and lipoperoxidation (P<0.05) and suggesting that mentioned factors jointly shape male reproductive capability. Toxic metals may play an important role in shaping of men genetic polymorphisms, since Cd was identified as a factor increasing risk of qualification to infertile group, predisposing to fertility disorders. B, Al and Cd may be considered as important modulators of reproductive condition. However, lipoperoxidation as an isolated predictive parameter does not produce convincing results in male reproductive potential (higher MDA concentration in healthy men). Our results may be helpful in the diagnosis of male infertility, in the reduction of idiopathic cases of unknown origin and in implementation of targeted and more effective treatment (pharmacological, hormonal). Identification of environmental stressors and their correlations with fertility disorders can help to eliminate or reduce the impact of factors unfavorable to fertility. Our results highlight the importance of environmental and immunogenetic factors in shaping of defensive potential against destruction of spermatozoa and infer a role of oxidative stress in the induction of gene polymorphisms, affecting male fertility.

Artemisia vulgaris L., Artemisia alba Turra and their constituents reduce mitomycin C-induced genomic instability in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous and acetone extracts from Artemisia vulgaris L. (AV) and Artemisia alba Turra (AA), and two major polyphenols compounds (3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside) presented in both extracts of the plants against mitomycin C (MMC)-induced genomic instability. Genomic instability was measured using cytokinesis block micronucleus (MN) assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in vitro by analyzing two biomarkers - MN and nuclear division index (NDI). Extracts were tested in a concentration-dependent manner (10-250 µg/mL), while 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside were tested in three different concentrations, in combination with 0.5 µg/mL of MMC. Aqueous and acetone extracts obtained from both plants significantly reduced MMC-induced MN frequency in PBLs, compared to positive control cells (p < 0.05). Extracts from AV did not affect NDI, whereas the concentrations of 10-100 μg/mL of aqueous and acetone AA extracts significantly elevated MMC-decreased NDI values in comparison to positive control cells (p < 0.05). Combined treatment of 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and MMC showed a significant reduction of MMC-induced MN frequency, while quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside increased MN frequency compared to positive control cells (p < 0.05). Both compounds decreased NDI values but only at the highest tested concentration of quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside it was of greater significance. In conclusion, all extracts from AV and AA and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid showed protective effect, whereby aqueous AA demonstrated the highest protective effect on MMC- induced genomic instability, while quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside showed co-mutagen effect.

Potential Geroprotectors - From Bench to Clinic

Geroprotectors are substances that slow down aging process and can be used for prevention of age-related diseases. Geroprotectors can improve functioning of various organ systems and enhance their homeostatic capabilities. We have developed a system of criteria for geroprotectors and proposed their classification based on the mechanisms of their action on the aging processes. Geroprotectors are required to reduce mortality, improve human aging biomarkers, have minimal side effects, and enhance quality of life. Additionally, there are approaches based on combining geroprotectors targeted to different targets and mechanisms of aging to achieve maximum effectiveness. Currently, numerous preclinical studies are being conducted to identify new molecular targets and develop new approaches to extend healthy aging, although the number of clinical trials is limited. Geroprotectors have the potential to become a new class of preventive medicines as they prevent onset of certain diseases or slow down their progression.

Mitochondria: It is all about energy

Mitochondria play a key role in both health and disease. Their function is not limited to energy production but serves multiple mechanisms varying from iron and calcium homeostasis to the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, such as melatonin. They enable and influence communication at all physical levels through interaction with other organelles, the nucleus, and the outside environment. The literature suggests crosstalk mechanisms between mitochondria and circadian clocks, the gut microbiota, and the immune system. They might even be the hub supporting and integrating activity across all these domains. Hence, they might be the (missing) link in both health and disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction is related to metabolic syndrome, neuronal diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and infectious diseases, and inflammatory disorders. In this regard, diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and chronic pain are discussed. This review focuses on understanding the mitochondrial mechanisms of action that allow for the maintenance of mitochondrial health and the pathways toward dysregulated mechanisms. Although mitochondria have allowed us to adapt to changes over the course of evolution, in turn, evolution has shaped mitochondria. Each evolution-based intervention influences mitochondria in its own way. The use of physiological stress triggers tolerance to the stressor, achieving adaptability and resistance. This review describes strategies that could recover mitochondrial functioning in multiple diseases, providing a comprehensive, root-cause-focused, integrative approach to recovering health and treating people suffering from chronic diseases.

Turning Back the Clock: A Retrospective Single-Blind Study on Brain Age Change in Response to Nutraceuticals Supplementation vs. Lifestyle Modifications

BACKGROUND

There is a growing consensus that chronological age (CA) is not an accurate indicator of the aging process and that biological age (BA) instead is a better measure of an individual's risk of age-related outcomes and a more accurate predictor of mortality than actual CA. In this context, BA measures the "true" age, which is an integrated result of an individual's level of damage accumulation across all levels of biological organization, along with preserved resources. The BA is plastic and depends upon epigenetics. Brain state is an important factor contributing to health- and lifespan.

METHODS AND OBJECTIVE

Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG)-derived brain BA (BBA) is a suitable and promising measure of brain aging. In the present study, we aimed to show that BBA can be decelerated or even reversed in humans (N = 89) by using customized programs of nutraceutical compounds or lifestyle changes (mean duration = 13 months).

RESULTS

We observed that BBA was younger than CA in both groups at the end of the intervention. Furthermore, the BBA of the participants in the nutraceuticals group was 2.83 years younger at the endpoint of the intervention compared with their BBA score at the beginning of the intervention, while the BBA of the participants in the lifestyle group was only 0.02 years younger at the end of the intervention. These results were accompanied by improvements in mental-physical health comorbidities in both groups. The pre-intervention BBA score and the sex of the participants were considered confounding factors and analyzed separately.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the obtained results support the feasibility of the goal of this study and also provide the first robust evidence that halting and reversal of brain aging are possible in humans within a reasonable (practical) timeframe of approximately one year.

The Molecular Mechanism of Polyphenols in the Regulation of Ageing Hallmarks

Ageing is a complex process characterized mainly by a decline in the function of cells, tissues, and organs, resulting in an increased risk of mortality. This process involves several changes, described as hallmarks of ageing, which include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic changes, loss of proteostasis, dysregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell depletion, and altered intracellular communication. The determining role that environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle play on health, life expectancy, and susceptibility to diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, is wellestablished. In view of the growing interest in the beneficial effects of phytochemicals in the prevention of chronic diseases, several studies have been conducted, and they strongly suggest that the intake of dietary polyphenols may bring numerous benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and their intake has been associated with impaired ageing in humans. Polyphenol intake has been shown to be effective in ameliorating several age-related phenotypes, including oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, impaired proteostasis, and cellular senescence, among other features, which contribute to an increased risk of ageing-associated diseases. This review aims to address, in a general way, the main findings described in the literature about the benefits of polyphenols in each of the hallmarks of ageing, as well as the main regulatory mechanisms responsible for the observed antiageing effects.

Epigenetic Modifications and Non-Coding RNA in Diabetes-Mellitus-Induced Coronary Artery Disease: Pathophysiological Link and New Therapeutic Frontiers

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a glucose metabolism disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from a deficit of insulin production and/or action. DM affects more than 1 in 10 adults, and it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for two thirds of the overall deaths in diabetic patients, with coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic cardiomyopathy as the main contributors. Hyperglycemic damage on vascular endothelial cells leading to endothelial dysfunction represents the main initiating factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications; however, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still not entirely understood. This review addresses the current knowledge on the pathophysiological links between DM and CAD with a focus on the role of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNA control. Increased knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms has contributed to the development of new pharmacological treatments ("epidrugs") with epigenetic targets, although these approaches present several challenges. Specific epigenetic biomarkers may also be used to predict or detect the development and progression of diabetes complications. Further studies on diabetes and CAD epigenetics are needed in order to identify possible new therapeutic targets and advance personalized medicine with the prediction of individual drug responses and minimization of adverse effects.

Prospective Associations of Tea Consumption With Risk of Cognitive Decline in the Elderly: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study in China

Background

Previous studies show that the consumption of tea is associated with several beneficial outcomes for brain health, but there is little data among the elderly in China.

Objective

The objective was to explore the longitudinal relationship between tea consumption and the risk of cognitive decline.

Methods

The current data was obtained from the China Longitudinal Aging Study (CLAS), and a total of 3,246 residents aged 60 years and above were recruited in this study. Some of them (N = 111) underwent a standard T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), from which the volumes of the corpus callosum (CC) and hippocampus were calculated, and detailed tea consumption information was obtained through a standardized questionnaire at baseline. The cognitive diagnosis of each participant was made by attending psychiatrists at baseline and follow-up. Their overall cognitive function was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while their associative learning ability was assessed by an associative learning test (ALT). Finally, 1,545 elderly with normal cognitive function completed the baseline and follow-up assessment and were included in the final study.

Results

After controlling gender, education, smoking, take exercise and hobbies, we found that the elderly with tea consumption habits had a lower incidence rate of cognitive decline (p = 0.002, OR = 0.604, 95%CI:0.437~0.836) and tea consumption was negatively correlated with the change scores of MoCA (r = -0.056, p = 0.029). What's more, the CC_posterior volume of tea drinkers was significantly smaller than that of non-tea drinkers, while the baseline ALT score of tea drinkers was significantly higher than that of non-tea drinkers. The results of correlation analysis showed that the CC_posterior volume was significantly correlated with ALT change score (r = -0.319, p = 0.010).

Conclusions

The habit of tea consumption is associated with less incidence of cognitive impairment among the Chinese elderly, and it may prevent a decline in memory and associative learning by affecting the volume of the posterior corpus callosum.

Berberine and lycopene as alternative or add-on therapy to metformin and statins, a review

Nutraceuticals are principally extracted from natural products that are frequently safe and well-tolerated. Lycopene and berberine are natural plants with a wide range of beneficial effects including protective activities against metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These compounds might be considered technically more as a drug than a nutraceutical and could be prescribed as a product. However, further studies are needed to understand if these supplements could affect metabolic syndrome outcomes. Even if nutraceuticals exert a prophylactic activity within the body, their bioactivity and bioavailability have high interindividual variation, and precise assessment of biological function of these bioactive compounds in randomized clinical trials is critical. However, these reports must be interpreted with more considerations due to the low quality of the trials. The aim of this paper is to bring evidence about the management of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes through the use of nutraceuticals with particular attention to lycopene and berberine effectiveness.

Synthesis of Tyrosol and Hydroxytyrosol Glycofuranosides and Their Biochemical and Biological Activities in Cell-Free and Cellular Assays

Tyrosol (T) and hydroxytyrosol (HOT) and their glycosides are promising candidates for applications in functional food products or in complementary therapy. A series of phenylethanoid glycofuranosides (PEGFs) were synthesized to compare some of their biochemical and biological activities with T and HOT. The optimization of glycosylation promoted by environmentally benign basic zinc carbonate was performed to prepare HOT α-L-arabino-, β-D-apio-, and β-D-ribofuranosides. T and HOT β-D-fructofuranosides, prepared by enzymatic transfructosylation of T and HOT, were also included in the comparative study. The antioxidant capacity and DNA-protective potential of T, HOT, and PEGFs on plasmid DNA were determined using cell-free assays. The DNA-damaging potential of the studied compounds for human hepatoma HepG2 cells and their DNA-protective potential on HepG2 cells against hydrogen peroxide were evaluated using the comet assay. Experiments revealed a spectrum of different activities of the studied compounds. HOT and HOT β-D-fructofuranoside appear to be the best-performing scavengers and protectants of plasmid DNA and HepG2 cells. T and T β-D-fructofuranoside display almost zero or low scavenging/antioxidant activity and protective effects on plasmid DNA or HepG2 cells. The results imply that especially HOT β-D-fructofuranoside and β-D-apiofuranoside could be considered as prospective molecules for the subsequent design of supplements with potential in food and health protection.

Gut microbiome and telomere length in gull hatchlings

In many animals, recent evidence indicates that the gut microbiome may be acquired during early development, with possible consequences on newborns' health. Thus, it has been hypothesized that a healthy microbiome protects telomeres and genomic integrity against cellular stress. However, the link between the early acquired microbiome and telomere dynamics has not hitherto been investigated. In birds, this link may also be potentially modulated by the transfer of maternal glucocorticoids, since these substances dysregulate microbiome composition during postnatal development. Here, we examined the effect of the interplay between the microbiome and stress hormones on the telomere length of yellow-legged gull hatchlings by using a field experiment in which we manipulated the corticosterone content in eggs. We found that the hatchling telomere length was related to microbiome composition, but this relationship was not affected by the corticosterone treatment. Hatchlings with a microbiome dominated by potential commensal bacteria (i.e. Catellicoccus and Cetobacterium) had larger telomeres, suggesting that an early establishment of the species-specific microbiome during development may have important consequences on offspring health and survival.

Association between Food Intake, Clinical and Metabolic Markers and DNA Damage in Older Subjects

The use of DNA damage as marker of oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction and age-related diseases is debated. The present study aimed at assessing the level of DNA damage (evaluated as DNA strand-breaks, endogenous and oxidatively-induced DNA damage) in a group of older subjects with intestinal permeability enrolled within the MaPLE (Gut and Blood Microbiomics for Studying the Effect of a Polyphenol-Rich Dietary Pattern on Intestinal Permeability in the Elderly) intervention trial, to evaluate its association with clinical, metabolic and dietary markers. DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed by the comet assay in 49 older subjects participating in the study. Clinical and metabolic markers, markers of inflammation, vascular function and intestinal permeability were determined in serum. Food intake was estimated by weighted food diaries. On the whole, a trend towards higher levels of DNA damage was observed in men compared to women (p = 0.071). A positive association between DNA damage and clinical/metabolic markers (e.g., uric acid, lipid profile) and an inverse association with dietary markers (e.g., vitamin C, E, B₆, folates) were found and differed based on sex. By considering the importance of DNA stability during aging, the results obtained on sex differences and the potential role of dietary and metabolic factors on DNA damage underline the need for further investigations in a larger group of older adults to confirm the associations found and to promote preventive strategies.

Phytochemicals as Potential Epidrugs in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) prevalence has significantly increased worldwide in recent years due to population age, obesity, and modern sedentary lifestyles. The projections estimate that 439 million people will be diabetic in 2030. T2DM is characterized by an impaired β-pancreatic cell function and insulin secretion, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, and recently the epigenetic regulation of β-pancreatic cells differentiation has been underlined as being involved. It is currently known that several bioactive molecules, widely abundant in plants used as food or infusions, have a key role in histone modification and DNA methylation, and constituted potential epidrugs candidates against T2DM. In this sense, in this review the epigenetic mechanisms involved in T2DM and protein targets are reviewed, with special focus in studies addressing the potential use of phytochemicals as epidrugs that prevent and/or control T2DM in vivo and in vitro. As main findings, and although some controversial results have been found, bioactive molecules with epigenetic regulatory function, appear to be a potential replacement/complementary therapy of pharmacological hypoglycemic drugs, with minimal side effects. Indeed, natural epidrugs have shown to prevent or delay the T2DM development and the morbidity associated to dysfunction of blood vessels, eyes and kidneys due to sustained hyperglycemia in T2DM patients.