The protective effect of Ginsenoside Rg1 on aging mouse pancreas damage induced by D-galactose

Abscisic acid ameliorates d-galactose -induced aging in mice by modulating AMPK-SIRT1-p53 pathway and intestinal flora

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a plant hormone with various biological activities. Aging is a natural process accompanied by cognitive and physiological decline, and aging and its associated diseases pose a serious threat to public health, but its mechanisms remain insufficient. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effects of ABA on d-galactose (D-Gal)-induced aging in mice and to delve into its molecular mechanisms. Aging model was es-tablished by theintraperitoneal injection of D-Gal. We evaluated the oxidative stress by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) levels in serum. Proteins content in brain were determined by Western blot. D-Gal-induced brain damage was monitored by measuring the levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) content and hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E). To evaluate the effects of ABA on aging, we measured the gut microbiota. The results demonstrated that ABA increased SOD, CAT and AChE, decreased MDA level. H&E staining showed that ABA could improve D-Gal-induced damage. In addition, ABA regulated the B-cell-lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family and Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway, while further regulating the acetylation of p53 protein by modulating the AMPK pathway and activating SIRT1 protein, thereby inhibiting the apoptosis of brain neurons and thus regulating the aging process. Interestingly, ABA improved the ratio of intestinal bacteria involved in regulating multiple metabolic pathways in the aging process, such as Bacteroides, Firmicutes, Lactobacillus and Ak-kermansia. In conclusion, the present study suggests that ABA may be responsible for improving and delaying the aging process by enhancing antioxidant activity, anti-apoptosis and regulating intestinal flora.

The anti-aging mechanism of ginsenosides with medicine and food homology

With the acceleration of global aging and the rise in living standards, the achievement of healthy aging is becoming an imperative issue globally. Ginseng, a medicinal plant that has a long history of dietary intake and remarkable medicinal value, has become a research hotspot in the field of food and medicine. Ginsenosides, especially protopanaxadiol-type saponins and protopanaxatriol-type saponins, are among the most important active ingredients in ginseng. Ginsenosides have been found to exhibit powerful and diverse pharmacological activities, such as antiaging, antitumor, antifatigue and immunity enhancement activities. Their effects in antiaging mainly include (1) promotion of metabolism and stem cell proliferation, (2) protection of skin and nerves, (3) modulation of intestinal flora, (4) maintenance of mitochondrial function, and (5) enhancement of telomerase activity. The underlying mechanisms are primarily associated with the intervention of the signaling pathways in apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. In this review, the mechanism of action of ginsenosides in antiaging as well as the potential values of developing ginsenoside-based functional foods and antiaging drugs are discussed.

Crateva unilocalaris Buch. shoots attenuate D-galactose-induced brain injury and cognitive disorders of mice through PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway

Crateva unilocalaris Buch. shoots are traditionally served as vegetable with many health-promoting benefits. The aim of the current investigation was designed to study the preventive effect of ethanol extract from...

Long-term administration of red ginseng non-saponin fraction rescues the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength associated with aging in mice

Background

Sarcopenia is a new and emerging risk factor aggravating the quality of life of elderly population. Because Korean Red Ginseng (RG) is known to have a great effect on relieving fatigue and enhancing physical performance, it is invaluable to examine its potential as an anti-sarcopenic drug.

Methods

Anti-sarcopenic effect of non-saponin fraction of Korean Red Ginseng (RGNS) was evaluated in C2C12 myoblasts treated with C2-ceramide to induce senescence phenotypes, and 22-month-old mice fed with chow diet containing 2% RGNS (w/w) for 4 further months.

Results

The RGNS treatment significantly alleviated cellular senescence indicated by intracellular lipid accumulation, increased amount of lysosomal β-galactosidase, and reduced proliferative capacity in C2C12 myoblasts. This effect was not observed with saponin fraction. In an aged mouse, the 4-month-RGNS diet significantly improved aging-associated loss of muscle mass and strength, assessed by the weights of hindlimb skeletal muscles such as tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), gastrocnemius (GN) and soleus (SOL), and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of SOL muscle, and the behaviors in grip strength and hanging wire tests, respectively. During the same period, an aging-associated shift of fast-to slow-twitch muscle in SOL muscle was also retarded by the RGNS treatment.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that the long-term diet of RGNS significantly prevented aging-associated muscle atrophy and reduced physical performance, and thus RGNS has a strong potential to be developed as a drug that prevents or improves sarcopenia.

High ambient temperature exposure during late gestation disrupts glycolipid metabolism and hepatic mitochondrial function tightly related to gut microbial dysbiosis in pregnant mice

As global warming intensifies, emerging evidence has demonstrated high ambient temperature during pregnancy negatively affects maternal physiology with compromised pregnant outcomes; however, little is known about the roles of gut microbiota and its underlying mechanisms in this process. Here, for the first time, we explored the potential mechanisms of gut microbiota involved in the disrupted glycolipid metabolism via hepatic mitochondrial function. Our results indicate heat stress (HS) reduces fat and protein contents and serum levels of insulin and triglyceride (TG), while increases that of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (B-HBA), creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P < 0.05). Additionally, HS downregulates both mitochondrial genes (mtDNA) and nuclear encoding mitochondrial functional genes with increasing serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) (P < 0.05). Regarding microbial response, HS boosts serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (P < 0.05) and alters β-diversity (ANOSIM, P < 0.01), increasing the proportions of Escherichia-Shigella, Acinetobacter and Klebsiella (q < 0.05), while reducing that of Ruminiclostridium, Blautia, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Clostridium VadinBB60 and Muribaculaceae (q < 0.05). PICRUSt analysis predicts that HS upregulates 11 KEGG pathways, mainly including bile secretion and bacterial invasion of epithelial cells. The collective results suggest that microbial dysbiosis due to late gestational HS has strong associations with damaged hepatic mitochondrial function and disrupted metabolic profiles.

Active Peptide KF-8 from Rice Bran Attenuates Oxidative Stress in a Mouse Model of Aging Induced by d-Galactose

This study investigated the effects of a physiologically active peptide derived from rice bran (KF-8) on oxidative stress in d-galactose (d-gal)-induced aging mice and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The aging model was developed by subcutaneously injecting Institute of Cancer Research mice with 250 mg/kg d-gal daily for 12 weeks and simultaneously treating them with 30 mg/kg KF-8. The relative expression levels of Nrf2 and NF-κB in the liver were determined by the western blot. The regulation of Nrf2 and NF-κBp65 by KF-8 was further validated in NIH/3T3 cells. Compared with the control mice, the aging mice had significantly decreased body weights as well as superoxide dismutase and GSH-Px levels (p < 0.05); however, they had increased serum reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels accompanied by aortic and brain injuries. They also had elevated RAGE, TLR4, IκB, Bax, and caspase-8 expressions and NF-κB/p65 phosphorylation but reduced BcL-2 expression in the liver. Moreover, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the pretreatment of H₂O₂-treated NIH/3T3 cells with KF-8 significantly mitigated the NF-κB signaling and attenuated the Nrf2 nuclear transport (both p < 0.05). In conclusion, KF-8 treatment inhibited aging-induced oxidative stress-related organ injury in mice by attenuating NF-κB/p38 signaling and preserving Nrf2 activity.

Rare Ginsenoside 20(R)-Rg3 Inhibits D-Galactose-Induced Liver and Kidney Injury by Regulating Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis

Oxidative stress is considered as a major factor in aging and exacerbates aging process through a variety of molecular mechanisms. D-galactose, a normal reducing sugar with high dose can cause the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or stimulate free radical production indirectly by the formation of advanced glycation end products in tissues, finally resulting in oxidative stress. 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 (20(R)-Rg3), a major and representative component isolated from red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A Meyer), has been shown to observably have an anti-oxidative effect. We thereby investigated the beneficial effects of 20(R)-Rg3 on D-galactose-induced oxidative stress injury and its underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that continuous injection of D-galactose with 800[Formula: see text]mg/kg/day for 8 weeks increased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). However, such increases were attenuated by the treatment of 20(R)-Rg3 for 4 weeks. Meanwhile, 20(R)-Rg3 markedly inhibited D-galactose-caused oxidative stress in liver and kidney. The anti-oxidants, including catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were elevated in the mice from 20(R)-Rg3-treated group compared with that from D-galactose group. In contrast, a significant decrease in levels of cytochrome P450 E1 (CYP2E1) and the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) were observed in the 20(R)-Rg3-treated group. These effects were associated with a significant increase of AGEs. More importantly, 20(R)-Rg3 effectively attenuated D-galactose induced apoptosis in liver and kidney via restoring the upstream PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Taken together, our study suggests that 20(R)-Rg3 may be a novel and promising anti-oxidative therapeutic agent to prevent aging-related injuries in liver and kidney.

Anthocyanidin Extract from Summer-black-grape Affects the Expression of Ki-67 in Testis, Ovary of D-Galactose-induced Aging Mice

The aim of this work was to analyze the expression of Ki-67 in ovary, testis of aging mice with anthocyanidin extract from Summer-black-grape. ICR mice (the aging group and the anthocyanidin-groups (50 mg/kg/D-group, 75 mg/kg/D-group and 100 mg/kg/D-group) were employed to evaluate the effect of grape anthocyanidin on reproductive system. The results showed that the anthocyanidin had strong scavenging ability for free radicals, the level of oxidation in serum of mice treated with anthocyanidin was low, and the pathological changes were not obvious. In the anthocyanidin group, the Ki-67 positive particles in the testis and ovary tissue were significantly decreased. The anthocyanidin of Summer-black-grape reduces the expression of Ki-67 protein in the testis or ovary of aging mice. In gonadal cells of aging mice, the anthocyanidin were shown protective effect in the proliferation.

Quercetin Attenuates Pancreatic and Renal D-Galactose-Induced Aging-Related Oxidative Alterations in Rats

Aging is an oxidative stress-associated process that progresses with age. Our aim is to delay or attenuate these oxidative alterations and to keep individuals healthy as they age using natural compounds supplementation. Therefore, we conducted the present study to investigate the protective potentials of quercetin against D-galactose (D-gal)-associated oxidative alterations that were induced experimentally in male Wistar rats. Forty-five rats were randomly allocated into five groups of nine rats each. The groups were a control group that was reared on a basal diet and injected subcutaneously with 120 mg D-gal dissolved in physiological saline solution (0.9% NaCl) per kg body weight daily and quercetin-treated groups that received the same basal diet and subcutaneous daily D-gal injections were supplemented orally with 25, 50, and 100 mg of quercetin per kg body weight for 42 days. Pancreatic and renal samples were subjected to histopathological, immunohistochemical, and relative mRNA expression assessments. Aging (p53, p21, IL-6, and IL-8), apoptotic (Bax, CASP-3, and caspase-3 protein), proliferative (Ki67 protein), antiapoptotic (Bcl2 and Bcl2 protein), inflammatory (NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α), antioxidant (SOD1), and functional markers (GCLC and GCLM genes and insulin, glucagon, and podocin proteins) were determined to evaluate the oxidative alterations induced by D-gal and the protective role of quercetin. D-gal caused oxidative alterations of the pancreas and kidneys observed via upregulations of aging, apoptotic, and inflammatory markers and downregulated the antiapoptotic, proliferative, antioxidant, and functional markers. Quercetin potentially attenuated these aging-related oxidative alterations in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we can conclude that quercetin supplementation is considered as a promising natural protective compound that could be used to delay the aging process and to maintain human health.

Ameliorative effect of urolithin A on d-gal-induced liver and kidney damage in aging mice via its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties

Urolithin A, a metabolite produced by human colon microflora from ellagic acid and related compounds, has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. The present study investigates the protective effects of urolithin A (Uro A) on d-galactose (d-gal)-induced liver and kidney injury and the possible mechanisms in mice. In this study, we first investigated the antioxidant ability of Uro A in vitro. Then mice were treated with d-gal subcutaneously (150 mg kg-1 d-1), followed by Uro A at different dosages (50, 100, 150 mg kg-1 d-1, administered orally) for 8 weeks. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) in the serum were tested. Histopathological features were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining followed by an assessment of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, we also evaluated the expression levels of the genes Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3 in the liver and kidney. The results showed that Uro A treatment obviously attenuated d-gal-induced liver and kidney damage. The beneficial effects of Uro A were accompanied by a decline in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a rise in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity in the liver and kidney and downregulation of the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in serum. Moreover, Uro A could modulate the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3 in the livers and kidneys of aging mice. These findings suggested that Uro A ameliorated d-gal-induced liver and kidney injury through attenuating oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and apoptosis.

Advances in Research on the Protective Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Islet β Cells

The dysfunction and decreased number of islet β cells are central to the main pathogenesis of diabetes. Improving islet β cell function and increasing the number of β cells are effective approaches to treat diabetes and constitute the main direction of diabetes drug development. The role of Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetes began to be recognized. In recent years, Chinese medicine monomers have been found to increase insulin synthesis and secretion, reduce β cell-apoptosis, and protect the function of β cells. The results of in vivo animal experiments and in vitro studies on insulinoma cells also suggested TCMs could promote the proliferation of pancreatic islet β cells and induce other cells differentiation or transdifferentiation to islet β cells. Thereby, they may play a role in the treatment of diabetes. In this paper, we will review islet β cell protection with TCMs and the related mechanisms found in recent studies. An in-depth explanation of the role of TCM in islet β cell protection can provide a theoretical basis and research ideas for the development of TCM-based diabetes treatment drugs.

Leonurine ameliorates D-galactose-induced aging in mice through activation of the Nrf2 signalling pathway

Aging is a complex physiological phenomenon associated with oxidative stress damage. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of leonurine on D-galactose-induced aging in mice and its possible mechanisms. In this study, we first tested the antioxidant activity of leonurine in vitro. A subcutaneous injection of D-galactose in mice for 8 weeks was used to establish the aging model to evaluate the protective effects of leonurine. The results showed that treatment with 150 mg·kg^-1 leonurine could improve the mental condition, organic index, and behavioural impairment; significantly increase the activities of antioxidative enzymes including SOD, CAT, and T-AOC; and ameliorate the advanced glycation end product (AGE) level and histopathological injury. Furthermore, the Western blotting data revealed that leonurine supplementation noticeably modulated the suppression of the Nrf2 pathway and upregulated the downstream expression of HO-1 and NOQ1 in aging mice. Additionally, leonurine treatment activated Nrf2 nuclear translocation in both aging mice and normal young mice, and the expression levels of Nrf2 in normal young mice was higher than those in naturally aging mice. In conclusion, our findings suggest that leonurine is a promising agent for attenuating the aging process, and the underlying molecular mechanisms depend on activating the Nrf2 pathway.

Combination of chick embryo and nutrient mixture prevent D-galactose-induced cognitive deficits, immune impairment and oxidative stress in aging rat model

Aging is spontaneous and inevitable processes that lead to changes in biological systems. The present paper was designed to investigate the anti-aging roles of chick embryo (CE) and nutrient mixture (NM) in aging rats. Aging was induced by administration of D-galactose (D-gal, 500 mg/kg/day for 90 days). CE and NM were administered to aging rats through different dose gavage once a day. Cognitive function assessment was performed using the Morris water maze test. At the end of experiment, serum and tissues were collected for immunity and antioxidation function. The organs and tissues were excised for histological study. The results demonstrated that CE plus NM was superior treatment to improve the histopathologic changes and reverse learning and memory impairment of the aging rats. CE plus NM also increased the spleen and thymus index as well as splenocyte proliferation, and reversed inflammatory cytokine levels. In addition, the biochemical index showed that CE plus NM could improve the antioxidant enzyme activity of the aging rats, decrease lipofuscin (LF) and glutamate content. CE plus NM also inhibited the activation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway stimulated by LPS in splenic B lymphocytes. Overall, these results seem to be implying that CE plus NM was used as potentially natural supplement or functional food for preventing aging.

Anti-senescence compounds: A potential nutraceutical approach to healthy aging

The desire of eternal youth seems to be as old as mankind. However, the increasing life expectancy experienced by populations in developed countries also involves a significantly increased incidence of the most common age-related diseases (ARDs). Senescent cells (SCs) have been identified as culprits of organismal aging. Their number rises with age and their senescence-associated secretory phenotype fuels the chronic, pro-inflammatory systemic state (inflammaging) that characterizes aging, impairing the regenerative ability of stem cells and increasing the risk of developing ARDs. A variegated class of molecules, including synthetic senolytic compounds and natural compounds contained in food, have been suggested to possess anti-senescence activity. Senolytics are attracting growing interest, and their safety and reliability as anti-senescence drugs are being assessed in human clinical trials. Notably, since SCs spread inflammation at the systemic level through pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory signals, foods rich in polyphenols, which exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, have the potential to be harnessed as "anti-senescence foods" in a nutraceutical approach to healthier aging. We discuss the beneficial effects of polyphenol-rich foods in relation to the Mediterranean diet and the dietary habits of long-lived individuals, and examine their ability to modulate bacterial genera in the gut.

Ascorbic acid inhibits senescence in mesenchymal stem cells through ROS and AKT/mTOR signaling

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) aging seriously affects its function in stem cell transplantation for treatment. Extensive studies have focused on how to inhibit senescence in MSCs. However, the mechanism of senescence in MSC was not clear. In this study, we used D-galactose to induce MSC aging. Then we found that the number of aging cells was increased compared with untreated MSCs. We discovered that ascorbic acid could inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of AKT/mTOR signaling in MSCs caused by D-galactose. Especially, when treated together with a ROS scavenger or AKT inhibitor, the senescent cells were obviously decreased in D-galactose-induced MSCs. Taken together, we identify that ascorbic acid owns the potential to inhibit the senescence of MSCs through ROS and Akt/mTOR signaling. Together, our data supports that ascorbic acid can be used to prevent MSCs from senescence, which can enhance the efficiency of stem cell transplantation in the clinic.

Ginsenoside Rg1 ameliorates testicular senescence changes in D‑gal‑induced aging mice via anti‑inflammatory and antioxidative mechanisms

With the growing population, aging, extended lifespans and anti-aging have become popular areas of research in the life and social sciences. With increasing age, the structure and function of the testes, the spermatogenetic and androgen-producing organ in the male reproductive system, gradually declines. Ginsenoside Rg1 is an extract of Panax ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine. The extract facilitates anti-aging through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it has not been reported whether ginsenoside Rg1 delays testicular aging. The present study established D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging mouse models to examine the protective effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on the structure and function of the testes, and the underlying mechanism. A total of 60 healthy specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control group; Rg1 group; D-gal + Rg1 group; and D-gal group. The tissues of the mice were used for further experiments. The present study further investigated the effects of Rg1 on the volume of serum testosterone, the testicular index, testicular microscopic structures, the senescence of spermatogenetic cells, the apoptosis of spermatogenetic cells, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, the levels of inflammatory cytokines, and the levels of S-phase kinase-associated protein (p19), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21) and cellular tumor antigen p53 (p53) in D-gal-induced aging mice. In general, compared with the D-gal group, the treatment of Rg1 increased the testis index, serum testosterone level and the active content of superoxide dismutase and the total antioxidant capacity. The percentage of senescence-associated β-galactosidase-positive cells, the level of apoptosis and the volume of methane dicarboxylic aldehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in testicular tissues were significantly decreased, and the expression of p19, p53 and p21 was downregulated due to the treatment with Rg1. The results of the present study demonstrated that ginsenoside Rg1 was able to protect the testes against D-gal-induced aging in mice. In addition, the protective effect of Rg1 may be achieved via antioxidation and downregulation of the p19/p53/p21 signaling pathway.