Candidate molecular targets uncovered in mouse lifespan extension studies

INTRODUCTION

Multiple interventions have demonstrated an increase in mouse lifespan. However, non-standardized controls, sex or strain-specific factors, and insufficient focus on targets, hinder the translation of these findings into clinical applications.

AREAS COVERED

We examined the effects of genetic and drug-based interventions on mice from databases DrugAge, GenAge, the Mouse Phenome Database, and publications from PubMed that led to a lifespan extension of more than 10%, identifying specific molecular targets that were manipulated to achieve the maximum lifespan in mice. Subsequently, we characterized 10 molecular targets influenced by these interventions, with particular attention given to clinical trials and potential indications for each.

EXPERT OPINION

To increase the translational potential of mice life-extension studies to clinical research several factors are crucial: standardization of mice lifespan research approaches, the development of clear criteria for control and experimental groups, the establishment of criteria for potential geroprotectors, and focusing on targets and their clinical application. Pinpointing the targets affected by geroprotectors helps in understanding species-specific differences and identifying potential side effects, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of clinical trials. Additionally, target review facilitates the optimization of treatment protocols and the evaluation of the clinical feasibility of translating research findings into practical therapies for humans.

Polyphenols as Potential Geroprotectors

Significance: Currently, a large amount of evidence of beneficial effects of diets enriched with polyphenols on various aspects of health has been accumulated. These phytochemicals have a geroprotective potential slowing down the pathological processes associated with aging and ensuring longevity. In this study, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to determine the adherence of individual polyphenols to geroprotector criteria. Data from experimental models, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies were analyzed. Recent Advances: Sixty-two polyphenols have been described to increase the life span and improve biomarkers of aging in animal models. They act via evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanisms, including hormesis and maintenance of redox homeostasis, epigenetic regulation, response to cellular damage, metabolic control, and anti-inflammatory and senolytic activity. Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that certain polyphenols have a potential for prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular conditions in humans. Critical Issues: Among the reviewed phytochemicals, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, epicatechin, genistein, resveratrol, and curcumin were identified as compounds with the highest geroprotective potential. However, there is a lack of unambiguous information on the effectiveness and safety of polyphenols for increasing health span, preventing and treating aging-associated diseases in humans. Future Directions: Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of polyphenols considering their long-term consumption, metabolic modification and bioavailability, complex interactions between different groups of polyphenols and with other phytochemicals, as well as their effects on individuals with different health status. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 564-593.

eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) in aging clock models

XAI is a rapidly progressing field of machine learning, aiming to unravel the predictions of complex models. XAI is especially required in sensitive applications, e.g. in health care, when diagnosis, recommendations and treatment choices might rely on the decisions made by artificial intelligence systems. AI approaches have become widely used in aging research as well, in particular, in developing biological clock models and identifying biomarkers of aging and age-related diseases. However, the potential of XAI here awaits to be fully appreciated. We discuss the application of XAI for developing the "aging clocks" and present a comprehensive analysis of the literature categorized by the focus on particular physiological systems.

Berberis vulgaris L. extract supplementation exerts regulatory effects on the lifespan and healthspan of Drosophila through its antioxidant activity depending on the sex

Worldwide the aging population continues to increase, so the concept of healthy longevity medicine has become increasingly significant in modern society. Berberis vulgaris L. fruits serve as a functional food supplement with a high concentration of bioactive compounds, which offer numerous health-promoting benefits. The goal of this study was to investigate the geroprotective effect of Berberis vulgaris L. extract. Here we show that extract of Berberis vulgaris L. can, depending on concentrate, increases lifespan up to 6%, promote healthspan (stress resistance up to 35%, locomotor activity up to 25%, integrity of the intestinal barrier up to 12%, metabolic rate up to 5%) of Drosophila melanogaster (in vitro) and exhibits antioxidant (using red blood cell tests) and antiglycation activity (using glycation of bovine serum albumin) (in vitro). In addition to this, the extract does not exhibit cytotoxic properties in vitro, unlike the well-known polyphenolic compound quercetin. qRT-PCR has revealed the involvement of metabolic, heat shock response and lipid metabolism genes in the observed effects.

Antioxidant Properties and Geroprotective Potential of Wheat Bran Extracts with Increased Content of Anthocyanins

In recent years, there has been a focus on breeding wheat with high anthocyanin levels in order to improve food quality and human health. The objective of this study was to examine the antioxidant and geroprotective properties of wheat bran extracts using both in vitro and in vivo research methods. Two wheat lines were used: one with uncolored pericarp (anthocyanin-free) and another with colored pericarp (anthocyanin-containing). These lines differed in a specific region of chromosome 2A containing the Pp3/TaMyc1 gene, which regulates anthocyanin production. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of cyanidin glucoside and cyanidin arabinoside in the anthocyanin-containing wheat bran extract (+AWBE), while no anthocyanins were found in the anthocyanin-free wheat bran extract (-AWBE). The +AWBE showed higher radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and membrane protective activity (AAPH oxidative hemolysis model) compared to the -AWBE. Both extracts extended the lifespan of female Drosophila, indicating geroprotective properties. This study demonstrates that wheat bran extracts with high anthocyanin levels have antioxidant and geroprotective effects. However, other secondary metabolites in wheat bran can also contribute to its antioxidant and geroprotective potential.

Biomarkers of aging for the identification and evaluation of longevity interventions

With the rapid expansion of aging biology research, the identification and evaluation of longevity interventions in humans have become key goals of this field. Biomarkers of aging are critically important tools in achieving these objectives over realistic time frames. However, the current lack of standards and consensus on the properties of a reliable aging biomarker hinders their further development and validation for clinical applications. Here, we advance a framework for the terminology and characterization of biomarkers of aging, including classification and potential clinical use cases. We discuss validation steps and highlight ongoing challenges as potential areas in need of future research. This framework sets the stage for the development of valid biomarkers of aging and their ultimate utilization in clinical trials and practice.

Transposable elements and their role in aging

Transposable elements (TEs) are an important part of eukaryotic genomes. The role of somatic transposition in aging, carcinogenesis, and other age-related diseases has been determined. This review discusses the fundamental properties of TEs and their complex interactions with cellular processes, which are crucial for understanding the diverse effects of their activity on the genetics and epigenetics of the organism. The interactions of TEs with recombination, replication, repair, and chromosomal regulation; the ability of TEs to maintain a balance between their own activity and repression, the involvement of TEs in the creation of new or alternative genes, the expression of coding/non-coding RNA, and the role in DNA damage and modification of regulatory networks are reviewed. The contribution of the derepressed TEs to age-dependent effects in individual cells/tissues in different organisms was assessed. Conflicting information about TE activity under stress as well as theories of aging mechanisms related to TEs is discussed. On the one hand, transposition activity in response to stressors can lead to organisms acquiring adaptive innovations of great importance for evolution at the population level. On the other hand, the TE expression can cause decreased longevity and stress tolerance at the individual level. The specific features of TE effects on aging processes in germline and soma and the ways of their regulation in cells are highlighted. Recent results considering somatic mutations in normal human and animal tissues are indicated, with the emphasis on their possible functional consequences. In the context of aging, the correlation between somatic TE activation and age-related changes in the number of proteins required for heterochromatin maintenance and longevity regulation was analyzed. One of the original features of this review is a discussion of not only effects based on the TEs insertions and the associated consequences for the germline cell dynamics and somatic genome, but also the differences between transposon- and retrotransposon-mediated structural genome changes and possible phenotypic characteristics associated with aging and various age-related pathologies. Based on the analysis of published data, a hypothesis about the influence of the species-specific features of number, composition, and distribution of TEs on aging dynamics of different animal genomes was formulated.

Simultaneous activation of the hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis genes (CBS and CSE) induces sex-specific geroprotective effects in Drosophila melanogaster

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is one of the most important gasotransmitters that affect lifespan and provide resistance to adverse environmental conditions. Here we investigated geroprotective effects of the individual and simultaneous overexpression of genes encoding key enzymes of H₂S biosynthesis - cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) on D. melanogaster model. Simultaneous overexpression of CBS and CSE resulted in additive (in males) and synergistic (in females) beneficial effects on median lifespan. Individual overexpression of CBS was associated with increased thermotolerance and decreased transcription level of genes encoding stress-responsive transcription factors HIF1 and Hsf, while individual overexpression of CSE was associated with increased resistance to paraquat. Simultaneous overexpression of both genes increased resistance to hyperthermia in old females or paraquat in old males. The obtained results suggest sex-specific epistatic interaction of CBS and CSE overexpression effects on longevity and stress resistance.

Studying the Geroprotective Properties of YAP/TAZ Signaling Inhibitors on Drosophila melanogaster Model

The transcriptional coactivators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are the main downstream effectors of the evolutionarily conserved Hippo signaling pathway. YAP/TAZ are implicated in the transcriptional regulation of target genes that are involved in a wide range of key biological processes affecting tissue homeostasis and play dual roles in the aging process, depending on the cellular and tissue context. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether pharmacological inhibitors of Yap/Taz increase the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster. Real-time qRT-PCR was performed to measure the changes in the expression of Yki (Yorkie, the Drosophila homolog of YAP/TAZ) target genes. We have revealed a lifespan-increasing effect of YAP/TAZ inhibitors that was mostly associated with decreased expression levels of the wg and E2f1 genes. However, further analysis is required to understand the link between the YAP/TAZ pathway and aging.

Blood Markers of Biological Age Evaluates Clinic Complex Medical Spa Programs

BACKGROUND

Kivach Clinic has developed a special medical spa program to prevent aging-related conditions in metabolic, cardio-vascular, and neurological states. Spa programs modify diet, physical activity, and lymphatic drainage, as it deteriorates with aging. We investigated its influence on the blood markers of biological age of patients during their stay to objectify the potential of spa treatment for influencing the risk of age-related events.

METHODS

The artificial deep learning model Aging.ai 3.0 was based on blood parameters. The change in the biological age of 43 patients was assessed after their 14-day spa treatment at Kivach Clinic.

RESULTS

Biological age decreased in 29 patients (median decrease: 8 years, mean: 8.83 years), increased in 10 patients (median increase: 3 years, mean: 5.33 years) and remained unchanged in 4 patients. Overall mean values for the entire patient group were as follows: median value was -3 years, and mean was -4.79 ± 1.2 years (p-value = 0.00025, t-test).

CONCLUSIONS

The capability of specially selected medical spa treatment to reduce human biological age (assessed by Aging.AI 3.0) has been established.

A prospective randomized comparative placebo-controlled double-blind study in two groups to assess the effect of the use of biologically active additives with Siberian fir terpenes for the biological age of a person

A prospective randomized comparative placebo-controlled double-blind study was carried out based on Arterial Indices model of biological age. The study involved 60 men and women aged 40-65 years that were randomly divided into two equal groups of 30 people: the main group and the control one. The study participants from the main group received a dietary supplement containing Siberian fir terpenes, limonene, alpha-linolenic acid, and vitamin E-1 capsule 3 times a day for 90 days. Patients in the comparison group received a placebo according to a similar scheme. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics of patients from both groups have not undergone any significant changes. According to ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries, we observed a statistically significant decrease in the minimum thickness of the intima-media complex (by 45%). The maximum carotid artery stenosis on the right or left and the expansion index in patients of both groups did not change significantly during treatment. According to the results of applanation tonometry, it was revealed that when taking the studied dietary supplement, the pulse wave velocity significantly decreased compared to the initial one (by 10%). Accordingly, the Arterial Indices biological age decreased by 2.5 years compared to the baseline level in patients of the main group and did not change in patients from the comparison group. Supplementation of fir terpenes in middle-aged patients of both sexes reduces the biological age reflecting the condition of the arteries.

Targeting aging mechanisms: pharmacological perspectives

Geroprotectors slow down aging and promote healthy longevity in model animals. Although hundreds of compounds have been shown to extend the life of laboratory model organisms, clinical studies on potential geroprotectors are exceedingly rare, especially in healthy elders. This review aims to classify potential geroprotectors based on the mechanisms by which they influence aging. These pharmacological interventions can be classified into the following groups: those that prevent oxidation; proteostasis regulators; suppressors of genomic instability; epigenetic drugs; those that preserve mitochondrial function; inhibitors of aging-associated signaling pathways; hormetins; senolytics/senostatics; anti-inflammatory drugs; antifibrotic agents; neurotrophic factors; factors preventing the impairment of barrier function; immunomodulators; and prebiotics, metabiotics, and enterosorbents.

Hallmarks of aging-based dual-purpose disease and age-associated targets predicted using PandaOmics AI-powered discovery engine

Aging biology is a promising and burgeoning research area that can yield dual-purpose pathways and protein targets that may impact multiple diseases, while retarding or possibly even reversing age-associated processes. One widely used approach to classify a multiplicity of mechanisms driving the aging process is the hallmarks of aging. In addition to the classic nine hallmarks of aging, processes such as extracellular matrix stiffness, chronic inflammation and activation of retrotransposons are also often considered, given their strong association with aging. In this study, we used a variety of target identification and prioritization techniques offered by the AI-powered PandaOmics platform, to propose a list of promising novel aging-associated targets that may be used for drug discovery. We also propose a list of more classical targets that may be used for drug repurposing within each hallmark of aging. Most of the top targets generated by this comprehensive analysis play a role in inflammation and extracellular matrix stiffness, highlighting the relevance of these processes as therapeutic targets in aging and age-related diseases. Overall, our study reveals both high confidence and novel targets associated with multiple hallmarks of aging and demonstrates application of the PandaOmics platform to target discovery across multiple disease areas.

Physiological health indexes predict deterioration and mortality in patients with COVID-19: a comparative study

Old age is a crucial risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with serious or fatal outcomes disproportionately affecting older adults compared with the rest of the population. We proposed that the physiological health status and biological age, beyond the chronological age itself, could be the driving trends affecting COVID-19 severity and mortality. A total of 155 participants hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 aged 26-94 years were recruited for the study. Four different physiological summary indices were calculated: Klemera and Doubal's biological age, PhenoAge, physiological dysregulation (PD; globally and in specific systems), and integrated albunemia. All of these indices significantly predicted the risk of death (p < 0.01) after adjusting for chronological age and sex. In all models, men were 2.4-4.4-times more likely to die than women. The global PD was shown to be a good predictor of deterioration, with the odds of deterioration increasing by 41.7% per 0.5-unit increase in the global PD. As for death, the odds also increased by 68.3% per 0.5-unit increase in the global PD. Our results are partly attributed to common chronic diseases that aggravate COVID-19, but they also suggest that the underlying physiological state could capture vulnerability to severe COVID-19 and serve as a tool for prognosis that would, in turn, help inpatient management.

Honeysuckle extract (Lonicera pallasii L.) exerts antioxidant properties and extends the lifespan and healthspan of Drosophila melanogaster

Honeysuckle Lonicera pallasii (Lonicera caerulea L.) is an excellent source of anthocyanins which have a number of health-promoting properties mainly associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is one of the most common anthocyanins naturally found in honeysuckle. The goal of the present study was to investigate antioxidant and anti-aging properties of Lonicera pallasii (Lonicera caerulea L.) extract (LE) and C3G using red blood cells (RBC) and Drosophila melanogaster models. LE and C3G treatment at a concentration of 100 μM induced enhancement of median and maximum lifespan up to 8%. LE and C3G supplementation at a concentration of 100 μM increased stress resistance up to 10%. The locomotor activity decreased during LE and C3G treatment in 4 and 6 weeks up to 52% in females. The integrity of the intestinal barrier was increased by 4% after LE treatment. These effects were accompanied by increased expression of Hif1 (pro-longevity gene) in response to C3G treatment and decreased expression of Keap1 (anti-longevity gene) after C3G and LE supplementation. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Sirt6 completely abolished the positive effect obtained of LE and C3G supplementation in males which indicates that lifespan-extending effect is associated with Sirt6 activation. The experiments on the various in-vitro models (including radical scavenging activity and oxidative hemolysis of RBC demonstrated antioxidant and membrane-protective activities of LE and C3G. The present study indicates that Lonicera extract can prolong the lifespan and improve the healthspan of Drosophila model through biological and antioxidant activities.

Meeting Report: Aging Research and Drug Discovery

Aging is the single largest risk factor for most chronic diseases, and thus possesses large socioeconomic interest to continuously aging societies. Consequently, the field of aging research is expanding alongside a growing focus from the industry and investors in aging research. This year’s 8th Annual Aging Research and Drug Discovery (ARDD) meeting was organized as a hybrid meeting from August 30th to September 3rd 2021 with more than 130 attendees participating on-site at the Ceremonial Hall at University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and 1800 engaging online. The conference comprised of presentations from 75 speakers focusing on new research in topics including mechanisms of aging and how these can be modulated as well as the use of AI and new standards of practices within aging research. This year, a longevity workshop was included to build stronger connections with the clinical community.

The use of therapeutic plasmapheresis in preventive and sports medicine

Maintenance of active longevity, preservation of physical activity, and prevention of decreased mobility associated with injury or age of patients are among the most urgent tasks for modern healthcare. The suppression of pathological processes and activation of defense systems at the cellular and organismal levels are the main routes for solving these problems. Several initial anti-aging therapy approaches are detoxification, rheocorrection, and immunocorrection. In these areas, methods of extracorporeal hemocorrection, in particular, therapeutic plasmapheresis, are effective. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hardware plasmapheresis with albumin compensation by assessing the dynamics of circulating age-related biomarker levels in randomly selected patients. Twenty human subjects of both sexes aged 40–55 years with an increase in one or more aging-related biomarkers participated in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups with ten people each. Patients from Group 1 underwent therapeutic plasmapheresis with albumin replacement (four procedures with a 2-day interval). Patients from Group 2 were offered plasmapheresis treatment with saline replacement. The levels of aging-related biomarkers were determined in the blood of patients before and 30 days after starting treatment. Preliminary data showed that plasmapheresis with albumin replacement in randomly selected male and female patients was accompanied by normalization of the selected aging biomarkers. Thirty days after the start of the plasmapheresis treatment, a decrease in both biological and phenotypic age was determined. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of nutritional factors on aging biomarkers with and without plasmapheresis treatment. Based on the obtained results, recommendations will be made on the use of plasmapheresis in preventive and sports medicine. The use of this method will help reduce the biological age of patients and, as a result, reduce the risks of developing age-related diseases and disabilities and contribute to prolonging life and improving its quality.

Effects of Siberian fir terpenes extract Abisil on antioxidant activity, autophagy, transcriptome and proteome of human fibroblasts

Background: Abisil is an extract of Siberian fir terpenes with antimicrobial and wound healing activities. Previous studies revealed that Abisil has geroprotective, anti-tumorigenic, and anti-angiogenic effects. Abisil decreased the expression of cyclin D1, E1, A2, and increased the phosphorylation rate of AMPK.

Objective: In the present study, we analyzed the effect of Abisil on autophagy, the mitochondrial potential of embryonic human lung fibroblasts. We evaluated its antioxidant activity and analyzed the transcriptomic and proteomic effects of Abisil treatment.

Results: Abisil treatment resulted in activation of autophagy, reversal of rotenone-induced elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and several-fold decrease of mitochondrial potential. Lower doses of Abisil (25 μg/ml) showed a better oxidative effect than high doses (50 or 125 μg/ml). Estimation of metabolic changes after treatment with 50 μg/ml has not shown any changes in oxygen consumption rate, but extracellular acidification rate decreased significantly. Abisil treatment (5 and 50 μg/ml) of MRC5-SV40 cells induced a strong transcriptomic shift spanning several thousand genes (predominantly, expression decrease). Among down-regulated genes, we noticed an over-representation of genes involved in cell cycle progression, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid biosynthesis. Additionally, we observed predominant downregulation of genes encoding for kinases. Proteome profiling also revealed that the content of hundreds of proteins is altered after Abisil treatment (mainly, decreased). These proteins were involved in cell cycle regulation, intracellular transport, RNA processing, translation, mitochondrial organization.

Conclusions: Abisil demonstrated antioxidant and autophagy stimulating activity. Treatment with Abisil results in the predominant downregulation of genes involved in the cell cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.

Tissue-Specific Knockdown of Genes of the Argonaute Family Modulates Lifespan and Radioresistance in Drosophila Melanogaster

Small RNAs are essential to coordinate many cellular processes, including the regulation of gene expression patterns, the prevention of genomic instability, and the suppression of the mutagenic transposon activity. These processes determine the aging, longevity, and sensitivity of cells and an organism to stress factors (particularly, ionizing radiation). The biogenesis and activity of small RNAs are provided by proteins of the Argonaute family. These proteins participate in the processing of small RNA precursors and the formation of an RNA-induced silencing complex. However, the role of Argonaute proteins in regulating lifespan and radioresistance remains poorly explored. We studied the effect of knockdown of Argonaute genes (AGO1, AGO2, AGO3, piwi) in various tissues on the Drosophila melanogaster lifespan and survival after the γ-irradiation at a dose of 700 Gy. In most cases, these parameters are reduced or did not change significantly in flies with tissue-specific RNA interference. Surprisingly, piwi knockdown in both the fat body and the nervous system causes a lifespan increase. But changes in radioresistance depend on the tissue in which the gene was knocked out. In addition, analysis of changes in retrotransposon levels and expression of stress response genes allow us to determine associated molecular mechanisms.

Evaluation of the geroprotective effects of withaferin A in Drosophila melanogaster

Withanolides are a class of compounds usually found in plant extracts which are an attractive geroprotective drug design starting point. We evaluated the geroprotective properties of Withaferin A (WA) in vivo using the Drosophila model. Flies were supplemented by nutrient medium with WA (at a concentration of 1, 10, or 100 μM dissolved in ethanol) for the experiment group and 30 μM of ethanol for the control group. WA treatment at 10 and 100 μM concentrations prolong the median life span of D. melanogaster's male by 7.7, 9.6% (respectively) and the maximum life span (the age of death 90% of individuals) by 11.1% both. Also WA treatment at 1, 10 and 100 μM improved the intestinal barrier permeability in older flies and affected an expression of genes involved in antioxidant defense (PrxV), recognition of DNA damage (Gadd45), heat shock proteins (Hsp68, Hsp83), and repair of double-strand breaks (Ku80). WA was also shown to have a multidirectional effect on the resistance of flies to the prooxidant paraquat (oxidative stress) and 33° C hyperthermia (heat shock). WA treatment increased the resistance to oxidative stress in males at 4 and 7 week old and decreased it at 6 weeks old. It increased the male's resistance to hyperthermia at 2, 4 and 7 weeks old and decreased it at 3, 5 and 8 weeks old. WA treatment decreased the resistance to hyperthermia in females at 1, 2 and 3 weeks old and not affected on their resistance to oxidative stress.

ARDD 2020: from aging mechanisms to interventions

Aging is emerging as a druggable target with growing interest from academia, industry and investors. New technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced screening techniques, as well as a strong influence from the industry sector may lead to novel discoveries to treat age-related diseases. The present review summarizes presentations from the 7th Annual Aging Research and Drug Discovery (ARDD) meeting, held online on the 1st to 4th of September 2020. The meeting covered topics related to new methodologies to study aging, knowledge about basic mechanisms of longevity, latest interventional strategies to target the aging process as well as discussions about the impact of aging research on society and economy. More than 2000 participants and 65 speakers joined the meeting and we already look forward to an even larger meeting next year. Please mark your calendars for the 8th ARDD meeting that is scheduled for the 31st of August to 3rd of September, 2021, at Columbia University, USA.

Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Aging and Longevity: The Foundation of Resilience

The interrelation of the processes of immunity and senescence now receives an unprecedented emphasis during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brings to the fore the critical need to combat immunosenescence and improve the immune function and resilience of older persons. Here we review the historical origins and the current state of the science of innate and adaptive immunity in aging and longevity. From the modern point of view, innate and adaptive immunity are not only affected by aging but also are important parts of its underlying mechanisms. Excessive levels or activity of antimicrobial peptides, C-reactive protein, complement system, TLR/NF-κB, cGAS/STING/IFN 1,3 and AGEs/RAGE pathways, myeloid cells and NLRP3 inflammasome, declined levels of NK cells in innate immunity, thymus involution and decreased amount of naive T-cells in adaptive immunity, are biomarkers of aging and predisposition factors for cellular senescence and aging-related pathologies. Long-living species, human centenarians, and women are characterized by less inflamm-aging and decelerated immunosenescence. Despite recent progress in understanding, the harmonious theory of immunosenescence is still developing. Geroprotectors targeting these mechanisms are just emerging and are comprehensively discussed in this article.

Stochastic non-enzymatic modification of long-lived macromolecules - A missing hallmark of aging

Damage accumulation in long-living macromolecules (especially extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, nuclear pore complex (NPC) proteins, and histones) is a missing hallmark of aging. Stochastic non-enzymatic modifications of ECM trigger cellular senescence as well as many other hallmarks of aging affect organ barriers integrity and drive tissue fibrosis. The importance of it for aging makes it a key target for interventions. The most promising of them can be AGE inhibitors (chelators, O-acetyl group or transglycating activity compounds, amadorins and amadoriases), glucosepane breakers, stimulators of elastogenesis, and RAGE antagonists.

Radioprotectors.org: an open database of known and predicted radioprotectors

The search for radioprotectors is an ambitious goal with many practical applications. Particularly, the improvement of human radioresistance for space is an important task, which comes into view with the recent successes in the space industry. Currently, all radioprotective drugs can be divided into two large groups differing in their effectiveness depending on the type of exposure. The first of these is radioprotectors, highly effective for pulsed, and some types of relatively short exposure to irradiation. The second group consists of long-acting radioprotectors. These drugs are effective for prolonged and fractionated irradiation. They also protect against impulse exposure to ionizing radiation, but to a lesser extent than short-acting radioprotectors. Creating a database on radioprotectors is a necessity dictated by the modern development of science and technology. We have created an open database, Radioprotectors.org, containing an up-to-date list of substances with proven radioprotective properties. All radioprotectors are annotated with relevant chemical and biological information, including transcriptomic data, and can be filtered according to their properties. Additionally, the performed transcriptomics analysis has revealed specific transcriptomic profiles of radioprotectors, which should facilitate the search for potent radioprotectors.

Spontaneous γH2AX foci in human dermal fibroblasts in relation to proliferation activity and aging

We assessed the effects of donor age on clonogenicity, proliferative potential, and spontaneous γH2AX foci in the proliferating (Ki67 +) and senescent (SA β-gal +) cultures of skin fibroblasts isolated from 34 donors of different age (23-82 years). Here, we demonstrated that neither the colony forming effectiveness of proliferating (Ki67+) fraction of the fibroblasts nor the average number of γH2AX foci of the same fraction does not depend on the age of the donor. The correlation between the number of γH2AX foci and the donor's age was reliable in quiescent (Ki67-) cells. The average number of γH2AX foci in quiescent fibroblasts of donors older than 68 years was about two times higher than in the same cells of up to 30 years old donors. The number of γH2AX foci demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation with the fraction of proliferating cells in fibroblast cultures. On average, proliferating cells have twice as many the γH2AX foci in comparison with the quiescent cells. Within a population of proliferating (Ki67+) cells, the degree of senescence correlated with a relative declining of constitutive γH2AX foci number, whereas in the population of quiescent (Ki67-) cells, it was proportional to augmenting the number of the γH2AX foci. Our data on a statistically significant (p=0.001) correlation between the age of the donor and the number of constitutive γH2AX foci in quiescent cells, could point out the ongoing DNA-damage response due in the maintenance of the senescent state of cells.

Genome-Protecting Compounds as Potential Geroprotectors

Throughout life, organisms are exposed to various exogenous and endogenous factors that cause DNA damages and somatic mutations provoking genomic instability. At a young age, compensatory mechanisms of genome protection are activated to prevent phenotypic and functional changes. However, the increasing stress and age-related deterioration in the functioning of these mechanisms result in damage accumulation, overcoming the functional threshold. This leads to aging and the development of age-related diseases. There are several ways to counteract these changes: 1) prevention of DNA damage through stimulation of antioxidant and detoxification systems, as well as transition metal chelation; 2) regulation of DNA methylation, chromatin structure, non-coding RNA activity and prevention of nuclear architecture alterations; 3) improving DNA damage response and repair; 4) selective removal of damaged non-functional and senescent cells. In the article, we have reviewed data about the effects of various trace elements, vitamins, polyphenols, terpenes, and other phytochemicals, as well as a number of synthetic pharmacological substances in these ways. Most of the compounds demonstrate the geroprotective potential and increase the lifespan in model organisms. However, their genome-protecting effects are non-selective and often are conditioned by hormesis. Consequently, the development of selective drugs targeting genome protection is an advanced direction.

Terpenoids as Potential Geroprotectors

Terpenes and terpenoids are the largest groups of plant secondary metabolites. However, unlike polyphenols, they are rarely associated with geroprotective properties. Here we evaluated the conformity of the biological effects of terpenoids with the criteria of geroprotectors, including primary criteria (lifespan-extending effects in model organisms, improvement of aging biomarkers, low toxicity, minimal adverse effects, improvement of the quality of life) and secondary criteria (evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of action, reproducibility of the effects on different models, prevention of age-associated diseases, increasing of stress-resistance). The number of substances that demonstrate the greatest compliance with both primary and secondary criteria of geroprotectors were found among different classes of terpenoids. Thus, terpenoids are an underestimated source of potential geroprotectors that can effectively influence the mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases.

THU0506 LONG-TERM EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF CANAKINUMAB AS A SECOND BIOLOGIC AFTER TOCILIZUMAB IN CHILDREN WITH EARLY AND LATE JIA WITH ACTIVE SYSTEMIC FEATURES

Background:

Canakinumab (CAN) is often used as second biologics in juvenile idiopathic arthritis with active systemic features (sJIA). However, there are little information about its long-term efficacy and safety.

Objectives:

To evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of CAN as a second biologics after tocilizumab (TOC) in sJIA patients depending on the duration of the disease.

Methods:

Thirty-one patients were enrolled in this study: the group of early sJIA (with duration shorter than 2 years, 19 patients) and the group of late sJIA (with duration longer than 2 years, 12 patients). At the baseline, information was collected on the characteristics of the onset of the disease, previous therapy and its success. At each visit at least 1 time per year clinical and laboratory characteristics of sJIA severity were assessed. Response to therapy was assessed using the ACRPedi 30/50/70/90 criteria and the C.Wallace criteria for inactive disease (WID) and clinical remission.

Results:

The most common reason for withdrawal of previous TOC was secondary ineffectiveness (22 cases, 71%); in 6 cases (19.4%) allergic reaction was observed; in two cases (6.5%) primary non-effectiveness appeared; and in one case (3.2%) there was marked infusion reaction.

At CAN initiation, sJIA activity was as follows: 15 (12: 23) for JADAS-71; 45 (36.5: 72) and 58 (45: 81) for physician’s and patient’s global assessment VAS; and 0.25 (0: 0.62) for the CHAQ disability index.

After 12-month treatment, 22 (71%) patients reached WID: 21 on CAN therapy and 1 – after CAN withdrawal due to administrative reason and stable WID. ACR50/70/90 response was achieved by 84.2%/84.2%/64.7% patients in early arthritis group and in 83.3%/75%/75% patients in late arthritis group (p=0.792).

However, 42.1% of patients with early sJIA achieved remission in the first 1.5 years without any further relapse during all the studied period and only 16.7% of patients with late arthritis (p=0.239). In multivariable analysis, it was found that age of sJIA onset (OR (2.5-97.5 CI) 0.353 (0.13 - 0.72), p=0.015), number of joints with active arthritis at sJIA onset (2.308 (1.26-5.73), p=0.025), and JADAS-71 at sJIA onset (0.664 (0.44-0.88), p=0.016) were associated with successful treatment with rapid achievement of stable remission.

During the 76.7 patient-years follow-up period, 18 of 31 (58.1%) patients were able to achieve a stable clinical remission and 27 (87.1%) – WID. Two patients have achieved successfully drug-off remission. Serious adverse event (SAE) was reported in one (3.2%) patient (enteritis).

Conclusion:

Long-term canakinumab therapy proved to be effective and safe as a second biologics after tocilizumab for any duration of the disease. However, patients with early arthritis are more likely to quickly achieve stable remission without further relapse. Younger onset of sJIA with polyarthritis involvement and low disease activity are predictors of rapid and stable remission.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ekaterina Alexeeva Grant/research support from: Roche, Pfizer, Centocor, Novartis, Speakers bureau: Roche, Novartis, Pfizer., Elizaveta Krekhova: None declared, Tatyana Dvoryakovskaya: None declared, Ksenia Isaeva: None declared, Aleksandra Chomakhidze: None declared, Evgeniya Chistyakova: None declared, Olga Lomakina: None declared, Rina Denisova: None declared, Anna Mamutova: None declared, Anna Fetisova: None declared, Marina Gautier: None declared, Dariya Vankova: None declared, Meyri Shingarova: None declared, Alina Alshevskaya: None declared, Andrey Moskalev: None declared, Ivan Kriulin: None declared

FRI0464 GENOTYPING AND PHENOTYPING PATTERNS IN PATIENTS WITH CAPS IN RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Background:

Cryopyrine-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) are a group of rare congenital auto-inflammatory diseases (AID) that include diseases such as familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome (FCAS), Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS), and CINCA/NOMID syndrome. At present, there are limited data on demographic and clinical features of children with CAPS in Russia.

Objectives:

To reveal demographic, genotype and phenotype characteristics in CAPS patients at the National Medical Research Center of Children`s health, Moscow, Russia.

Methods:

Retrospective study included 12 patients (7 females, 58.3%) with CAPS confirmed by next generation sequencing (NGS). Median age of disease onset was 5.7 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.5:12.8) years. Characteristics of disease onset as well as dynamics of disease activity during long-term treatment were evaluated.

Results:

At the onset, systemic features were as follows: fever in 11 (91.6%) patients, rash in 8 (66.7%), hepatosplenomegaly in 7 (58.3%) patients, and lymphadenopathy in 6 (50%). Active arthritis in the onset of the disease was in 9/12 patients (75%), presented by polyarthritis in 7/9 (77.8%), and oligoarthritis in 2/9 (22.2%). Two patients (16.7%) had cataract, one (8.3%) had bilateral uveitis, and one (8.3%) had optic atrophy. Sensorineural hearing loss was observed only in 3/12 (25%). Hydrocephalus was detected in 3/12 (25%). Delayed mental and psycho-speech development was observed in 6/12 (50%) patients. In 3/12 (25%), the development of MAS was recorded.

All patients had nucleotide variants inNLRP3gene. According to NGS results and clinical characteristics, 8/12 (66.7%) patients were diagnosed with MWS and 4/12 (33.3%) had CINCA/NOMID syndrome. In children with MWS, heterozygous variantc.2113C>AinNLRP3gene was the most common (5/8 (62.5%) patients). One of 8 (12.5%) patients with novel heterozygous variantc.2861C>Twas detected; also one child (12.5%) have heterozygous variantc.598G>Aand one (12.5%) – heterozygous variantc.943A>G. Four patients with CINCA/NOMID syndrome also had heterozygous variants inNLRP3gene:c.598G>A,c.2173C>A,c.1991T>Candc.796C>T.

Prior to genetic testing, 12/12 (100%) patients received NSAIDs; 6/12 (50%) were treated with oral glucocorticoids (GC), 3/12 (25%) – with intravenous GC, 2/12 (22.2%) – with methotrexate. Biologics treatment included: 5/12 (41.7%) CAN, 4/12 (33.3%) tocilizumab, and 1/12 (8.3%) etanercept. After genetic testing, 7/12 (58.3%) patients were successfully switched to CAN. Only 1/12 (8.3%) child with MWS developed secondary inefficiency on CAN treatment.

Conclusion:

Systemic manifestations were detected in 91.6% of children, while active arthritis was observed in 75% of patients, which can cause difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment of CAPS. The effectiveness of canakinumab therapy was estimated in 91.6% of patients. The most frequent variant of theNLRP3gene in MWS wasc.2113C>A. In patients with CINCA/NOMID syndrome all nucleotide variants were individual.

Disclosure of Interests:

Meyri Shingarova: None declared, Ekaterina Alexeeva Grant/research support from: Roche, Pfizer, Centocor, Novartis, Speakers bureau: Roche, Novartis, Pfizer., Tatyana Dvoryakovskaya: None declared, Kirill Savostyanov: None declared, Aleksander Pushkov: None declared, Evgeniya Chistyakova: None declared, Ksenia Isaeva: None declared, Aleksandra Chomakhidze: None declared, Olga Lomakina: None declared, Rina Denisova: None declared, Anna Mamutova: None declared, Anna Fetisova: None declared, Marina Gautier: None declared, Dariya Vankova: None declared, Elizaveta Krekhova: None declared, Ivan Kriulin: None declared, Natalia Zhurkova: None declared, Rustam Tepaev: None declared, Alina Alshevskaya: None declared, Andrey Moskalev: None declared

AB0971 LONG-TERM EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF CANAKINUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM A SINGLE-CENTER STUDY

Background:

Results from various phase 3 clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of canakinumab to treat patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthirtis (sJIA). However, limited information is available on the long-term efficacy and safety of this drug to treat children with sJIA.

Objectives:

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of canakinumab in patients with sJIA treated at the National Medical Research Center of Children`s health, Moscow, Russia.

Methods:

This was a prospective, single-center study that included canakinumab (CAN)-naive patients diagnosed with sJIA following the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria and start receiving CAN treatment from 10/2012 to 03/2016. Patients included in this study also participated, for defined periods of time, in the clinical trialNCT02296424. Patients with active disease started treatment with canakinumab 4 mg/kg. A treat-to-target approach was used, canakinumab was discontinued in patients on clinical remission, either following theNCT02296424protocol or by investigator’s decision, and re-introduced in those patients who experienced a relapse afterwards. Disease characteristics and demographics were recorded at the time of diagnosis and initiation of treatment (study entry). Disease activity was evaluated periodically using the adaptedJIAACR core set measures, and percentages of patients with inactive disease and on clinical remission were calculated using the sJIA ACR criteria. Response to treatment was also evaluated by calculating modified ACR responses and JADAS-71 scores. Safety was assessed by collecting and classifying adverse events (AEs) at each visit.

Results:

Nineteen patients presenting with sJIA were included in this study, with a median age at treatment initiation of 9.6 (interquartile range, IQR 6.4-11.1) years and a median disease duration of 4.4 (IQR 1.2-7.0) years. Most patients (17/19) had been treated previously with one or more biologic agents for sJIA. As of 23 December of 2019, the median time of follow up was 55.5 (47-71.7) months, with all patients being followed for at least 3.5 years and 5 patients followed for more than 7 years. As it is shown in figure 1, most patients (16/19) were on clinical remission one year after starting therapy, and this effect was sustained at year 3.5 (17/19). ACR 90 responses were observed in 84.2% (16/19) patients at one year and 94.7% (18/19) patients at 3.5 years, whereas JADAS-71 scores decreased from 15 (14: 28.5) at baseline to 0 (0: 0) at one year with 4/19 patients maintained with JADAS-71 >0); at 3.5 years, only one patient had JADAS-71>0 (0.47, due to slight ESR increasing). Concerning the 5 patients with >7 years of follow up, three of them were in clinical remission for more than 3 years, including one who had discontinued therapy more than 2 years. Another patient had a relapse after attempting drug discontinuation, but recovered clinical remission after reintroducing canakinumab, and remained in this state for the last two years. The remaining patient has persistent low levels of disease activity during the last four years of follow up. AEs required hospitalization were reported in 36.8% (7/19) patients.

Conclusion:

Sustained clinical remission was observed in most patients with sJIA treated with canakinumab for up to 7 years, with no new or unexpected adverse events reported.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ekaterina Alexeeva Grant/research support from: Roche, Pfizer, Centocor, Novartis, Speakers bureau: Roche, Novartis, Pfizer., Elizaveta Krekhova: None declared, Tatyana Dvoryakovskaya: None declared, Ksenia Isaeva: None declared, Aleksandra Chomakhidze: None declared, Evgeniya Chistyakova: None declared, Olga Lomakina: None declared, Rina Denisova: None declared, Anna Mamutova: None declared, Anna Fetisova: None declared, Marina Gautier: None declared, Dariya Vankova: None declared, Meyri Shingarova: None declared, Ivan Kriulin: None declared, Alina Alshevskaya: None declared, Andrey Moskalev: None declared

FRI0458 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF PCV13 VACCINATION IN JIA PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC MANIFESTATIONS ON TOCILIZUMAB AND CANAKINUMAB TREATMENT

Background:

The need for continuous use of immunosuppressive drugs leads to increased risk of developing infectious diseases in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis with systemic manifestation (sJIA). Questions about choosing the optimal vaccination time and the effect of different classes of therapy on vaccination effectiveness are still open.

Objectives:

To study clinical and laboratory effectiveness of PCV13-vaccination in children with sJIA on tocilizumab (TOC) and canakinumab (CAN) treatment depending on disease activity stage.

Methods:

Prospective cohort study included 2 groups of sJIA patients: in stable remission (Remission group, n=53) receiving CAN (n=10) or TOC (n=43) treatment, and in acute stage of disease (Acute group, n=25) which started to received CAN (n=7) or TOC (n=18) either before vaccination (Acute Treated Before subgroup, n=17) or after vaccination (Acute Treated After subgroup, n=8). 0.5 ml of the 13-valent PCV was administered once subcutaneously. Efficacy was evaluated by achieving of protection level of anti-pneumococcal antibodies after 4 weeks and by clinical indicators after 6 month follow-up: frequency of acute respiratory infections, frequency of antibiotics treatment courses, frequency of temporary withdrawal of biologics treatment due to severe infections. Frequency of events were counted per patients-years.

Results:

Four weeks after vaccination, protection level of anti-pneumococcal antibodies was achieved by for 36 (67.9%) patients in Remission group, 16 (64%) patients in Acute group (intergroup p=0.932), and in 8 (47.06%) patients in Acute Treated Before subgroup and in 8 (100%) patients in Acute Treated After subgroup (intersubgroup p=0.022). PCV13 have shown high clinical effectiveness in both Remission group and Acute group. Reducing of acute respiratory infections frequency was as follows: from 4.57 to 2.15 episodes per patient-year in Remission group (p<0.001) and from 4.32 to 1.28 per patient-year in Acute group (p<0.001).

Duration of antibiotics treatment reduced from 2.31 to 0.81 weeks per 1 patient-year in Remission group (p<0.001) from 1.97 to 0.74 in Acute group (p<0.001). Among patients who were previously treated with biologics, frequency of therapy withdrawal reduced from 4.34 to 2.42 per patient-year in Remission group (p<0.001) and from 3.53 to 1.18 in Acute Treated Before subgroup (p=0.002). The incidence of reactions to vaccination of PCV13 (local hyperemia, pain, subfebrile temperature) was similar in groups (22 (41.5%) for Remission group and 7 (28%) for Acute group, p= 0.319).

Conclusion:

Vaccination with the 13-valent PCV has demonstrated high clinical efficacy and safety in children with sJIA both in the acute stage of the disease and during remission. Vaccination of patients in acute stage of sJIA before treatment has advantages over vaccination during remission or after prolonged immunosuppressive therapy in terms of achieving an adequate vaccine response.

Disclosure of Interests:

Dariya Vankova: None declared, Ekaterina Alexeeva Grant/research support from: Roche, Pfizer, Centocor, Novartis, Speakers bureau: Roche, Novartis, Pfizer., Tatyana Dvoryakovskaya: None declared, Ksenia Isaeva: None declared, Aleksandra Chomakhidze: None declared, Rina Denisova: None declared, Anna Mamutova: None declared, Anna Fetisova: None declared, Marina Gautier: None declared, Elizaveta Krekhova: None declared, Meyri Shingarova: None declared, Ivan Kriulin: None declared, Anastasiya Kontorovich: None declared, Olga Galkina: None declared, Tatyana Radygina: None declared, Irina Zubkova: None declared, Natalia Tkachenko: None declared, Yanina Orlova: None declared, Mariya Kurdup: None declared, Anna Ismailova: None declared, Alina Alshevskaya: None declared, Andrey Moskalev: None declared, Olga Lomakina: None declared

THU0502 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF SECUKINUMAB TREATMENT IN JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Background:

Anti-IL-17A biologic drug secukinumab (SEC) proved to be effective for treatment of psoriatic arthritis. However data about its efficacy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are restricted to off-label experience.

Objectives:

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SEC in JIA patients in the National Medical Research Center of Children`s health, Moscow, Russia.

Methods:

25 patients started SEC therapy from 12/2017 to 11/2019 in single-center prospective study. 3 patients withdrew treatment: two patients (8%) due to AE (1 - allergy followed by MAS after first injection and 1 – leukopenia) and one patient (4%) – after 10 months of treatment due to secondary inefficacy. Among others, 14 patients which were successfully treated for 6 months or longer were included into analysis. At the baseline, information was collected on the characteristics of the onset of the disease, previous therapy and its success. Patients were monitored at least 1 time per year. At each visit, clinical and laboratory characteristics of JIA severity were assessed. Response to therapy was assessed using the ACRPedi 30/50/70/90 criteria, the C.Wallace criteria for inactive disease (WID) and clinical remission. AEs were assessed at each visit.

Results:

Among 14 patients received SEC for at least 6 months, 7 (50%) have enthesitis-related arthritis, one (7.1%) – persistent oligoarthritis, 4 (28.6%) – RF-negative polyarthritis, 2 (14.3%) – psoriatic arthritis. 6 patients (42.9%) were HLA-B27 positive. Median age of JIA onset was 8.8 (IQR 5:11), age at SEC initiation – 14 (9.9:16.1), disease duration before SEC start – 3.3 (2.7:5.8). 7 (50%) were biologics-naïve, 2 (14.3%) were previously treated with anti-TNF drug, 5 (35.7%) have 2 or more different biologics in anamnesis.

SEC demonstrated high efficacy after the first injection resulting in JADAS-71 decreasing in all patients by median 4.3 (1.6:7.1) points and 7/7/5/2 patients (50%/50%/35.7%/14.3%) achieved ACR Pedi 30/50/70/90 response.

After 6 months of treatment, WID was achieved by 7 (50%) patients, JADAS-71 decreased from baseline level 15.2 (12.7:20.5) to 0.8 (0:4.2) points, and 14/13/11/9 patients (100%/92.9%/78.6%/64.3%) achieved ACR Pedi 30/50/70/90 response. One patients who had active uveitis at SEC initiation remained with subactive uveitis; one patient with uveitis remission had not flare episodes during follow-up period. One patient (7.1%) had successfully treated evaluation of transaminases after 4-th injection.

Conclusion:

Secukinumab showed high effectiveness and safety in children with JIA and can be further used both as a first-line drug in JIA associated with HLA-B27, and as an alternative drug for the ineffectiveness of the standard treatment regimen with biologics. No serious adverse events were registered during follow-up period.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ivan Kriulin: None declared, Ekaterina Alexeeva Grant/research support from: Roche, Pfizer, Centocor, Novartis, Speakers bureau: Roche, Novartis, Pfizer., Tatyana Dvoryakovskaya: None declared, Ksenia Isaeva: None declared, Aleksandra Chomakhidze: None declared, Evgeniya Chistyakova: None declared, Olga Lomakina: None declared, Rina Denisova: None declared, Anna Mamutova: None declared, Anna Fetisova: None declared, Marina Gautier: None declared, Dariya Vankova: None declared, Elizaveta Krekhova: None declared, Meyri Shingarova: None declared, Alina Alshevskaya: None declared, Andrey Moskalev: None declared

Transplantation of ACE2- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves the Outcome of Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia

A coronavirus (HCoV-19) has caused the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Wuhan, China. Preventing and reversing the cytokine storm may be the key to save the patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to possess a comprehensive powerful immunomodulatory function. This study aims to investigate whether MSC transplantation improves the outcome of 7 enrolled patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in Beijing YouAn Hospital, China, from Jan 23, 2020 to Feb 16, 2020. The clinical outcomes, as well as changes of inflammatory and immune function levels and adverse effects of 7 enrolled patients were assessed for 14 days after MSC injection. MSCs could cure or significantly improve the functional outcomes of seven patients without observed adverse effects. The pulmonary function and symptoms of these seven patients were significantly improved in 2 days after MSC transplantation. Among them, two common and one severe patient were recovered and discharged in 10 days after treatment. After treatment, the peripheral lymphocytes were increased, the C-reactive protein decreased, and the overactivated cytokine-secreting immune cells CXCR3+CD4+ T cells, CXCR3+CD8+ T cells, and CXCR3+ NK cells disappeared in 3-6 days. In addition, a group of CD14+CD11c+CD11b^mid regulatory DC cell population dramatically increased. Meanwhile, the level of TNF-α was significantly decreased, while IL-10 increased in MSC treatment group compared to the placebo control group. Furthermore, the gene expression profile showed MSCs were ACE2^- and TMPRSS2^- which indicated MSCs are free from COVID-19 infection. Thus, the intravenous transplantation of MSCs was safe and effective for treatment in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, especially for the patients in critically severe condition.

The challenges of estimating biological age

A comparison of nine different approaches over a period of 20 years reveals the most promising indicators for biological age.

Overexpression of CBS and CSE genes affects lifespan, stress resistance and locomotor activity in Drosophila melanogaster

Recent experimental studies highlighted the role of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in aging and longevity. The cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) are the key enzymes responsible for H₂S production. Here we investigated the geroprotective effects of CSE and CBS overexpression in Drosophila. Overexpression of CSE did not affect a lifespan and decrease (mitochondrial form of CSE) or increase (cytoplasmic form of CSE) age dynamics of locomotor activity, while overexpression of CBS increase median (by 12.5%) and maximum (by 6.9%) lifespan and locomotor activity. Increasing of both CSE and CBS expression levels resulted in thermotolerance, but the resistance to combination of arid and food-free conditions decreased. The resistance to oxidative stress (paraquat) was not affected in flies with overexpression of CBS and cytoplasmic CSE, but decreased in flies overexpressing mitochondrial form of CSE. Thus, transgene overexpression of the CSE and CBS in Drosophila induce similar effects on stress-resistance and locomotor activity, however lifespan extending effect was revealed for CBS overexpression only.

The role of DNA repair genes in radiation-induced adaptive response in Drosophila melanogaster is differential and conditional

Studies in human and mammalian cell cultures have shown that induction of DNA repair mechanisms is required for the formation of stimulation effects of low doses of ionizing radiation, named "hormesis". Nevertheless, the role of cellular defense mechanisms in the formation of radiation-induced hormesis at the level of whole organism remains poorly studied. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of genes involved in different mechanisms and stages of DNA repair in radioadaptive response and radiation hormesis by lifespan parameters in Drosophila melanogaster. We studied genes that control DNA damage sensing (D-Gadd45, Hus1, mnk), nucleotide excision repair (mei-9, mus210, Mus209), base excision repair (Rrp1), DNA double-stranded break repair by homologous recombination (Brca2, spn-B, okr) and non-homologous end joining (Ku80, WRNexo), and the Mus309 gene that participates in several mechanisms of DNA repair. The obtained results demonstrate that in flies with mutations in studied genes radioadaptive response and radiation hormesis are absent or appear to a lesser extent than in wild-type Canton-S flies. Chronic exposure of γ-radiation in a low dose during pre-imaginal stages of development leads to an increase in expression of the studied DNA repair genes, which is maintained throughout the lifespan of flies. However, the activation of conditional ubiquitous overexpression of DNA repair genes does not induce resistance to an acute exposure to γ-radiation and reinforces its negative impact.

The Neuronal Overexpression of Gclc in Drosophila melanogaster Induces Life Extension With Longevity-Associated Transcriptomic Changes in the Thorax

Some effects of aging in animals are tissue-specific. In D. melanogaster neuronal overexpression of Gclc increases lifespan and improves certain physiological parameters associated with health benefits such as locomotor activity, circadian rhythmicity, and stress resistance. Our previous transcriptomic analyses of Drosophila heads, primarily composed of neuronal tissue, revealed significant changes in expression levels of genes involved in aging-related signaling pathways (Jak-STAT, MAPK, FOXO, Notch, mTOR, TGF-beta), translation, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, proteasomal degradation, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis, regulation of circadian rhythms, differentiation of neurons, synaptic plasticity, and transmission. Considering that various tissues age differently and age-related gene expression changes are tissue-specific, we investigated the effects of neuronal Gclc overexpression on gene expression levels in the imago thorax, which is primarily composed of muscles. A total of 58 genes were found to be differentially expressed between thoraces of control and Gclc overexpressing flies. The Gclc level demonstrated associations with expression of genes involved in the circadian rhythmicity, the genes in categories related to the muscle system process and the downregulation of genes involved in proteolysis. Most of the functional categories altered by Gclc overexpression related to metabolism including Drug metabolism, Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, Glutathione metabolism, Starch and sucrose metabolism, Citrate cycle (TCA cycle), One carbon pool by folate. Thus, the transcriptomic changes caused by neuron-specific Gclc overexpression in the thorax were less pronounced than in the head and affected pathways also differed from previous results. Although these pathways don't belong to the canonical longevity pathways, we suggest that they could participate in the delay of aging of Gclc overexpressing flies.

Effects of unpaired 1 gene overexpression on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster

Background

The JAK/STAT signaling pathway is involved in many aging-related cellular functions. However, effects of overexpression of genes controlling JAK/STAT signal transduction on longevity of model organisms have not been studied. Here we evaluate the effect of overexpression of the unpaired 1 (upd1) gene, which encodes an activating ligand for JAK/STAT pathway, on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster.

Results

Overexpression of upd1 in the intestine caused a pronounced shortening of the median lifespan by 54.1–18.9%, and the age of 90% mortality by 40.9–19.1% in males and females, respectively. In fat body and in nervous system of male flies, an induction of upd1 overexpression increased the age of 90% mortality and median lifespan, respectively. An increase in upd1 expression enhanced mRNA levels of the JAK/STAT target genes domeless and Socs36E.

Conclusions

Conditional overexpression of upd1 in different tissues of Drosophila imago induces pro-aging or pro-longevity effects in tissue-dependent manner. The effects of upd1 overexpression on lifespan are accompanied by the transcription activation of genes for the components of JAK/STAT pathway.

Artificial intelligence for aging and longevity research: Recent advances and perspectives

The applications of modern artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms within the field of aging research offer tremendous opportunities. Aging is an almost universal unifying feature possessed by all living organisms, tissues, and cells. Modern deep learning techniques used to develop age predictors offer new possibilities for formerly incompatible dynamic and static data types. AI biomarkers of aging enable a holistic view of biological processes and allow for novel methods for building causal models-extracting the most important features and identifying biological targets and mechanisms. Recent developments in generative adversarial networks (GANs) and reinforcement learning (RL) permit the generation of diverse synthetic molecular and patient data, identification of novel biological targets, and generation of novel molecular compounds with desired properties and geroprotectors. These novel techniques can be combined into a unified, seamless end-to-end biomarker development, target identification, drug discovery and real world evidence pipeline that may help accelerate and improve pharmaceutical research and development practices. Modern AI is therefore expected to contribute to the credibility and prominence of longevity biotechnology in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, and to the convergence of countless areas of research.

Circadian clock genes' overexpression in Drosophila alters diet impact on lifespan

Diet restriction is one of the most accurately confirmed interventions which extend lifespan. Genes coding circadian core clock elements are known to be the key controllers of cell metabolism especially in aging aspect. The molecular mechanisms standing behind the phenomenon of diet-restriction-mediated life extension are connected to circadian clock either. Here we investigate the effects of protein-rich and low-protein diets on lifespan observed in fruit flies overexpressing core clock genes (cry, per, Clk, cyc and tim). The majority of core clock genes being upregulated in peripheral tissues (muscles and fat body) on protein-rich diet significantly decrease the lifespan of male fruit flies from 5 to 61%. Nevertheless, positive increments of median lifespan were observed in both sexes, males overexpressing cry in fat body lived 20% longer on poor diet. Overexpression of per also on poor medium resulted in life extension in female fruit flies. Diet restriction reduces mortality caused by overexpression of core clock genes. Cox-regression model revealed that diet restriction seriously decreases mortality risks of flies which overexpress core clock genes. The hazard ratios are lower for flies overexpressing clock genes in fat body relatively to muscle-specific overexpression. The present work suggests a phenomenological view of how two peripheral circadian oscillators modify effects of rich and poor diets on lifespan and hazard ratios.

Neuron-specific overexpression of core clock genes improves stress-resistance and extends lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster

Gene expression is much altered in aging. We observed age-dependent decline of core clock genes' expression in the whole body of the fruit fly. We hypothesized that inducible overexpression of clock genes (cry, per, tim, cyc and Clk) in the nervous system can improve healthspan of D. melanogaster. We studied the lifespan of transgenic Drosophila and showed life extension for cry, per, cyc and tim genes. It was also the significant positive changes in the stress-resistance of flies overexpressing core clock genes in conditions of hyperthermia, hyperoxia, starvation and persistent lighting. The overexpression of per and cry restore circadian rhythms of locomotor activity. The results presented support the hypotheses that the compensation of circadian oscillator genes expression can improve the healthspan in Drosophila melanogaster.

Vive la radiorésistance!: converging research in radiobiology and biogerontology to enhance human radioresistance for deep space exploration and colonization

While many efforts have been made to pave the way toward human space colonization, little consideration has been given to the methods of protecting spacefarers against harsh cosmic and local radioactive environments and the high costs associated with protection from the deleterious physiological effects of exposure to high-Linear energy transfer (high-LET) radiation. Herein, we lay the foundations of a roadmap toward enhancing human radioresistance for the purposes of deep space colonization and exploration. We outline future research directions toward the goal of enhancing human radioresistance, including upregulation of endogenous repair and radioprotective mechanisms, possible leeways into gene therapy in order to enhance radioresistance via the translation of exogenous and engineered DNA repair and radioprotective mechanisms, the substitution of organic molecules with fortified isoforms, and methods of slowing metabolic activity while preserving cognitive function. We conclude by presenting the known associations between radioresistance and longevity, and articulating the position that enhancing human radioresistance is likely to extend the healthspan of human spacefarers as well.

Transcriptome analysis reveals mechanisms of geroprotective effects of fucoxanthin in Drosophila

Background

We have previously showed that the carotenoid fucoxanthin can increase the lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. However, the molecular mechanisms of the geroprotective effect of fucoxanthin have not been studied so far.

Results

Here, we studied the effects of fucoxanthin on the Drosophila aging process at the molecular and the whole organism levels. At the organismal level, fucoxanthin increased the median lifespan and had a positive effect on fecundity, fertility, intestinal barrier function, and nighttime sleep. Transcriptome analysis revealed 57 differentially expressed genes involved in 17 KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways. Among the most represented molecular pathways induced by fucoxanthin, a significant portion is related to longevity, including MAPK, mTOR, Wnt, Notch, and Hippo signaling pathways, autophagy, translation, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis, immune response, neurogenesis, sleep, and response to DNA damage.

Conclusions

Life-extending effects of fucoxanthin are associated with differential expression of longevity-associated genes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4471-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.