Feed aggregator

Abstract  Animal cells are protected from oxidative damage by an antioxidant network operating as a coordinated system, with strong synergistic interactions. Lifespan studies with whole animals are expensive and laborious, so there has been little investigation of which antioxidant interactions might be useful for life extension. Animals in the phylum Rotifera are particularly promising models for aging studies because they are small (0.1–1 mm), have short, two-week lifespan, display typical patterns of animal aging, and have well characterized, easy to measure phenotypes of aging and senescence. One class of interventions that has consistently produced significant rotifer life extension is antioxidants. Although the mechanism of antioxidant effects on animal aging remains controversial, the ability of some antioxidant supplements to extend rotifer lifespan was unequivocal. We found that exposing rotifers to certain combinations of antioxidant supplements can produce up to about 20% longer lifespan, but that most antioxidants have no effect. We performed life table tests with 20 single antioxidants and none yielded significant rotifer life extension. We tested 60 two-way combinations of selected antioxidants and only seven (12%) produced significant rotifer life extension. None of the 20 three- and four-way antioxidant combinations tested yielded significant rotifer life extension. These observations suggest that dietary exposure of antioxidants can extend rotifer lifespan, but most antioxidants do not. We observed significant rotifer life extension only when antioxidants were paired with trolox, N-acetyl cysteine, l-carnosine, or EUK-8. This illustrates that antioxidant treatments capable of rotifer life extension are patchily distributed in the parameter space, so large regions must be searched to find them. It furthermore underscores the value of the rotifer model to conduct rapid, facile life table experiments with many treatments, which makes such a search feasible. Although some antioxidants extended rotifer lifespan, they likely did so by another mechanism than direct antioxidation.

• Content Type Journal Article
• Category Research Article
• Pages 1-15
• DOI 10.1007/s10522-012-9371-x
• Authors
  • Terry W. Snell, School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332-0230, USA
  • Allison M. Fields, School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332-0230, USA
  • Rachel K. Johnston, School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332-0230, USA

• Journal Biogerontology
• Online ISSN 1573-6768
• Print ISSN 1389-5729

Abstract  Consequences of age on the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on bone marrow (BM) derived stem cells and progenitors (SCPs) are largely unknown. We treated 2- and 18-month old C57BL/6 female mice by HBO. Hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors, enumerated as colony-forming units in culture, were doubled only in peripheral leukocytes and BM cells of young mice receiving HBO. In old mice colony-forming unit fibroblast numbers, a measure of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from BM, were high but unaffected by HBO. To further explore this finding, in BM-MSCs we quantified the transcripts of adipocyte early-differentiation genes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-β and fatty-acid binding protein 4; these transcripts were not affected by age or HBO. However, osteoblast gene transcripts runt-related transcription factor 2, osterix (OSX) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) were twofold to 20-fold more abundant in MSCs from old control mice relative to those of young control mice. HBO affected expression of osteoblast markers only in old MSCs (OSX gene expression was reduced by twofold and AP expression was increased threefold). Our data demonstrate the impact of aging on the response of BM SCPs to HBO and indicate the potentially different age-related benefit of HBO in wound healing and tissue remodeling.

• Content Type Journal Article
• Category Research Article
• Pages 1-11
• DOI 10.1007/s10522-012-9373-8
• Authors
  • Christian R. Gomez, Stem Cell Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
  • Gaylord J. Knutson, Stem Cell Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
  • Kari B. Clifton, Endocrine Research Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
  • Claire A. Schreiber, Stem Cell Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
  • Stanimir Vuk-Pavlović, Stem Cell Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

• Journal Biogerontology
• Online ISSN 1573-6768
• Print ISSN 1389-5729

Abstract  This paper offers a broad assessment of the hormetic dose response and its relevance to biogerontology. The paper provides detailed background information on the historical foundations of hormesis, its quantitative features, mechanistic foundations, as well as how the hormesis concept could be further applied in the development of new therapeutic advances in the treatment of age-related diseases. The concept of hormesis has direct application to biogerontology not only affecting the quality of the aging process but also experimental attempts to extend longevity.

• Content Type Journal Article
• Category Review Article
• Pages 1-21
• DOI 10.1007/s10522-012-9374-7
• Authors
  • Edward J. Calabrese, Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Morrill I, N344, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
  • Ivo Iavicoli, Istituto di Medicina del Lavoro, Universitá Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
  • Vittorio Calabrese, Department of Chemistry, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 95100 Catania, Italy

• Journal Biogerontology
• Online ISSN 1573-6768
• Print ISSN 1389-5729

Corrected version of last year's (retracted) Science paper.

Abstract  Ageing of kidneys is a clinical health issue of the society. Age-related renal insufficiency has important implications due to impaired redox homeostasis. We examined protein, DNA and lipid oxidation biomarkers as well as protein-bound sialic acid (SA) in the kidney tissues of d-galactose induced ageing rats, naturally aged rats and their corresponding young control group. Intraperitoneal injection of d-galactose (60 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks to young male Sprague–Dawley rats (20-week-old) was used to establish mimetic ageing model. In this study, we investigated the levels of protein carbonyl groups (PCO), various thiol fractions such as total thiol groups (T-SH), protein (P-SH) and non-protein thiol groups (NP-SH), lipid oxidation parameters such as lipid hydroperoxides (LHP) and malondialdehyde (MDA), SA and 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) parameters for comparison of naturally aged, induced aged and young rats. In d-galactose induced aged group, PCO, LHP, MDA, and 8-OHdG concentrations were significantly higher than young control group, whereas T-SH, P-SH levels were significantly lower than the young rats. In addition, NP-SH and SA concentrations were similar between the mimetic ageing and young control groups. In naturally ageing rats, PCO and MDA levels were significantly higher, whereas T-SH, P-SH, NP-SH concentrations were low compared to young controls. On the other hand, SA and 8-OHdG levels were not different between the naturally ageing group and the young control group. Our results demonstrated that the rats in the mimetic ageing group, have significant similarities with the naturally aged rats in terms of impaired redox homeostasis and can be used as a reliable animal model for renal ageing.

• Content Type Journal Article
• Category Research article
• Pages 1-10
• DOI 10.1007/s10522-011-9370-3
• Authors
  • Seval Aydın, Department of Biochemistry, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey
  • Karolin Yanar, Department of Biochemistry, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey
  • Pınar Atukeren, Department of Biochemistry, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey
  • Enis Dalo, Department of Biochemistry, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey
  • Mustafa Erinç Sitar, Department of Biochemistry, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey
  • Ezel Uslu, Department of Biochemistry, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey
  • Nazlı Caf, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey
  • Ufuk Çakatay, Department of Biochemistry, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey

• Journal Biogerontology
• Online ISSN 1573-6768
• Print ISSN 1389-5729

A issue of Experimental Gerontology devoted to Drosophila and its use in ageing research

A new vertebrate model for ageing research?

Abstract  The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of p-chloro-diphenyl diselenide (p-ClPhSe)2 on depressant-like action and cognitive impairment caused by aging in male rats. For this purpose, old rats were orally treated with (p-ClPhSe)2 (10 or 25 mg/kg) for seven days. Then, rats were tested in experimental models of ambulation, memory and depression. In addition, Na+ K+ ATPase activity and reactive species (RS) levels were measured in rat cortex and hippocampus. Our findings demonstrated that treatment of old rats with (p-ClPhSe)2 (10 and 25 mg/kg) reversed spatial memory deficit in the object location test and depressant-like action in the forced swimming test (FST) caused by aging. Reduction in exploratory behavior (rearings) in the open-field test caused by aging was not altered by (p-ClPhSe)2 administration. Moreover, the increase of RS levels and inhibition of Na+ K+ ATPase activity in cortex and hippocampus resulting from aging were restored by the highest dose of (p-ClPhSe)2. To assess the mechanisms involved in the antidepressant-like effect of (p-ClPhSe)2, old rats received WAY100635 (0.1 mg/kg, subcutaneous, a selective 5-HT1AR antagonist), ritanserin (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, a 5-HT2A/2CR antagonist) or ondansetron (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, a 5-HT3R antagonist) 15 min before (p-ClPhSe)2 (25 mg/kg) treatment. After 30 min, the FST was performed. Results showed that in addition to the antioxidant action, the modulation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT3 receptors may be at least partly involved in the antidepressant-like action elicited by (p-ClPhSe)2 in old rats. These findings highlight the beneficial potential of (p-ClPhSe)2 in aged male rats.

• Content Type Journal Article
• Category Research Article
• Pages 1-13
• DOI 10.1007/s10522-011-9369-9
• Authors
  • Cristiani F. Bortolatto, Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica e Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS CEP 97105-900, Brazil
  • Ethel A. Wilhelm, Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica e Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS CEP 97105-900, Brazil
  • Pietro M. Chagas, Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica e Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS CEP 97105-900, Brazil
  • Cristina W. Nogueira, Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica e Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS CEP 97105-900, Brazil

• Journal Biogerontology
• Online ISSN 1573-6768
• Print ISSN 1389-5729

Abstract   Bacopa monnieri (L.), popularly known as Brahmi, is a revered Ayurvedic medicinal plant used as nerve tonic since time immemorial. The present study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of bacosides, the active saponins of Bacopa monnieri (L.) against age associated neurodegeneration and its impact over the prevention of Senile Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type (SDAT). The optimum dose of bacosides with no adverse effect was selected by screening its dose dependant activity on ageing biomarker lipofuscin and SDAT biomarker neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the aged female Wistar rat brain. The selected therapeutic dose of bacosides (200 mg/kg) was orally administered for 3 months in middle aged and aged rats and further investigated for its protective action against age associated alterations in neurotransmission system, behavioral paradigms, hippocampal neuronal loss and oxidative stress markers. The results of the present study suggest that bacosides may act as a potential therapeutic intervention in forestalling the deleterious effects of ageing and preventing the age associated pathologies like SDAT.

• Content Type Journal Article
• Category Research Article
• Pages 1-13
• DOI 10.1007/s10522-011-9367-y
• Authors
  • Manisha Rastogi, Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine (CARISM), SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
  • Rudra P. Ojha, Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine (CARISM), SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
  • P. C. Prabu, Central Animal Facility (CAF), SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
  • B. Parimala Devi, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
  • Aruna Agrawal, Centre for Psychosomatic and Biofeedback Medicine, IMS, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
  • G. P. Dubey, Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, CCRAS, New Delhi, India

• Journal Biogerontology
• Online ISSN 1573-6768
• Print ISSN 1389-5729

Abstract  Telomeres are specialized structures designed to protect the ends of linear chromosomes. They are dynamic structures such that in normal somatic cells they constantly shorten as cell division progresses. There is compelling evidence that telomere shortening leads to cell senescence, a process perceived as the main cause of aging in higher mammals. Therefore, the features of telomere shortening are of great importance in understanding cell senescence and aging in general. By identifying unique subtelomeric regions, large enough to produce strong chemiluminescent signals, we have provided a new tool for Southern blot analysis of individual human Xp/Yp telomeres. We extend these results with quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization using peptide nucleic acid probe (PNA Q-FISH) analysis of telomeres on the Y chromosome. Our results demonstrates unequal shortening dynamics between the p and q telomeres.

• Content Type Journal Article
• Category METHOD
• Pages 1-11
• DOI 10.1007/s10522-011-9368-x
• Authors
  • Milena Ivanković, Laboratory for Molecular and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
  • Andrea Ćukušić Kalajžić, Laboratory for Molecular and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
  • Nikolina Škrobot Vidaček, Laboratory for Molecular and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
  • Ivana Franić Šimić, Cytogenetic Laboratory, Division of Pediatrics, University Hospital Zagreb, Kišpatićeva 12, Zagreb, 10 000 Croatia
  • Sanja Davidović Mrsić, Cytogenetic Laboratory, Division of Pediatrics, University Hospital Zagreb, Kišpatićeva 12, Zagreb, 10 000 Croatia
  • Ivica Rubelj, Laboratory for Molecular and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia

• Journal Biogerontology
• Online ISSN 1573-6768
• Print ISSN 1389-5729

Telomerase is of key importance for telomere maintenance and variants of the genes encoding its major subunits, TERT and TERC, are candidates for inter-individual variation in telomere length. [...] Moreover, the A allele of rs3772190 (TERC) was found to be associated with longevity [...]. No associations with longevity were observed for the TERT SNPs or haplotypes. Our study, thus, indicates that TERC is associated with both LTL and longevity in humans.