scholarly journals Melatonin/Nrf2/NLRP3 Connection in Mouse Heart Mitochondria during Aging

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1187
Author(s):  
Marisol Fernández-Ortiz ◽  
Ramy K. A. Sayed ◽  
José Fernández-Martínez ◽  
Antonia Cionfrini ◽  
Paula Aranda-Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
Antioxidant Response ◽  
Mouse Heart ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Melatonin Treatment ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamic ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

Aging is a major risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Age-related disorders include oxidative stress, mitochondria dysfunction, and exacerbation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 innate immune response pathways. Some of the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, however, remain unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a role in cardiac aging and melatonin is able to counteract its effects. With the aim of investigating the impact of NLRP3 inflammasome and the actions and target of melatonin in aged myocardium, we analyzed the expression of proteins implied in mitochondria dynamics, autophagy, apoptosis, Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response and mitochondria ultrastructure in heart of wild-type and NLRP3-knockout mice of 3, 12, and 24 months-old, with and without melatonin treatment. Our results showed that the absence of NLRP3 prevented age-related mitochondrial dynamic alterations in cardiac muscle with minimal effects in cardiac autophagy during aging. The deficiency of the inflammasome affected Bax/Bcl2 ratio, but not p53 or caspase 9. The Nrf2-antioxidant pathway was also unaffected by the absence of NLRP3. Furthermore, NLRP3-deficiency prevented the drop in autophagy and mice showed less mitochondrial damage than wild-type animals. Interestingly, melatonin treatment recovered mitochondrial dynamics altered by aging and had few effects on cardiac autophagy. Melatonin supplementation also had an anti-apoptotic action in addition to restoring Nrf2-antioxidant capacity and improving mitochondria ultrastructure altered by aging.

scholarly journals Slc6a3-dependent expression of a CAPS-associated Nlrp3 allele results in progressive behavioral abnormalities and neuroinflammation in aging mice 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine M von Herrmann ◽  
Faith L Anderson ◽  
Eileen M Martinez ◽  
Alison L Young ◽  
Matthew C Havrda
Keyword(s):  
Motor Function ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Dopaminergic Neuron ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Activating Mutations ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Neurologic Disorders ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Inflammasome Activity

Abstract Background : An association between neuroinflammation and age-related neurologic disorders has been established but the molecular mechanisms and cell types involved have not been thoroughly characterized. Activity of the proinflammatory NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and our recent studies in patients suggest that dopaminergic neurons within the degenerating mesencephalon express NLRP3 throughout the progression of PD. Here, we directly test the impact of enhanced inflammasome activity in mesencephalic neurons by characterizing motor function, tissue integrity, and neuroinflammation in aging mice harboring hyper-activating mutations within the endogenous murine Nlrp3 locus, enabled only in cells expressing the dopaminergic neuron specific Slc6a3 promoter. Methods: We compared mice harboring inducible alleles encoding the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome activating mutations Nlrp3A350V and Nlrp3L351P inserted into the endogenous mouse Nlrp3 locus. Tissue specific expression was driven by breeding these animals with mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the dopaminergic neuron specific Slc6a3 promoter. The experimental mice, designed to express hyperactive NLRP3 only when the endogenous mouse Nlrp3 promotor is active in dopaminergic neurons, were analyzed throughout 18 months of aging using longitudinal motor function assessments. Biochemical and histologic analyses of mesencephalic tissues were conducted in 1- and 18-month old animals.Results : We observed progressive and significant deficits in motor function in animals expressing Nlrp3L351P, compared with animals expressing Nlrp3WT and Nlrp3A350V. Age-dependent neuroinflammatory changes in the mesencephalon were noted in all animals. Analysis of GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes in the substantia nigra revealed a significant increase in astrocyte number in animals expressing Nlrp3L351P compared with Nlrp3WT and Nlrp3A350V. Further analysis of Nlrp3L351P striatal tissues indicated genotype specific gliosis, elevated Il1b expression, and both morphologic and gene expression indicators of proinflammatory A1 astrocytes.Conclusions : Dopaminergic neurons have the potential to accumulate NLRP3 inflammasome activators with age, including reactive oxygen species, dopamine metabolites, and misfolded proteins. Results indicate the Nlrp3 locus is active in dopaminergic neurons in aging mice, and that the hyperactive Nlrp3L351P allele can drive neuroinflammatory changes in association with progressive behavioral deficits. Findings suggest neuronal NLRP3 inflammasome activity may contribute to neuroinflammation observed during normal aging and the progression of neurologic disorders.

scholarly journals Slc6a3-dependent expression of a CAPS-associated Nlrp3 allele results in progressive behavioral abnormalities and neuroinflammation in aging mice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine M von Herrmann ◽  
Faith L Anderson ◽  
Eileen M Martinez ◽  
Alison L Young ◽  
Matthew C Havrda
Keyword(s):  
Motor Function ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Dopamine Neuron ◽  
Activating Mutations ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Neurologic Disorders ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Inflammasome Activity

Abstract Background An association between neuroinflammation and age-related neurologic disorders has been established but the molecular mechanisms and cell types involved have not been thoroughly characterized. Activity of the proinflammatory NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and our recent studies in patients suggest that dopaminergic neurons within the degenerating mesencephalon express NLRP3 throughout the progression of PD. Here, we directly test the impact of enhanced inflammasome activity in mesencephalic neurons by characterizing motor function, tissue integrity, and neuroinflammation in aging mice harboring hyper-activating mutations within the endogenous murine Nlrp3 locus, enabled only in cells expressing the dopamine neuron specific Slc6a3 promoter. Methods We compared mice harboring inducible alleles encoding the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome activating mutations Nlrp3A350V and Nlrp3L351P inserted into the endogenous mouse Nlrp3 locus. Tissue specific expression was driven by breeding these animals with mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the dopamine neuron specific Slc6a3 promoter. The experimental mice, designed to express hyperactive NLRP3 only when the endogenous mouse Nlrp3 promotor is active in dopaminergic neurons, were analyzed throughout 18 months of aging using longitudinal motor function assessments. Biochemical and histologic analyses of mesencephalic tissues were conducted in 1- and 18-month old animals. Results We observed progressive and significant deficits in motor function in animals expressing Nlrp3L351P, compared with animals expressing Nlrp3WT and Nlrp3A350V. Age-dependent neuroinflammatory changes in the mesencephalon were noted in all animals. Analysis of GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes in the substantia nigra revealed a significant increase in astrocyte number in animals expressing Nlrp3L351P compared with Nlrp3WT and Nlrp3A350V. Further analysis of Nlrp3L351P striatal tissues indicated genotype specific gliosis, elevated Il1b expression, and both morphologic and gene expression indicators of proinflammatory A1 astrocytes. Conclusions Dopaminergic neurons have the potential to accumulate NLRP3 inflammasome activators with age, including reactive oxygen species, dopamine metabolites, and misfolded proteins. Results indicate the Nlrp3 locus is active in dopaminergic neurons in aging mice, and that the hyperactive Nlrp3L351P allele can drive neuroinflammatory changes in association with progressive behavioral deficits. Findings suggest neuronal NLRP3 inflammasome activity may contribute to neuroinflammation observed during normal aging and the progression of neurologic disorders.

The Role of Vascular Aging in Atherosclerotic Plaque Development and Vulnerability

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (29) ◽  
pp. 3098-3111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Liberale ◽  
Giovanni G. Camici
Keyword(s):  
Atherosclerotic Plaque ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Plaque Burden ◽  
Vascular Aging ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Plaque Development ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Background: The ongoing demographical shift is leading to an unprecedented aging of the population. As a consequence, the prevalence of age-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications is set to increase in the near future. Endothelial dysfunction and vascular stiffening characterize arterial aging and set the stage for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerotic plaques evolve over time, the extent to which these changes might affect their stability and predispose to sudden complications remains to be determined. Recent advances in imaging technology will allow for longitudinal prospective studies following the progression of plaque burden aimed at better characterizing changes over time associated with plaque stability or rupture. Oxidative stress and inflammation, firmly established driving forces of age-related CV dysfunction, also play an important role in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and rupture. Several genes involved in lifespan determination are known regulator of redox cellular balance and pre-clinical evidence underlines their pathophysiological roles in age-related cardiovascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Objective: The aim of this narrative review is to examine the impact of aging on arterial function and atherosclerotic plaque development. Furthermore, we report how molecular mechanisms of vascular aging might regulate age-related plaque modifications and how this may help to identify novel therapeutic targets to attenuate the increased risk of CV disease in elderly people.

scholarly journals Progesterone Attenuates Stress-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Enhances Autophagy Following Ischemic Brain Injury

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Espinosa-Garcia ◽  
Fahim Atif ◽  
Seema Yousuf ◽  
Iqbal Sayeed ◽  
Gretchen N. Neigh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Global Ischemia ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Ischemic Brain Injury ◽  
Primary Microglia ◽  
Ischemic Brain ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation ◽  
The Impact

NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome inhibition and autophagy induction attenuate inflammation and improve outcome in rodent models of cerebral ischemia. However, the impact of chronic stress on NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagic response to ischemia remains unknown. Progesterone (PROG), a neuroprotective steroid, shows promise in reducing excessive inflammation associated with poor outcome in ischemic brain injury patients with comorbid conditions, including elevated stress. Stress primes microglia, mainly by the release of alarmins such as high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1). HMGB1 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, resulting in pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β production. In experiment 1, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to social defeat stress for 8 days and then subjected to global ischemia by the 4-vessel occlusion model, a clinically relevant brain injury associated with cardiac arrest. PROG was administered 2 and 6 h after occlusion and then daily for 7 days. Animals were killed at 7 or 14 days post-ischemia. Here, we show that stress and global ischemia exert a synergistic effect in HMGB1 release, resulting in exacerbation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and autophagy impairment in the hippocampus of ischemic animals. In experiment 2, an in vitro inflammasome assay, primary microglia isolated from neonatal brain tissue, were primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and stimulated with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), displaying impaired autophagy and increased IL-1β production. In experiment 3, hippocampal microglia isolated from stressed and unstressed animals, were stimulated ex vivo with LPS, exhibiting similar changes than primary microglia. Treatment with PROG reduced HMGB1 release and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and enhanced autophagy in stressed and unstressed ischemic animals. Pre-treatment with an autophagy inhibitor blocked Progesterone’s (PROG’s) beneficial effects in microglia. Our data suggest that modulation of microglial priming is one of the molecular mechanisms by which PROG ameliorates ischemic brain injury under stressful conditions.

scholarly journals Polyphenol Stilbenes: Molecular Mechanisms of Defence against Oxidative Stress and Aging-Related Diseases

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mika Reinisalo ◽  
Anna Kårlund ◽  
Ali Koskela ◽  
Kai Kaarniranta ◽  
Reijo O. Karjalainen
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cellular Defence ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Stilbene Compounds

Numerous studies have highlighted the key roles of oxidative stress and inflammation in aging-related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In aging cells, the natural antioxidant capacity decreases and the overall efficiency of reparative systems against cell damage becomes impaired. There is convincing data that stilbene compounds, a diverse group of natural defence phenolics, abundant in grapes, berries, and conifer bark waste, may confer a protective effect against aging-related diseases. This review highlights recent data helping to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in the stilbene-mediated protection against oxidative stress. The impact of stilbenes on the nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) mediated cellular defence against oxidative stress as well as the potential roles of SQSTM1/p62 protein in Nrf2/Keap1 signaling and autophagy will be summarized. The therapeutic potential of stilbene compounds against the most common aging-related diseases is discussed.

scholarly journals Genome-wide transcript and protein analysis reveals distinct features of aging in the mouse heart

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabela Gerdes Gyuricza ◽  
Joel M. Chick ◽  
Gregory R. Keele ◽  
Andrew G. Deighan ◽  
Steven C. Munger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Protein Quality ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Genetic Regulation ◽  
Natural Aging ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response ◽  
Mouse Heart ◽  
Matrix Remodeling ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Outbred Mice

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related changes in the heart is challenging due to the contributions from numerous genetic and environmental factors. Genetically diverse outbred mice provide a model to study the genetic regulation of aging processes in healthy tissues from individuals undergoing natural aging in a controlled environment. We analyzed transcriptome and proteome data from outbred mice at 6, 12 and 18 months of age to reveal a scenario of cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and reemergence of fetal gene expression patterns. We observed widespread changes in protein trafficking and sorting, and post-translational disruption of the stoichiometry of the protein quality control system itself. We identified genome hotspots of age-by-genetic effects that regulate proteins from the proteasome and endoplasmic reticulum stress response, suggesting that genetic variation in these modules may contribute to individual variation in the aging heart.

scholarly journals The Impact of Melatonin Supplementation and NLRP3 Inflammasome Deletion on Age-Accompanied Cardiac Damage

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1269
Author(s):  
Ramy K. A. Sayed ◽  
Marisol Fernández-Ortiz ◽  
Ibtissem Rahim ◽  
José Fernández-Martínez ◽  
Paula Aranda-Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Myocytes ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Multivesicular Bodies ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Cardiac Damage ◽  
Cardiac Aging ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cardiac Muscles ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Age Related Changes

To investigate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiac aging, we evaluate here morphological and ultrastructural age-related changes of cardiac muscles fibers in wild-type and NLRP3-knockout mice, as well as studying the beneficial effect of melatonin therapy. The results clarified the beginning of the cardiac sarcopenia at the age of 12 months, with hypertrophy of cardiac myocytes, increased expression of β-MHC, appearance of small necrotic fibers, decline of cadiomyocyte number, destruction of mitochondrial cristae, appearance of small-sized residual bodies, and increased apoptotic nuclei ratio. These changes were progressed in the cardiac myocytes of 24 old mice, accompanied by excessive collagen deposition, higher expressions of IL-1α, IL-6, and TNFα, complete mitochondrial vacuolation and damage, myofibrils disorganization, multivesicular bodies formation, and nuclear fragmentation. Interestingly, cardiac myocytes of NLRP3−/− mice showed less detectable age-related changes compared with WT mice. Oral melatonin therapy preserved the normal cardiomyocytes structure, restored cardiomyocytes number, and reduced β-MHC expression of cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, melatonin recovered mitochondrial architecture, reduced apoptosis and multivesicular bodies’ formation, and decreased expressions of β-MHC, IL-1α, and IL-6. Fewer cardiac sarcopenic changes and highly remarkable protective effects of melatonin treatment detected in aged cardiomyocytes of NLRP3−/− mice compared with aged WT animals, confirming implication of the NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiac aging. Thus, NLRP3 suppression and melatonin therapy may be therapeutic approaches for age-related cardiac sarcopenia.

Aging impairs neurogenic contraction in guinea pig urinary bladder: role of oxidative stress and melatonin

2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (2) ◽  
pp. R793-R803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro J. Gómez-Pinilla ◽  
Maria J. Pozo ◽  
Pedro J. Camello
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Urinary Bladder ◽  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Electrical Field Stimulation ◽  
Neuromuscular Function ◽  
Melatonin Treatment ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Afferent Fibers ◽  
Bladder Disorders ◽  
The Impact

The incidence of urinary bladder disturbances increases with age, and free radical accumulation has been proposed as a causal factor. Here we investigated the association between changes in bladder neuromuscular function and oxidative stress in aging and the possible benefits of melatonin treatment. Neuromuscular function was assessed by electrical field stimulation (EFS) of isolated guinea pig detrusor strips from adult and aged female guinea pigs. A group of adult and aged animals were treated with 2.5 mg·kg−1·day−1 melatonin for 28 days. Neurotransmitter blockers were used to dissect pharmacologically the EFS-elicited contractile response. EFS induced a neurogenic and frequency-dependent contraction that was impaired by aging. This impairment is in part related to a decrease in detrusor myogenic contractility. Age also decreased the sensitivity of the contraction to pharmacological blockade of purinergic and sensitive fibers but increased the effect of blockade of nitrergic and adrenergic nerves. The density of cholinergic and nitrergic nerves remained unaltered, but aging modified afferent fibers. These changes were associated with an increased level of markers for oxidative stress. Melatonin treatment normalized oxidative levels and counteracted the aging-associated changes in bladder neuromuscular function. In conclusion, these results show that aging modifies neurogenic contraction and the functional profile of the urinary bladder plexus and simultaneously increases the oxidative damage to the organ. Melatonin reduces oxidative stress and improves the age-induced changes in bladder neuromuscular function, which could be of importance in reducing the impact of age-related bladder disorders.

scholarly journals Targeting Mitochondrial Network Architecture in Down Syndrome and Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nunzia Mollo ◽  
Rita Cicatiello ◽  
Miriam Aurilia ◽  
Roberta Scognamiglio ◽  
Rita Genesio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Network Architecture ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Mitochondrial Network ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Underlying Causes

Mitochondria are organelles that mainly control energy conversion in the cell. In addition, they also participate in many relevant activities, such as the regulation of apoptosis and calcium levels, and other metabolic tasks, all closely linked to cell viability. Functionality of mitochondria appears to depend upon their network architecture that may dynamically pass from an interconnected structure with long tubular units, to a fragmented one with short separate fragments. A decline in mitochondrial quality, which presents itself as an altered structural organization and a function of mitochondria, has been observed in Down syndrome (DS), as well as in aging and in age-related pathologies. This review provides a basic overview of mitochondrial dynamics, from fission/fusion mechanisms to mitochondrial homeostasis. Molecular mechanisms determining the disruption of the mitochondrial phenotype in DS and aging are discussed. The impaired activity of the transcriptional co-activator PGC-1α/PPARGC1A and the hyperactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase are emerging as molecular underlying causes of these mitochondrial alterations. It is, therefore, likely that either stimulating the PGC-1α activity or inhibiting mTOR signaling could reverse mitochondrial dysfunction. Evidence is summarized suggesting that drugs targeting either these pathways or other factors affecting the mitochondrial network may represent therapeutic approaches to improve and/or prevent the effects of altered mitochondrial function. Overall, from all these studies it emerges that the implementation of such strategies may exert protective effects in DS and age-related diseases.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Beneficial Effects of Exercise on Brain Function and Neurological Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 4052
Author(s):  
Kévin Nay ◽  
William J. Smiles ◽  
Jacqueline Kaiser ◽  
Luke M. McAloon ◽  
Kim Loh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Impact

As life expectancy has increased, particularly in developed countries, due to medical advances and increased prosperity, age-related neurological diseases and mental health disorders have become more prevalent health issues, reducing the well-being and quality of life of sufferers and their families. In recent decades, due to reduced work-related levels of physical activity, and key research insights, prescribing adequate exercise has become an innovative strategy to prevent or delay the onset of these pathologies and has been demonstrated to have therapeutic benefits when used as a sole or combination treatment. Recent evidence suggests that the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain are related to several underlying mechanisms related to muscle–brain, liver–brain and gut–brain crosstalk. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the most relevant current knowledge of the impact of exercise on mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, and to highlight the established and potential underlying mechanisms involved in exercise–brain communication and their benefits for physiology and brain function.

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