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 PGC-1α regulates mitochondrial properties beyond biogenesis with aging and exercise training

2019 ◽  
Vol 317 (3) ◽  
pp. E513-E525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Frey Halling ◽  
Henrik Jessen ◽  
Jacob Nøhr-Meldgaard ◽  
Bjørg Thiellesen Buch ◽  
Natascha Masselkhi Christensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Training ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Adenine Nucleotide ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mitochondrial Network ◽  
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Respiratory Capacity ◽  
Age Related

Impaired mitochondrial function has been implicated in the pathogenesis of age-associated metabolic diseases through regulation of cellular redox balance. Exercise training is known to promote mitochondrial biogenesis in part through induction of the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). Recently, mitochondrial ADP sensitivity has been linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS) emission with potential impact on age-associated physiological outcomes, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of aging and exercise training on mitochondrial properties beyond biogenesis, including respiratory capacity, ADP sensitivity, ROS emission, and mitochondrial network structure, in myofibers from inducible muscle-specific PGC-1α-knockout mice and control mice. Aged mice displayed lower running endurance and mitochondrial respiratory capacity than young mice. This was associated with intermyofibrillar mitochondrial network fragmentation, diminished submaximal ADP-stimulated respiration, increased mitochondrial ROS emission, and oxidative stress. Exercise training reversed the decline in maximal respiratory capacity independent of PGC-1α, whereas exercise training rescued the age-related mitochondrial network fragmentation and the impaired submaximal ADP-stimulated respiration in a PGC-1α-dependent manner. Furthermore, lack of PGC-1α was associated with altered phosphorylation and carbonylation of the inner mitochondrial membrane ADP/ATP exchanger adenine nucleotide translocase 1. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that PGC-1α regulates submaximal ADP-stimulated respiration, ROS emission, and mitochondrial network structure in mouse skeletal muscle during aging and exercise training.

scholarly journals Anthocyanins Promote Learning through Modulation of Synaptic Plasticity Related Proteins in an Animal Model of Ageing

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1235
Author(s):  
David Vauzour ◽  
Catarina Rendeiro ◽  
Alfonsina D’Amato ◽  
Pierre Waffo-Téguo ◽  
Tristan Richard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Test Performance ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Immunoblot Analysis ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Age Related

Anthocyanin-rich foods, such as berries, reportedly ameliorate age-related cognitive deficits in both animals and humans. Despite this, investigation into the mechanisms which underpin anthocyanin-mediated learning and memory benefits remains relatively limited. The present study investigates the effects of anthocyanin intake on a spatial working memory paradigm, assessed via the cross-maze apparatus, and relates behavioural test performance to underlying molecular mechanisms. Six-week supplementation with pure anthocyanins (2% w/w), administered throughout the learning phase of the task, improved both spatial and psychomotor performances in aged rats. Behavioural outputs were accompanied by changes in the expression profile of key proteins integral to synaptic function/maintenance, with upregulation of dystrophin, protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) and tyrosine hydroxylase, and downregulation of apoptotic proteins B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xL) and the phosphorylated rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (p-Raf). Separate immunoblot analysis supported these observations, indicating increased activation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1), Akt Ser473, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) Ser2448, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc/Arg 3.1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in response to anthocyanin treatment, whilst α-E-catenin, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1) and p38 protein levels decreased. Together, these findings suggest that purified anthocyanin consumption enhances spatial learning and motor coordination in aged animals and can be attributed to the modulation of key synaptic proteins, which support integrity and maintenance of synaptic function.

scholarly journals mTOR and Aging: An Old Fashioned Dress

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 2774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Stallone ◽  
Barbara Infante ◽  
Concetta Prisciandaro ◽  
Giuseppe Grandaliano
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Nutrient Sensing ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Signalling Network ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Mtor Signalling

Aging is a physiologic/pathologic process characterized by a progressive impairment of cellular functions, supported by the alterations of several molecular pathways, leading to an increased cell susceptibility to injury. This deterioration is the primary risk factor for several major human pathologies. Numerous cellular processes, including genomic instability, telomere erosion, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient-sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular signal transduction represent common denominators of aging in different organisms. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily conserved nutrient sensing protein kinase that regulates growth and metabolism in all eukaryotic cells. Studies in flies, worms, yeast, and mice support the hypothesis that the mTOR signalling network plays a pivotal role in modulating aging. mTOR is emerging as the most robust mediator of the protective effects of various forms of dietary restriction, which has been shown to extend lifespan and slow the onset of age-related diseases across species. Herein we discuss the role of mTor signalling network in the development of classic age-related diseases, focused on cardiovascular system, immune response, and cancer.

scholarly journals Key Signaling Pathways in Aging and Potential Interventions for Healthy Aging

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 660
Author(s):  
Mengdi Yu ◽  
Hongxia Zhang ◽  
Brian Wang ◽  
Yinuo Zhang ◽  
Xiaoying Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Sirtuin 1 ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Biological Aging ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Age Related ◽  
General Decline

Aging is a fundamental biological process accompanied by a general decline in tissue function. Indeed, as the lifespan increases, age-related dysfunction, such as cognitive impairment or dementia, will become a growing public health issue. Aging is also a great risk factor for many age-related diseases. Nowadays, people want not only to live longer but also healthier. Therefore, there is a critical need in understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating aging that will allow us to modify the aging process for healthy aging and alleviate age-related disease. Here, we reviewed the recent breakthroughs in the mechanistic understanding of biological aging, focusing on the adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (AMPK), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, which are currently considered critical for aging. We also discussed how these proteins and pathways may potentially interact with each other to regulate aging. We further described how the knowledge of these pathways may lead to new interventions for antiaging and against age-related disease.

scholarly journals Wine Polyphenols and Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Update on the Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning Their Protective Effects

Beverages ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Silva ◽  
David Vauzour
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Wine Consumption ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Parkinson’S Diseases

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are the most common age-related and predominantly idiopathic neurodegenerative disorders of unknown pathogenesis. Although there are both clinical and neuropathological features of these diseases that are different, they also share some common aetiologies, such as protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Epidemiological, in vitro and in vivo evidences suggest an inverse correlation between wine consumption and the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders. Wine benefits are, in large part, attributable to the intake of specific polyphenols, which mediate cell function under both normal and pathological conditions. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the role that wine consumption plays in delaying neurodegenerative disorders. We discuss animal and in vitro studies in support of these actions and we consider how their biological mechanisms at the cellular level may underpin their physiological effects. Together, these data indicate that polyphenols present in wine may hold neuroprotective potential in delaying the onset of neurodegenerative disorders.

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 Impact of COVID-19 on Mitochondrial-Based Immunity in Aging and Age-Related Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riya Ganji ◽  
P. Hemachandra Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Immune Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cell Immunity

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a deadly pandemic with surging mortality rates and no cure. COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with a range of clinical symptoms, including cough, fever, chills, headache, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, and a loss of smell or taste. Aged individuals with compromised immunity are highly susceptible to COVID-19 and the likelihood of mortality increases with age and the presence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Emerging evidence suggests that COVID-19 highjacks mitochondria of immune cells, replicates within mitochondrial structures, and impairs mitochondrial dynamics leading to cell death. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell and are largely involved in maintaining cell immunity, homeostasis, and cell survival/death. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondria from COVID-19 infected cells are highly vulnerable, and vulnerability increases with age. The purpose of our article is to summarize the role of various age-related comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, and neurological diseases in increasing mortality rates amongst the elderly with COVID-19. Our article also highlights the interaction between coronavirus and mitochondrial dynamics in immune cells. We also highlight the current treatments, lifestyles, and safety measures that can help protect against COVID-19. Further research is urgently needed to understand the molecular mechanisms between the mitochondrial virus and disease progression in COVID-19 patients.

NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibition by MCC950 in Aged Mice Improves Health via Enhanced Autophagy and PPARα Activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1457-1464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiola Marín-Aguilar ◽  
Beatriz Castejón-Vega ◽  
Elísabet Alcocer-Gómez ◽  
Debora Lendines-Cordero ◽  
Matthew A Cooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Aged Mice ◽  
Age Related

Abstract The NLRP3 inflammasome has emerged as an important regulator of metabolic disorders and age-related diseases in NLRP3-deficient mice. In this article, we determine whether, in old mice C57BL6J, the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 is able to attenuate age-related metabolic syndrome to providing health benefits. We report that MCC950 attenuates metabolic and hepatic dysfunction in aged mice. In addition, MCC950 inhibited the Pi3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, enhanced autophagy, and activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α in vivo and in vitro. The data suggest that MCC950 mediates the protective effects by the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition, thus activating autophagy and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α. In conclusion, pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 in aged mice has a significant impact on health. Thus, NLRP3 may be a therapeutic target of human age-related metabolic syndrome.

Protective effects of soy-isoflavones in cardiovascular disease

2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (01/02) ◽  
pp. 85-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Fuchs ◽  
H. Daniel ◽  
U. Wenzel
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Oxidized Ldl ◽  
Proteome Analysis ◽  
Soy Isoflavones ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Estrogen Production

SummaryEpidemiological studies indicate that the consumption of soy-containing food may prevent or slow-down the development of cardiovascular disease. In endothelial cells application of a soy extract or a combination of the most abundant soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein both inhibited apoptosis, a driving force in atherosclerosis development, when applied in combination with oxidized LDL or homocysteine. Proteome analysis revealed that the stressorinduced alteration of protein expression profile was reversed by the soy extract or the genistein/daidzein mixture. Only few protein entities that could be functionally linked to mitochondrial dysfunction were regulated in common by both application forms of isoflavones. A dietary intervention with isoflavone-enriched soy extract in postmenopausal women, who generally show strongly increased cardiovascular risk due to diminished estrogen production, led to significant alterations in the steady state levels of proteins from mononuclear blood cells. The proteins identified by proteome analysis revealed that soy isoflavones may increase the anti-inflammatory response in blood mononuclear cells thereby contributing to the atherosclerosispreventive activities of a soy-rich diet. Conclusion: By proteome analysis protein targets were identified in vitro in endothelial cells that respond to soy isoflavones and that may decipher molecular mechanisms through which soy products exert their protective effects in the vasculature.

The Impact of Ultraviolet Radiation on Barrier Function in Human Skin: Molecular Mechanisms and Topical Therapeutics

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (40) ◽  
pp. 5503-5511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Alhasaniah ◽  
Michael J. Sherratt ◽  
Catherine A. O'Neill
Keyword(s):  
Ultraviolet Radiation ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transepidermal Water Loss ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Barrier Dysfunction ◽  
Epidermal Barrier ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
The Impact

A competent epidermal barrier is crucial for terrestrial mammals. This barrier must keep in water and prevent entry of noxious stimuli. Most importantly, the epidermis must also be a barrier to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sunlight. Currently, the effects of ultraviolet radiation on epidermal barrier function are poorly understood. However, studies in mice and more limited work in humans suggest that the epidermal barrier becomes more permeable, as measured by increased transepidermal water loss, in response UVR, at doses sufficiently high to induce erythema. The mechanisms may include disturbance in the organisation of lipids in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) and reduction in tight junction function in the granular layer (the first living layer of the skin). By contrast, suberythemal doses of UVR appear to have positive effects on epidermal barrier function. Topical sunscreens have direct and indirect protective effects on the barrier through their ability to block UV and also due to their moisturising or occlusive effects, which trap water in the skin, respectively. Some topical agents such as specific botanical extracts have been shown to prevent the loss of water associated with high doses of UVR. In this review, we discuss the current literature and suggest that the biology of UVR-induced barrier dysfunction, and the use of topical products to protect the barrier, are areas worthy of further investigation.

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