Biogerontology
-
In the original publication of the article, Fig. 2 was published incorrectly. The corrected Figure is given below. The original article has been corrected.
-
The phytochemical epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been reported to alleviate age-associated immune disorders and organ dysfunction. However, information regarding the mechanistic role of EGCG in the suppression of cellular senescence is limited. The present study thus assessed the effects and underlying mechanisms of EGCG in the inhibition of senescence as well as its potential to selectively eliminate senescent cells (senolytics) using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. ⋯ Presence of EGCG (50 and 100 μM) showed significant downregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and AMPK signaling along with the suppression of ROS, iNOS, Cox-2, NF-κB, SASP and p53 mediated cell cycle inhibition in preadipocytes. In addition, EGCG treatment also suppressed the accumulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in senescent cells thereby promoting apoptosis mediated cell death. Our results collectively show that EGCG acts as an mTOR inhibitor, SASP modulator as well as a potential senolytic agent thereby indicating its multi-faceted attributes that could be useful for developing anti-aging or age-delaying therapies.
-
Drosophila research has identified a new feature of aging that has been called the death spiral. The death spiral is a period prior to death during which there is a decline in life-history characters, such as fecundity, as well as physiological characters. ⋯ Second, we re-analyze five cases with such data from four laboratories using a generalized statistical framework, a re-analysis that strengthens the case for the salience of the death spiral phenomenon. Third, we raise the issue whether death spirals need to be taken into account in the analysis of functional characters over age, in aging research with model species as well as human data.
-
Review
Growing older with health and vitality: a nexus of physical activity, exercise and nutrition.
The preservation of skeletal muscle mass and strength with advancing age are, we propose, critical aspects of ageing with health and vitality. Physical inactivity and poor nutrition are known to accelerate the gradual age-related decline in muscle mass and strength-sarcopenia-however, both are subject to modification. The main purpose of this review is to present the latest, evidence-based recommendations for physical activity and exercise, as well as diet for older adults that would help in preserving muscle mass and strength. ⋯ On this basis, assuming three meals are consumed daily, a protein dose of 0.4-0.5 g/kg BM should be contained in each meal. We are beginning to understand ways in which to increase the utilization of ingested protein for the stimulation of MPS, namely by increasing the proportion of leucine contained in a given dose of protein, co-ingesting other nutrients (e.g., carbohydrate and fat or supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) or being physically active prior to protein intake. Clearly, developing simple lifestyle interventions targeted at preserving muscle mass and strength with advancing age is crucial for facilitating longer, healthier lives into older age.
-
Many subunit vaccines require adjuvants to improve their limited immunogenicity. Various adjuvant candidates targeting toll-like receptors (TLRs) are currently under development including the synthetic TLR4 agonist glucopyranosyl lipid A (GLA). GLA has been investigated in the context of influenza vaccine, which is of particular importance for the elderly population. ⋯ Production of IL-12 can also be observed in these cultures. There are no age-related differences in the capacity of GLA to induce expression of co-stimulatory molecules or production of cytokines by human antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, TLR4 agonists like GLA are particularly promising candidates as adjuvants of vaccines designed for elderly individuals.