Article
Cell Biology
Lindsay E. Wu, Corrine E. Fiveash, Nicholas L. Bentley, Myung-Jin Kang, Hemna Govindaraju, Jayne A. Barbour, Brendan P. Wilkins, Sarah E. Hancock, Romanthi Madawala, Abhijit Das, Hassina Massudi, Catherine Li, Lynn-Jee Kim, Ashley S. A. Wong, Maria B. Marinova, Ghazal Sultani, Abhirup Das, Neil A. Youngson, David G. Le Couteur, David A. Sinclair, Nigel Turner
Summary: The NAD+-dependent deacylase family of sirtuin enzymes, including SIRT2, play important roles in biological aging, late-life health, and overall lifespan. However, the role of SIRT2 has been less clear. Previous studies showed that transgenic overexpression of SIRT2 can improve health and increase lifespan in a progeria model. In this study, the researchers tested whether SIRT2 overexpression would impact the overall health and lifespan of mice on a nonprogeroid, wild-type background. They found that SIRT2 overexpression did not have an additional impact on health or lifespan in these mice. Biochemical studies also revealed changes in brain metabolites in SIRT2 overexpressing mice, but these changes did not translate into functional differences.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiaze Tang, Anji Ju, Boya Li, Shaosen Zhang, Yuanchao Gong, Boyuan Ma, Yi Jiang, Hongyi Liu, Yan Fu, Yongzhang Luo
Summary: The injection of exogenous recombinant mouse serum albumin (rMSA) reduced protein damages in mice, improving their healthspan and lifespan significantly. The young and undamaged rMSA used in the study showed better results than endogenous serum albumin, leading to potential further improvements in healthspan and lifespan.
Article
Cell Biology
Alfonso Schiavi, Alessandra Runci, Teresa Maiorino, Francesco Davide Naso, Marta Barenys, Ellen Fritsche, Flavie Strappazzon, Natascia Ventura
Summary: Limiting iron availability through the iron competing agent cobalt chloride has conserved beneficial effects, shown to protect against hypoxia-induced death in mammalian cells and extend lifespan in C. elegans. The activation of protective mitochondrial stress response pathways accompanies the beneficial effects of cobalt chloride.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Saghi Hakimi Naeini, Laleh Mavaddatiyan, Zahra Rashid Kalkhoran, Soroush Taherkhani, Mahmood Talkhabi
Summary: Aging is a natural process that causes functional decline in cells and tissues, increasing the risk of disease and death. Efforts have been made to control aging and increase lifespan and healthspan, leading to the discovery of drugs like rapamycin and metformin. Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a metabolite that shows potential as an anti-aging compound, improving longevity and reproductive health. It plays a crucial role in various cellular functions and exerts its effects through different mechanisms. This article summarizes recent studies on AKG-related lifespan and discusses its promises and limitations for delaying aging and other potential applications.
EXPERIMENTAL GERONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Lixin Wang, Ping Qiao, Zhuoer Ouyang, Danyang Li, Jingtong Zheng, Guoqiang Wang, Fang Wang
Summary: This study characterized the chemical composition of ginseng volatile oil (GVO) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and found 73 volatile components in GVO. The study investigated the effects of GVO on the lifespan and healthspan of Caenorhabditis elegans and found that GVO significantly extended the lifespan and promoted the health of the nematodes. GVO also increased the antioxidant capacity and survival rate of nematodes after heat shock. Additionally, the study revealed that GVO up-regulated autophagy-related genes and increased the expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (sod-1), which are associated with aging.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Razzoli, Kewir Nyuyki-Dufe, Brian H. Chen, Alessandro Bartolomucci
Summary: Sustained life stress and low socioeconomic status are major causes of aging-related diseases and decreased life expectancy. However, there are very few studies that address the long-term consequences of social stress on aging.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
May Nasser Bin-Jumah, Muhammad Shahid Nadeem, Sadaf Jamal Gilani, Fahad A. Al-Abbasi, Inam Ullah, Sami I. Alzarea, Mohammed M. Ghoneim, Sultan Alshehri, Aziz Uddin, Bibi Nazia Murtaza, Imran Kazmi
Summary: Aging is a complex process influenced by various environmental and physiological factors, with 40% of human life expectancy being genetic. Research has identified genes and pathways associated with lifespan extension, and the role of DNA repair mechanisms in maintaining genomic integrity is crucial.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Thais R. Peclat, Katie L. Thompson, Gina M. Warner, Claudia C. S. Chini, Mariana G. Tarrago, Delaram Z. Mazdeh, Chunlian Zhang, Jose Zavala-Solorio, Ganesh Kolumam, Yao Liang Wong, Robert L. Cohen, Eduardo N. Chini
Summary: Inhibiting CD38 enzyme can prolong the lifespan and healthspan of aged mice, improve exercise performance, endurance, and metabolic function, with differences observed between sexes.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
So-Hyun Park, Da-Hye Lee, Dae-Hee Lee, Chang Hwa Jung
Summary: Age is a risk factor for diseases, and prolonging healthspan is important. Dietary restriction, such as calorie restriction and fasting, has received attention for its potential to extend lifespan and healthspan. However, scientific evidence on specific foods' effects on lifespan and healthspan is lacking. This study aims to synthesize recent research on the effects of foods and phytochemicals on lifespan and healthspan.
NUTRITION RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yiling Yang, Wenbin Wang, Kefeng Liu, Jie Zhao
Summary: This study developed an antioxidant nanosystem (SOD@MSN) by immobilizing SOD on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and conducted anti-aging experiments using the nematode model. The results showed that SOD@MSN could be effectively internalized by the nematode and protect it against external stress, thus extending its lifespan and healthspan.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Maria B. Birkisdottir, Dick Jaarsma, Renata M. C. Brandt, Sander Barnhoorn, Nicole van Vliet, Sandra Imholz, Conny T. van Oostrom, Bhawani Nagarajah, Eliana Portilla Fernandez, Anton J. M. Roks, Ype Elgersma, Harry van Steeg, Jose A. Ferreira, Jeroen L. A. Pennings, Jan H. J. Hoeijmakers, Wilbert P. Vermeij, Martijn E. T. Dolle
Summary: Experimental results show that although dietary restriction and rapamycin can extend the lifespan of some organisms, rapamycin cannot increase the lifespan and healthspan of progeroid DNA repair-deficient mice like dietary restriction does.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Alfonso Varela-Lopez, Jose M. Romero-Marquez, Maria D. Navarro-Hortal, Cesar L. Ramirez-Tortosa, Maurizio Battino, Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez, Jose L. Quiles
Summary: The increase in life expectancy in current societies has not been accompanied by a corresponding increase in healthspan, which is a significant socio-economic problem. It has been suggested that manipulating the aging process can delay the onset of age-related chronic disorders, as these pathologies share age as the primary underlying risk factor. The accumulation of molecular damage is one of the widely accepted theories of aging. According to the oxidative damage theory, antioxidants are expected to slow down aging, extending both lifespan and healthspan. This review examines studies on the effects of dietary antioxidants on lifespan in different aging models, and discusses the evidence supporting their antioxidant activity as anti-aging mechanisms. Furthermore, possible reasons for discrepancies in the reported results are evaluated.
EXPERIMENTAL GERONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qihang Hou, Jingxi Huang, Lihua Zhao, Xianjie Pan, Chaoyong Liao, Qiuyu Jiang, Jiaqi Lei, Fangshen Guo, Jian Cui, Yuming Guo, Bingkun Zhang
Summary: Age-related gastrointestinal decline contributes to whole-organism frailty and mortality. Dietary genistein promotes a healthier and longer life in aging mice by decreasing systemic inflammatory cytokines levels and ameliorating gut dysfunctions. Genistein-associated alteration in gut microbiota increases Lachnospira abundance and short-chain fatty acid production, rejuvenating the aging gut and extending the lifespan of progeroid mice.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Lucile Marchal, Shruthi Hamsanathan, Roshan Karthikappallil, Suhao Han, Himaly Shinglot, Aditi U. Gurkar
Summary: The impairment of multiple DNA repair genes may drive functional/physiological aging. Experimental results show that the loss of XPF-1/ERCC-1 significantly impacts healthspan, while the loss of other DNA repair genes has minor effects on lifespan and most healthspan measures.
MECHANISMS OF AGEING AND DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Huijie Zhang, Jiawei Qin, Xinqiang Lan, Weirong Zeng, Jing Zhou, Tian-E Huang, Wan-Li Xiao, Qi-Quan Wang, Sujiao Sun, Weiting Su, Wenhui Nie, Shan Yang, Ji Yang, Qian Gao, Yang Xiang
Summary: This study identifies a novel compound, handelin, extracted from Chrysanthemum indicum L., which extends the lifespan and healthspan of Caenorhabditis elegans. Handelin reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, maintains mitochondrial number and morphology, and improves behaviors related to healthspan. Further research on mammal animal models will verify the potential clinical value of handelin.
Article
Neurosciences
Wei-Yi Ong, Mei-Lin Go, De-Yun Wang, Irwin Kee-Mun Cheah, Barry Halliwell
Summary: COVID-19 affects not only peripheral organs but also the central nervous system, and antimalarials have unique properties that enable them to cross the blood-brain barrier and inhibit inflammatory responses.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Sally Shuxian Koh, Samantha Chia-Yi Ooi, Natalie Man-Yin Lui, Cao Qiong, Leona Ting-Yuke Ho, Irwin Kee-Mun Cheah, Barry Halliwell, Deron R. Herr, Wei-Yi Ong
Summary: Ergothioneine (ET) has a protective effect on human brain endothelial cells, reducing apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammation induced by 7-ketocholesterol (7KC). ET exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2).
NEUROMOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irwin K. Cheah, Barry Halliwell
Summary: There has been a recent surge of interest in the unique low molecular weight dietary thiol/thione, ergothioneine, which can accumulate at high levels in the body from diet and may play important physiological roles in human health and development. Blood levels of ergothioneine decline with age and onset of various diseases. Recent advances have been made in our knowledge of ergothioneine.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lakshmi Narayanan Lakshmanan, Zhuangli Yee, Barry Halliwell, Jan Gruber, Rudiyanto Gunawan
Summary: The study used DNA hybridization thermodynamics to infer the sequence lengths of mtDNA misalignments associated with mtDNA deletions, showing that short DNA misalignments play a significant role in mtDNA deletion formation. This analysis suggests a shared mode of mtDNA deletion mutagenesis across species.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barry Halliwell
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liu-Yun Wu, Irwin K. Cheah, Joyce Ruifen Chong, Yuek Ling Chai, Jia Yun Tan, Saima Hilal, Henri Vrooman, Christopher P. Chen, Barry Halliwell, Mitchell K. P. Lai
Summary: The study found that plasma Ergothioneine (ET) concentrations were lowest in dementia patients, significantly lower compared to those with normal cognitive function or cognitive impairment. Low levels of ET were associated with disease severity and could potentially serve as a biomarker for cognitive impairment.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barry Halliwell
Summary: This article reviews the author's interactions with Lester Packer and other pioneers in the field of redox biology, discussing their contributions to the field's development and future directions.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barry Halliwell
Summary: This commentary describes a highly-cited paper by John Gutteridge and the author that appeared in Arch. Biochem. Biophys. It is dedicated to the memory of John Gutteridge, a frequent co-author and lifelong friend of the author, who unfortunately passed away on July 5, 2021.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irwin K. Cheah, Jovan Z. Lee, Richard M. Y. Tang, Pei Wen Koh, Barry Halliwell
Summary: Ergothioneine (ET), a dietary compound that accumulates in human and animal tissues, may have important roles in preventing diseases. While ET biosynthesis is believed to occur only in fungi and certain bacteria, a recent study suggests that the gut bacterium Lactobacillus/Limosilactobacillus reuteri may produce ET, protecting the host from social defeat stress and sleep disturbances. However, further investigation found no evidence of ET biosynthesis in L. reuteri, but rather discovered that L. reuteri accumulates ET, potentially indicating a mechanism by which the gut microbiota influences ET levels in the host.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liu-Yun Wu, Cheuk Ni Kan, Irwin K. Cheah, Joyce Ruifen Chong, Xin Xu, Henri Vrooman, Saima Hilal, Narayanaswamy Venketasubramanian, Christopher P. Chen, Barry Halliwell, Mitchell K. P. Lai
Summary: Low blood concentrations of ergothioneine (ET), a compound derived from diet, have been associated with cognitive impairment and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD). This study found that lower plasma ET levels were associated with poorer cognitive performance and faster rates of decline in function, memory, executive function, attention, visuomotor speed, and language. These associations were found in non-demented individuals and seemed to be explained by severity of concomitant CeVD and brain atrophy. Further assessment of plasma ET as a prognostic biomarker for cognitive decline is warranted.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barry Halliwell
Summary: The field of oxygen free radicals, antioxidants, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) has seen significant growth, with ROS playing important roles in living organisms. However, many studies lack mechanistic meaning. Detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ROS and appropriate measurement methods for both ROS and oxidative damage are necessary for progress.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irwin K. Cheah, Richard M. Y. Tang, Xiaoyuan Wang, Karishma Sachaphibulkij, Suet Yen Chong, Lina H. K. Lim, Jiong-Wei Wang, Barry Halliwell
Summary: Mushrooms, especially those rich in sulfur compounds such as ergothioneine (ET), have the potential to counteract brain aging and improve memory.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Damien Meng-Kiat Leow, Irwin Kee-Mun Cheah, Zachary Wei-Jie Fong, Barry Halliwell, Wei-Yi Ong
Summary: Recent research has found that the natural compound ergothioneine (ET), produced by certain fungi and bacteria, has significant cytoprotective potential. A study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of ET on mitochondrial damage induced by 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) in brain endothelial cells. Results showed that ET reduced cell viability loss, intracellular calcium levels, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential decrease, ATP levels reduction, and mRNA expression of TFAM, Nrf2, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-8 induced by 7KC. The protective effect of ET was diminished when cells were incubated with a specific inhibitor of the ET transporter.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barry Halliwell, Frank Watt, Ren Minqin
Summary: The role of iron in promoting atherosclerosis has been a subject of controversy. Studies on apoE(-/-) mice generally support the role of iron, while studies on NZW rabbits provide additional evidence. However, uncertainties remain and further experimentation is needed.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Barry Halliwell
Summary: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play both pathophysiological and physiological roles in human diseases, which are counterbalanced by an antioxidant defence network. This Review provides an overview of the mechanisms and types of antioxidants synthesized in vivo, derived from the human diet and developed as therapeutic agents. It also explores the reasons behind the successes and failures of antioxidants in treating or preventing diseases.
NATURE REVIEWS MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)