Alterations of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative damage to macromolecules in different organs of rats during aging

Reactive oxygen species are not involved in the onset of age-related memory impairment in Drosophila

Damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) is thought to be a cause of organismal aging. Reactive oxygen species have also been proposed to be responsible for several age-associated phenotypes, including age-related memory impairment (AMI). However, it has not previously been tested whether increasing ROS affects AMI onset. Here we examined the effects of feeding hydrogen peroxide, and the ROS-generating agent, paraquat, on olfactory aversive memory in Drosophila at young ages and during AMI onset. Reactive oxygen species feeding greatly reduced fly survival, and increased oxidized proteins and transcripts of an antioxidant enzyme, catalase (Cat) and a stress-responsive chaperone, heat-shock protein 22 (Hsp22) in fly heads. However, feeding did not impair memory in young wild-type flies, nor did it exacerbate the memory deficits in flies at the onset of AMI. Strikingly ROS feeding did disrupt memory at young ages and accelerated AMI onset was observed when expression of genes involved in the defense system to ROS, including antioxidant enzymes and Hsp22, was reduced in the mushroom bodies, neural centers required for olfactory memory. These results implicate that although ROS production increases upon aging, neuronal functions required for memory processes are sufficiently protected by the defense system to ROS even at the age of AMI onset. Thus we propose that ROS production does not affect AMI onset in Drosophila.

p66Shc aging protein in control of fibroblasts cell fate

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are wieldy accepted as one of the main factors of the aging process. These highly reactive compounds modify nucleic acids, proteins and lipids and affect the functionality of mitochondria in the first case and ultimately of the cell. Any agent or genetic modification that affects ROS production and detoxification can be expected to influence longevity. On the other hand, genetic manipulations leading to increased longevity can be expected to involve cellular changes that affect ROS metabolism. The 66-kDa isoform of the growth factor adaptor Shc (p66Shc) has been recognized as a relevant factor to the oxygen radical theory of aging. The most recent data indicate that p66Shc protein regulates life span in mammals and its phosphorylation on serine 36 is important for the initiation of cell death upon oxidative stress. Moreover, there is strong evidence that apart from aging, p66Shc may be implicated in many oxidative stress-associated pathologies, such as diabetes, mitochondrial and neurodegenerative disorders and tumorigenesis. This article summarizes recent knowledge about the role of p66Shc in aging and senescence and how this protein can influence ROS production and detoxification, focusing on studies performed on skin and skin fibroblasts.

The aged-related increase in xanthine oxidase expression and activity in several tissues from mice is not shown in long-lived animals

Xanthine oxidase (XO) is an important source of oxidant production and plays an essential role in several oxidative stress-related diseases. Aging is associated with a progressive deregulation of homeostasis as a result of a chronic oxidative stress situation. In the present work the age-related changes in XO expression and activity, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase have been investigated in liver, kidney and thymus from four different age groups of mice, including long-lived animals. Furthermore, we have evaluated the contribution of the XO to the oxidative stress-associated with aging, in comparison to another enzymatic key source of oxidant generation, the NADPH oxidase, in peritoneal leukocytes from old mice. In all the tissues analyzed, the old mice showed higher activity and expression of XO, and decreased or unchanged superoxide dismutase and catalase activities as compared with adult mice. Moreover, the inhibition of reactive oxygen species with allopurinol or apocynin in peritoneal leukocytes from old mice, suggest that both XO and NADPH oxidase contribute to the generation of superoxide anion, whereas the XO may have a special relevance in the production of hydrogen peroxyde. Finally, long-lived animals showed a well-preserved redox state, in terms of antioxidant defenses and oxidant compounds in tissues and immune cells, which may be related to the ability of these subjects to reach a very advanced age in healthy condition. These results confirm that XO plays an important role in the age-related oxidative stress in tissues and immune cells.

Ginsenoside Rd attenuates redox imbalance and improves stroke outcome after focal cerebral ischemia in aged mice

We previously found that ginsenoside Rd (Rd), one of the main active ingredients in Panax ginseng, protects against ischemic brain damage induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation in vitro and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in vivo. Considering stroke happens frequently in aged individuals, we herein sought to further define the protective effects of Rd in the aged mice. 16-18-month-old mice administered with Rd (0.1-200 mg/kg) or vehicle were subjected to transient MCAO. Rd at the doses of 10-50 mg/kg significantly reduced both cortical and striatal infarct volume. This protection was associated with an improvement in neurological function and was sustained for at least 2 weeks after the insult. Importantly, Rd was effective even when administered up to 4 h after recirculation. To evaluate the underlying mechanisms, oxidative DNA damage was identified by 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine immunostaining, oxidative protein damage was identified by the assessment of protein carbonyl, and lipid peroxidation was estimated by determining the malondialdehyde formation. Rd significantly suppressed the accumulations of DNA, protein and lipid peroxidation products at 24 h post-ischemia. Rd also protected mitochondria at 4 and 24 h after reperfusion as indicated by preserved respiratory chain complex activities and aconitase activity, lowered mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide production, and hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, Rd partly enhanced endogenous antioxidant activities following MCAO. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that Rd exerts neuroprotection against transient focal ischemia in the aged brain, which may be associated with the attenuation of redox imbalance.

Age-related changes in brain mitochondrial DNA deletion and oxidative stress are differentially modulated by dietary fat type and coenzyme Q₁₀

Mitochondria-related oxidative damage is a primary event in aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Some dietary treatments, such as antioxidant supplementation or the enrichment of mitochondrial membranes with less oxidizable fatty acids, reduce lipid peroxidation and lengthen life span in rodents. This study compares life-long feeding on monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), such as virgin olive oil, and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as sunflower oil, with or without coenzyme Q₁₀ supplementation, with respect to age-related molecular changes in rat brain mitochondria. The MUFA diet led to diminished age-related phenotypic changes, with lipoxidation-derived protein markers being higher among the older animals, whereas protein carbonyl compounds were lower. It is noteworthy that the MUFA diet prevented the age-related increase in levels of mitochondrial DNA deletions in the brain mitochondria from aged animals. The findings of this study suggest that age-related oxidative stress is related, at the mitochondrial level, to other age-related features such as mitochondrial electron transport and mtDNA alterations, and it can be modulated by selecting an appropriate dietary fat type and/or by suitable supplementation with low levels of the antioxidant/electron carrier molecule coenzyme Q.

N-acetylcysteine inhibits chromium hypersensitivity in coadjuvant chromium-sensitized albino guinea pigs by suppressing the effects of reactive oxygen species

BACKGROUND

Chromium hypersensitivity is an important issue in occupational skin disease. When hexavalent chromium enters the cell, it can be reduced to trivalent chromium, resulting in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are considered to play an important role in the progression of allergic contact dermatitis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could increase glutathione levels in the skin and act as an antioxidant.

AIMS

We attempted to demonstrate that NAC could inhibit chromium hypersensitivity in a coadjuvant chromium-sensitized albino guinea pig model by counteracting the formation of ROS.

METHODS

We utilized a coadjuvant chromium-sensitized albino guinea pig model to evaluate both the severity of the skin reaction by intradermal and epicutaneous elicitation tests and the sensitization rate of chromium hypersensitivity in NAC-treated and NAC-untreated albino guinea pigs (GP). Furthermore, three ROS parameters, including H(2)O(2,) malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the skin and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) in plasma, were analyzed in NAC-treated and NAC-untreated coadjuvant chromium-sensitized albino GP.

RESULTS

The severity of the skin reaction in the intradermal and epicutaneous elicitation test significantly diminished when the albino GP were treated with a dose of 1200 mg/kg/day of NAC. This dose also significantly decreased the sensitization rate of chromium hypersensitivity. In addition, treatment with 1200 mg/kg/day of NAC significantly reduced the H(2)O(2) and MDA levels in the skin and significantly increased the ORAC in the plasma of albino GP. Therefore, NAC could be a potential chemopreventative agent to prevent the progression of chromium hypersensitivity.

Influence of laminarin polysaccahrides on oxidative damage

Laminarin is a tropical plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine. In this experiment, Laminarin polysaccharides were analysed using GC-MS method and result showed that the polysaccharides contained mannose (3.27%), arabinose (8.61%), glucose (4.23%), galactose (12.12%), fucose (46.93%). Laminarin polysaccharides were tested to evaluate their effect on lung oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in rats. The animal were divided into model and polysaccharides-treated animal. Laminarin polysaccharides were administered by gavage over a 14-day period. The results indicated that Laminarin polysaccharides significantly normalized catalase (CAT) activity (P<0.01), increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity (P<0.05), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in animal. It could be concluded that Laminarin polysaccharides appeared to be more effective in reducing sepsis-induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation in animal.

NGF-Dependent activation of TrkA pathway: A mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of troxerutin in D-galactose-treated mice

D-galactose-(D-gal)-treated mouse, with cognitive impairment, has been used for neurotoxicity investigation and anti-neurotoxicity pharmacology research. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of troxerutin. The results showed that troxerutin improved behavioral performance in D-gal-treated mice by elevating Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutases (Cu, Zn-SOD) activity and decreasing reactive oxygen species levels. Furthermore, our results showed that troxerutin significantly promoted nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA expression which resulted in TrkA activation. On one hand, NGF/TrkA induced activation of Akt and ERK1/2, which led to neuronal survival; on the other hand, NGF/TrkA mediated CaMKII and CREB phosphorylation and increased PSD95 expression, which improved cognitive performance. However, the neuroprotective effect of troxerutin was blocked by treatment with K252a, an antagonist for TrkA. No neurotoxicity was observed in mice treated with K252a or troxerutin alone. In conclusion, administration of troxerutin to D-gal-injected mice attenuated cognitive impairment and brain oxidative stress through the activation of NGF/TrkA signaling pathway.

Ageing alters the supramolecular architecture of OxPhos complexes in rat brain cortex

Activity and stability of life-supporting proteins are determined not only by their abundance and by post-translational modifications, but also by specific protein-protein interactions. This holds true both for signal-transduction and energy-converting cascades. For vital processes such as life-span control and senescence, to date predominantly age-dependent alterations in abundance and to lesser extent in post-translational modifications of proteins are examined to elucidate the cause of ageing at the molecular level. In mitochondria of rat cortex, we quantified profound changes in the proportion of supramolecular assemblies (supercomplexes) of the respiratory chain complexes I, III(2), IV as well as of the MF(o)F(1) ATP synthase (complex V) by 2D-native/SDS electrophoresis and fluorescent staining. Complex I was present solely in supercomplexes and those lacking complex IV were least stable in aged animals (2.4-fold decline). The ATP synthase was confirmed as a prominent target of age-associated degradation by an overall decline in abundance of 1.5-fold for the monomer and an 2.8-fold increase of unbound F(1). Oligomerisation of the ATP synthase increases during ageing and might modulate the cristae architecture. These data could explain the link between ageing and respiratory control as well as ROS generation.

Age-related changes in mitochondrial respiration and oxidative damage in the cerebral cortex of the Fischer 344 rat

This study probed possible age-related changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics in naïve Fischer 344 rats. Synaptic and extrasynaptic mitochondria were isolated from the cortex of one hemisphere of young (3-5 months), middle (12-14 months), or aged (22-24 months) rats. Respiration parameters were obtained using a Clarke-type electrode. Aged rats displayed no significant alterations in respiration, indicating mitochondria must be more resilient to the aging process than previously thought. Synaptic mitochondria displayed lower respiration capacities than the extrasynaptic fraction. Aged F344 rats appear capable of normal electron transport chain function without declines in ability to produce ATP. Markers of cortical oxidative damage (3-nitrotyrosine [3-NT], 4-hydroxynonenal [4-HNE], and protein carbonyls [PC]) were collected from the post-mitochondrial supernatant (PMS) from the contralateral hemisphere, and from mitochondrial samples following respiration analysis. Age-related increases in PC and 3-NT levels were found in synaptic mitochondria, whereas significant extrasynaptic elevations were only found in middle aged rats. These findings support an age-related increase in oxidative damage in the cortex, while proposing the two fractions of mitochondria are differentially affected by the aging process. Levels of oxidative damage that accumulates in the cortex with age does not appear to significantly impair cortical mitochondrial respiration of F344 rats.

Effects of dietary extra-virgin olive oil on behaviour and brain biochemical parameters in ageing rats

The aim of the present study was to verify whether extra-virgin olive oil, a dietary component naturally containing phenolic antioxidants, has the potential to protect the brain from the deleterious effects of ageing. To accomplish this goal, we used male rats fed a high-energy diet containing either maize oil, or extra-virgin olive oil with high or low phenol content (720 or 10 mg total phenols/kg oil, corresponding to a daily dose of 4 or 0.05 mg total phenols/kg body weight, respectively) from age 12 months to senescence. The measured endpoints were biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress and functional tests to evaluate motor, cognitive and emotional behaviour. Olive oil phenols did not exert major protective actions on motor and cognitive function, as we observed only a tendency to improved motor coordination on the rotarod in the old animals treated with the oil rich in phenols (40 % average increase in the time to first fall; P = 0.18). However, an interesting finding of the present study was a reduced step-through latency in the light-dark box test, found in the older animals upon treatment with the oil rich in antioxidant phenols, possibly indicating an anxiety-lowering effect. This effect was associated with decreased glutathione reductase activity and expression in the brain, a phenomenon previously associated with decreased anxiety in rodents. These results indicate a previously undetected effect of a diet containing an olive oil rich in phenols. Further studies are warranted to verify whether specific food antioxidants might also have an effect on emotional behaviour.

Mitochondria in the elderly: Is acetylcarnitine a rejuvenator?

Endogenous acetylcarnitine is an indicator of acetyl-CoA synthesized by multiple metabolic pathways involving carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, sterols, and ketone bodies, and utilized mainly by the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Acetylcarnitine supplementation has beneficial effects in elderly animals and humans, including restoration of mitochondrial content and function. These effects appear to be dose-dependent and occur even after short-term therapy. In order to set the stage for understanding the mechanism of action of acetylcarnitine, we review the metabolism and role of this compound. We suggest that acetylation of mitochondrial proteins leads to a specific increase in mitochondrial gene expression and mitochondrial protein synthesis. In the aged rat heart, this effect is translated to increased cytochrome b content, restoration of complex III activity, and oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in amelioration of the age-related mitochondrial defect.

Blood reflects tissue oxidative stress depending on biomarker and tissue studied

This study investigated whether selected oxidative stress markers measured in blood adequately reflect redox status in skeletal muscle, heart, and liver. Several markers were determined after implementing two treatments known to affect redox status, namely exercise and allopurinol administration. Xanthine oxidase, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (PC), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), catalase, and total antioxidant capacity were determined in blood, skeletal muscle, heart, and liver. Correlation between blood and tissues in each marker was performed through the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. GSSG in erythrocytes was correlated with all tissues, ranging in the five experimental groups as follows: skeletal muscle r(s)=0.656-0.874, heart r(s)=0.742-0.981, liver r(s)=0.646-0.855. Xanthine oxidase and TBARS measured in blood satisfactorily described the redox status of the heart (0.753-0.964 and 0.705-1.000, respectively) and liver (0.755-0.902 and 0.656-1.000, respectively). Skeletal muscle and heart redox status can be adequately described by PC (0.652-1.000 and 0.656-0.964, respectively), GSH (0.693-1.000 and 0.656-1.000, respectively), and catalase (0.745-1.000 and 0.656-1.000, respectively) measured in blood. In conclusion, this study suggests that a combination of markers measured in blood provides a reliable indication about the redox status in skeletal muscle, heart, and liver.

Decreased catalase expression and increased susceptibility to oxidative stress in primary cultured corneal fibroblasts from patients with granular corneal dystrophy type II

Granular corneal dystrophy type II (GCD II) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by age-dependent progressive accumulation of transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein (TGFBIp) deposits in the corneal stroma. Several studies have suggested that corneal fibroblasts may decline with age in response to oxidative stress. To investigate whether oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of GCD II, we assayed antioxidant enzymes, oxidative damage, and susceptibility to reactive oxygen species-induced cell death in primary cultured corneal fibroblasts (PCFs) from GCD II patients and healthy subjects. We found elevated protein levels of Mn-superoxide dismutase, Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, as well as increased CAT mRNA and decreased catalase protein in GCD II PCFs. Furthermore, catalase is down-regulated in normal PCFs transfected with transforming growth factor-beta-induced gene-h3. We also observed an increase in not only intracellular reactive oxygen species and H(2)O(2) levels, but also malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, and protein carbonyls levels in GCD II PCFs. Greater immunoreactivity for malondialdehyde was observed in the corneal tissue of GCD II patients. In addition, we observed a decrease in Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL levels and an increase in Bax and Bok levels in GCD II PCFs. Finally, GCD II PCFs are more susceptible to H(2)O(2)-induced cell death. Together, these results suggest that oxidative damage induced by decreased catalase is involved in GCD II pathogenesis, and antioxidant agents represent a possible treatment strategy.

Free-radical scavenging and mitochondrial antioxidant activities of Reishi-Ganoderma lucidum (Curt: Fr) P. Karst and Arogyapacha-Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn extracts

Endogenous damage to mitochondrial DNA by free radicals is believed to be a major contributory factor to aging. The current study examined the effects of the extracts of two important anti-fatigue and rejuvenating medicinal herbs Ganoderma lucidum and Trichopus zeylanicus for their free-radical scavenging property and for their effects on liver mitochondrial antioxidant activity in aged mice. Both extracts were administrated orally to aged BALB/c mice at doses of 50 and 250 mg/kg body weight for 15 days. Super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation as equivalents of malondialdehyde (MDA) formed were determined. Groups of young mice and aged mice (more than 15 months old) were taken as controls. Both G. lucidum and T. zeylanicus extracts increased antioxidant status in liver mitochondria of aged mice compared with the aged control. Higher levels of GSH, increased activity of SOD and CAT, and decreased level of MDA in both treated groups compared with the controls were evident. Both extracts possessed significant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), 2, 2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP activities were higher in G. lucidum extract than in T. zeylanicus. G. lucidum extract also showed superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities. T. zeylanicus had significantly higher lipid peroxidation inhibiting activity than G. lucidum. Thus, we conclude that the antioxidative effect of the G. lucidum extract was higher than that of T. zeylanicus. Our findings suggest a potential therapeutic efficacy of G. lucidum extract to protect against aging and to a certain extent against age-related degenerative diseases.

Oxidant/antioxidant status and hyperfiltration in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes, will develop within a subset of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients, and oxidative stress has been implicated in its pathogenesis. To investigate the relationship between indicators of early DN stages (hyperfiltration estimated by creatinine clearance > or =150 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), microalbuminuria) and oxidative stress, a prospective study was conducted in 29 T1DM patients (age 13.89 +/- 4.61 years) and 18 control subjects (age 13.23 +/- 3.99 years). Blood samples were collected to assay for biomarkers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and carbonyl groups) and antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene). With respect to control subjects, in T1DM patients, an increase was found in biomarkers of oxidative stress (p < 0.05), mainly due to the group of subjects with hyperfiltration, and a decrease in the ratio alpha-tocopherol/lipids (p < 0.05). In multiple regression analyses, age at disease onset, glycated hemoglobin, microalbuminuria, and oxidative stress biomarkers remained as explicative variables of hyperfiltration (R (2) adjusted = 0.731, p = 0.000). These findings support the importance of the oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, which is linked to hyperfiltration and which could contribute to the development of DN in patients with T1DM.

Acute exercise increases expression of extracellular superoxide dismutase in skeletal muscle and the aorta

Exercise dramatically increases oxygen consumption and causes oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is important in the first-line defence mechanisms against oxidative stress. To investigate the effect of acute exercise on the expression of SOD, we examined the expression of mRNA for three SOD isozymes, in mice run on a treadmill to exhaustion. Six hours after exercise, the expression of extracellular SOD (EC-SOD) mRNA increased significantly in skeletal muscle and persisted for 24 h, whereas no change was observed for cytoplasmic and mitochondrial SOD mRNA. Moreover, acute exercise also induced EC-SOD mRNA in the aorta. These results suggest that a single bout of exercise is enough to augment the expression EC-SOD mRNA in skeletal muscle and the aorta, and may partly explain the beneficial effect of exercise.

Mandarin juice improves the antioxidant status of hypercholesterolemic children

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress has been linked to such degenerative diseases as atherosclerosis, and it has been suggested that increased dietary intake of antioxidants may reduce its progression.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of mandarin juice consumption on biomarkers related to oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The diet of 48 children with plasma cholesterol >200 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >130 mg/dL was supplemented for 28 days with 500 mL/day of pure (100%) mandarin juice (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.). The composition of the mandarin juice was analyzed, and its antioxidant antiradical activity was evaluated in vitro. Malondialdehyde, carbonyl groups, vitamins E and C, erythrocyte-reduced glutathione, and plasma lipids were measured at the onset and at the end of the supplementation period. The paired Student t test was used to compare values before and after supplementation.

RESULTS

Mandarin juice exerted a strong antioxidant effect mainly due to its high hydroxyl activity and, to a lesser extent, to its superoxide scavenger activity. At the end of the study, levels of the plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress were significantly decreased (malondialdehyde -7.4%, carbonyl groups -29.1%, P < 0.01), whereas the plasma antioxidants vitamin E and C (13.5%, P < 0.001 and 68.2%, P < 0.00001, respectively) and intraerythrocyte glutathione level (36.7%, P < 0.00001) were significantly increased. Plasma lipids and antibodies to oxidized low-density lipoproteins remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular ingestion of mandarin juice significantly reduces plasma biomarkers of lipid and protein oxidation and enhances the antioxidant status of consumers.

Reactive oxygen species generation is modulated by mitochondrial kinases: correlation with mitochondrial antioxidant peroxidases in rat tissues

Mitochondrial hexokinase (mt-HK) and creatine kinase (mt-CK) activities have been recently proposed to reduce the rate of mitochondrial ROS generation through an ADP re-cycling mechanism. Here, we determined the role of mt-HK and mt-CK activities in regulate mitochondrial ROS generation in rat brain, kidney, heart and liver, relating them to the levels of classical antioxidant enzymes. The activities of both kinases were significantly higher in the brain than in other tissues, whereas the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) were higher in both liver and kidney mitochondria. In contrast, manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) activity was not significantly different among these tissues. Activation of mitochondrial kinases by addition of their substrates increased the ADP re-cycling and thus the respiration by enhancing the oxidative phosphorylation. Succinate induced hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) generation was higher in brain than in kidney and heart mitochondria, and the lowest in liver mitochondria. Mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and H(2)O(2) production, decreased with additions of 2-DOG or Cr to respiring brain and kidney mitochondria but not to liver. The inhibition of H(2)O(2) production by 2-DOG and Cr correspond to almost 100% in rat brain and about 70% in kidney mitochondria. Together our data suggest that mitochondrial kinases activities are potent preventive antioxidant mechanism in mitochondria with low peroxidase activities, complementing the classical antioxidant enzymes against oxidative stress.

Attenuation of senescence-induced oxidative exacerbations in aged rat brain by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon which involves free radicals and oxidative stress. Brain is more susceptible and vulnerable to oxidative damage due to its high-polyunsaturated fatty acid content and high rate of aerobic metabolism. Since the antioxidant defense system is diminished during aging, antioxidant supplementation might be a protective strategy against age-associated oxidative damage. The present study evaluates the antioxidant potential of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol present in green tea against age-associated oxidative damage in rat brain. Male albino rats of Wistar strain were used in the study. Group I (young) and Group II (aged) rats received saline alone orally for 30 days. Group III (young) and Group IV (aged) rats received EGCG (2mg/kg body weight/day) orally for 30 days. Antioxidant status and oxidative damage were assessed. EGCG brought about an augmentation in the activities of enzymic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and improved the non-enzymic antioxidants like tocopherol, ascorbic acid and glutathione. EGCG ameliorated the malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels. Thus, EGCG has emerged out as a good antioxidant neutraceutical and a neuroprotective agent in alleviating the age-associated oxidative damage in aged rat brain.

Functional foods and physical activities in health promotion of aging people

Foods contain many bioactive compounds that can improve humans' health, helping to decrease the risk of cataract, macular degeneration, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, osteoporosis, and cancer. Regular practice of exercise and physical activity could also help to drive away aging-associated diseases (obesity, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and stroke). Exercise recommendations to promote both women's and men's health and disease conditions that hinder exercise practice are described. Health promotion practices should focus on both dietary intake of functional foods and regular practice of exercise within the framework of a healthy lifestyle.

Mitochondrial dysfunction: the first domino in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease?

With the increasing average life span of humans and with decreasing cognitive function in elderly individuals, age-related cognitive disorders including dementia have become a major health problem in society. Aging-related mitochondrial dysfunction underlies many common neurodegenerative disorders diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is characterized by two major histopathological hallmarks, initially intracellular and with the progression of the disease extracellular accumulation of oligomeric and fibrillar beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptides and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. In this review, the authors focus on the latest findings in AD animal models indicating that these histopathological alterations induce deficits in the function of the complexes of the respiratory chain and therefore consecutively result in mitochondrial dysfunction. This parameter is intrinsically tied to oxidative stress. Both are early events in aging and especially in the pathogenesis of aging-related severe neurodegeneration. Ginkgo biloba extract seems to be of therapeutic benefit in the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of different etiology, although the data are quite heterogeneous. Herein, the authors suggest that mitochondrial protection and subsequent reduction of oxidative stress are important components of the neuroprotective activity of Ginkgo biloba extract.

DNA damage measured by comet assay and 8-OH-dG formation related to blood chemical analyses in aged rats

To evaluate the effects of aging on DNA damage, spontaneous and chemical-induced DNA damage and its repair were examined using comet assays at pH 9, 12.1 and 13, and an 8-OH-dG assay in the liver and kidney of young (9-week-old) and aged (20-month-old) rats. Additionally, blood chemistry was examined to investigate any correlation between vital functions and age-dependent DNA damage. DNA migration at pH 13 and 8-OH-dG levels increased in the liver and/or kidney of aged rats, but DNA migration did not increase at pH 9 or 12.1; that is, alkali-labile sites and 8-OH-dG were concomitantly accumulated in aged rats. These results suggest that 8-OH-dG production caused by reactive oxygen species exceeded glycosylation and that the glycosylation activity is far more than the AP endonucleation in aged rats. Methyl methanesulfonate (MMS, 80 mg/kg, i.p.) increased DNA migration at pH 12.1 and 13 in the liver and kidney at 3 and 24 hr after treatment in young and aged rats. The DNA damage in aged rats was less and decreased more slowly compared with young rats. The pictures of MMS-induced DNA migrations at pH 12.1 and 13 were very similar to each other. These results suggest that the adduct glycosylation and repair of the single-strand breaks (SSBs) of aged rats are less than those of young rats, although AP endonucleation is sufficient to remove the AP sites. N-nitrosodiethylamine (160 mg/kg, i.p.) increased DNA migration at pH 12.1 and 13 in the liver and kidney at 3 and 24 hr in young rats and at pH 12.1 and 13 in the kidney at 24 hr in aged rats. These results showed that SSBs were predominantly detected as chemical-induced DNA damage and DNA repairs such as N-glycosylase, DNA polymerase and DNA ligase, and that the metabolic activation declined in aged rats. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, total protein, globulin, creatinine and chloride age-dependently increased and alkaline phosphates, albumin/globulin ratio, inorganic phosphorus and potassium age-dependently decreased, and these changes were correlated with the DNA migration at pH 13 and/or 8-OH-dG. These results suggest that the activity of DNA repair and metabolic activation enzymes declines in aged rats and that the accumulation of spontaneous DNA damage may affect vital functions.

Control of OXPHOS efficiency by complex I in brain mitochondria

In the present work we have analysed the efficiency (P/O ratio) of energy production by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in rat brain, liver and heart mitochondria. This study has revealed tissue-specific differences in the mean values of P/O ratios and ATP production rates. A marked dependence of the P/O ratio on the respiration rates has been observed with complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase), but not with complex II (succinate dehydrogenase) respiratory substrates. The physiological impact of the P/O variations with complex I substrates has been further confirmed by extending the analysis to brain mitochondria from three independent groups of animals utilized to study the effects of dietary treatments on the age-related changes of OXPHOS. The general site-specificity of the rate-dependent P/O variability indicates that the decoupling, i.e. decreased coupling between electron transfer and proton pumping, is likely to be mostly due to slip of mitochondrial complex I. These findings suggest an additional mechanism for the pivotal role played by the energy-conserving respiratory complex I in the physiological and adaptive plasticity of mitochondrial OXPHOS.

Oxidative stress and aberrant signaling in aging and cognitive decline

Brain aging is associated with a progressive imbalance between antioxidant defenses and intracellular concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as exemplified by increases in products of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA oxidation. Oxidative conditions cause not only structural damage but also changes in the set points of redox-sensitive signaling processes including the insulin receptor signaling pathway. In the absence of insulin, the otherwise low insulin receptor signaling is strongly enhanced by oxidative conditions. Autophagic proteolysis and sirtuin activity, in turn, are downregulated by the insulin signaling pathway, and impaired autophagic activity has been associated with neurodegeneration. In genetic studies, impairment of insulin receptor signaling causes spectacular lifespan extension in nematodes, fruit flies, and mice. The predicted effects of age-related oxidative stress on sirtuins and autophagic activity and the corresponding effects of antioxidants remain to be tested experimentally. However, several correlates of aging have been shown to be ameliorated by antioxidants. Oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA and the electron transport chain, perturbations in brain iron and calcium homeostasis, and changes in plasma cysteine homeostasis may altogether represent causes and consequences of increased oxidative stress. Aging and cognitive decline thus appear to involve changes at multiple nodes within a complex regulatory network.

Metabolism of a heterocyclic amine colon carcinogen in young and old rats

The incidence of colon cancer increases with age, and this may be related to altered metabolism and disposition of carcinogens. One such carcinogen implicated in colon cancer is the heterocyclic amine found in well done meat, 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ). The purpose of these studies was to determine whether the disposition and metabolism of IQ changes with age, comparing young (3-month) and old (22- to 24-month) male F344 rats. Animals were treated with vehicle or beta-naphthoflavone (BNF), an inducer of drug-metabolizing cytochromes P450. Disposition and metabolism of IQ were determined after i.p. injection of radiolabeled IQ. Urinary IQ metabolites were identified and quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. In BNF-treated animals, total radiolabeled IQ excretion by old rats was less than half that of young rats. Binding of radiolabeled IQ metabolites by the old kidney was 10 times higher than that of the young. There were no age differences in intestinal and hepatic binding. There was a significant age-related increase in IQ conjugation to glucuronic acid and a decrease in conjugation to sulfate regardless of treatment. The induction of renal CYP1A1, a major P450 involved in IQ metabolism, by BNF did not change with age. Changes in IQ metabolism with age along with altered renal function may contribute to the decreased urinary excretion and increased renal binding of IQ and/or its metabolites seen in the old animals.

Age-related oxidative modifications of proteins and lipids in rat brain

Oxidants have been shown to play a major role in ageing and ageing-related neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ageing on oxidative damage to lipids and proteins in brain homogenate, mitochondria and synaptosomes of adult (6-month-old), old (15-month-old), and senescent (26-month-old) Wistar rats. There was a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and conjugated dienes in homogenates, which indicate increased lipid peroxidation (LPO). Oxidative modifications of homogenate proteins were demonstrated by a loss of sulfhydryl content, accumulation of dityrosines and formation of protein conjugates with LPO-end products. Increase in protein conjugates with LPO-end products and a decrease in SH groups were observed also in mitochondria and synaptosomes, but dityrosine content was elevated only in synaptosomes. Protein surface hydrophobicity, measured by fluorescent probe 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS), was increased only in homogenate. These results suggest that besides mitochondria and synaptosomes other cellular compartments are oxidatively modified during brain ageing.

Antioxidative and oxidative changes in the digestive gland cells of freshwater mussels Unio tumidus caused by selected phenolic compounds in the presence of H2O2 or Cu2+ ions

Research on biomarkers as early bioindicators of perturbation in populations and individuals has received increasing interest during recent decades. These ecotoxicity studies allow us to measure the impact of environmental stressors and to monitor and evaluate the degradation or restoration of systems. In the present study we used bivalve molluscs (mussels), which are sensitive biomarkers of aquatic ecosystem pollution, to assess the effects of three polyphenols: tannic acid, ellagic acid and gallic acid. These compounds were used in the 1-60 microM concentration range, alone and in the presence of H(2)O(2) (40 and 100 microM) or Cu(2+) ions (50 microM). The fluorescence probe dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) was used to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS). The oxidation of DCFH-DA to the fluorescent DCF (dichlorofluorescein) by the phenolic compounds was investigated spectrofluorimetrically. The results showed that the polyphenols tested can act as antioxidants against the ROS present in the digestive gland cells, but their activity is decreased after incubation with hydrogen peroxide or copper ions. SH-groups were determined spectrophotometrically using Ellman's reagent. The results showed that oxidative modification of proteins increased in a concentration-dependent manner in cells incubated with polyphenols (above 15 microM) alone. Incubation of the cells with phenolic acids and H(2)O(2) or Cu(2+) ions revealed that the phenolic acids had prooxidant properties in all concentrations used except for 1 microM tannic and ellagic acid and 40 microM H(2)O(2). DNA fragmentation was estimated by a fluorescence method using Hoechst 33258/propidium iodine binding. The data showed that the phenolic acids alone and in the presence of hydrogen peroxide or copper ions can induce apoptosis and necrosis. The methods used and results obtained indicate that the polyphenols selected can act not only as antioxidants but also as prooxidants in digestive gland cells of Unio tumidus.

Substrate specificity of rat sera IgG antibodies with peroxidase and oxidoreductase activities

We have recently shown that intact IgGs from the sera of healthy Wistar rats oxidize 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) in the presence and in the absence of H(2)O(2) similar to horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Here we demonstrate for the first time that the peroxidase and oxidoreductase activities of IgGs can efficiently oxidize not only DAB but also o-phenylendiamine, phenol, p-dihydroquinone, alpha-naphthol, and NADH but, in contrast to HRP, cannot oxidize adrenalin. In contrast to IgGs, HRP cannot oxidize phenol, p-dihydroquinone, or alpha-naphthol in the absence of H(2)O(2). In contrast to plant and mammalian peroxidases, IgGs were more universal in their metal dependence. The specific wide repertoire of polyclonal peroxidase and oxidoreductase IgGs oxidizing various substances could play an important role in protecting the organism from oxidative stress and serve as an additional natural system destroying different toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic compounds.