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Yue X, Liu SL, Guo JN, Meng TG, Zhang XR, Li HX, Song CY, Wang ZB, Schatten H, Sun QY, Guo XP. Epitalon protects against post-ovulatory aging-related damage of mouse oocytes in vitro. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:3191-3202. [PMID: 35413689 PMCID: PMC9037278 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The developmental potential of oocytes decreases with time after ovulation in vivo or in vitro. Epitalon is a synthetic short peptide made of four amino acids (alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine), based on a natural peptide called epithalamion extracted from the pineal gland. It is a potent antioxidant, comparable to melatonin, that may confer longevity benefits. The current study aims to test the protective effects of Epitalon on the quality of post-ovulatory aging oocytes. Epitalon at 0.1mM was added to the culture medium, and the quality of oocytes was evaluated at 6h, 12h, and 24h of culture. We found that 0.1mM Epitalon reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species. Epitalon treatment significantly decreased frequency of spindle defects and abnormal distribution of cortical granules during aging for 12h and 24h, while increased mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA copy number of mitochondria, thus decreasing apoptosis of oocytes by 24h of in vitro aging. Our results suggest that Epitalon can delay the aging process of oocytes in vitro via modulating mitochondrial activity and ROS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China.,Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Reproductive Science Institute, Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Sai-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jia-Ni Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xin-Ran Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hong-Xia Li
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Reproductive Science Institute, Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi, China
| | - Chun-Ying Song
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Reproductive Science Institute, Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism and Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510320, Guangdong, China
| | - Xing-Ping Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China.,Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Reproductive Science Institute, Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi, China
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2
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Empowering Melatonin Therapeutics with Drosophila Models. Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9040067. [PMID: 34698120 PMCID: PMC8544433 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin functions as a central regulator of cell and organismal function as well as a neurohormone involved in several processes, e.g., the regulation of the circadian rhythm, sleep, aging, oxidative response, and more. As such, it holds immense pharmacological potential. Receptor-mediated melatonin function mainly occurs through MT1 and MT2, conserved amongst mammals. Other melatonin-binding proteins exist. Non-receptor-mediated activities involve regulating the mitochondrial function and antioxidant cascade, which are frequently affected by normal aging as well as disease. Several pathologies display diseased or dysfunctional mitochondria, suggesting melatonin may be used therapeutically. Drosophila models have extensively been employed to study disease pathogenesis and discover new drugs. Here, we review the multiple functions of melatonin through the lens of functional conservation and model organism research to empower potential melatonin therapeutics to treat neurodegenerative and renal diseases.
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Cyst Reduction by Melatonin in a Novel Drosophila Model of Polycystic Kidney Disease. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25225477. [PMID: 33238462 PMCID: PMC7700119 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) causes progressive cystic degeneration of the renal tubules, the nephrons, eventually severely compromising kidney function. ADPKD is incurable, with half of the patients eventually needing renal replacement. Treatments for ADPKD patients are limited and new effective therapeutics are needed. Melatonin, a central metabolic regulator conserved across all life kingdoms, exhibits oncostatic and oncoprotective activity and no detected toxicity. Here, we used the Bicaudal C (BicC) Drosophila model of polycystic kidney disease to test the cyst-reducing potential of melatonin. Significant cyst reduction was found in the renal (Malpighian) tubules upon melatonin administration and suggest mechanistic sophistication. Similar to vertebrate PKD, the BicC fly PKD model responds to the antiproliferative drugs rapamycin and mimics of the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac). Melatonin appears to be a new cyst-reducing molecule with attractive properties as a potential candidate for PKD treatment.
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Ding AJ, Zheng SQ, Huang XB, Xing TK, Wu GS, Sun HY, Qi SH, Luo HR. Current Perspective in the Discovery of Anti-aging Agents from Natural Products. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2017; 7:335-404. [PMID: 28567542 PMCID: PMC5655361 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-017-0135-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a process characterized by accumulating degenerative damages, resulting in the death of an organism ultimately. The main goal of aging research is to develop therapies that delay age-related diseases in human. Since signaling pathways in aging of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), fruit flies and mice are evolutionarily conserved, compounds extending lifespan of them by intervening pathways of aging may be useful in treating age-related diseases in human. Natural products have special resource advantage and with few side effect. Recently, many compounds or extracts from natural products slowing aging and extending lifespan have been reported. Here we summarized these compounds or extracts and their mechanisms in increasing longevity of C. elegans or other species, and the prospect in developing anti-aging medicine from natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Jun Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Shan-Qing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Ti-Kun Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Gui-Sheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
- Key Laboratory for Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Hua-Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Shu-Hua Qi
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Material Medical, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, Guangdong, China
| | - Huai-Rong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
- Key Laboratory for Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 134 Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
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Vaiserman AM, Lushchak OV, Koliada AK. Anti-aging pharmacology: Promises and pitfalls. Ageing Res Rev 2016; 31:9-35. [PMID: 27524412 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 08/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Life expectancy has grown dramatically in modern times. This increase, however, is not accompanied by the same increase in healthspan. Efforts to extend healthspan through pharmacological agents targeting aging-related pathological changes are now in the spotlight of geroscience, the main idea of which is that delaying of aging is far more effective than preventing the particular chronic disorders. Currently, anti-aging pharmacology is a rapidly developing discipline. It is a preventive field of health care, as opposed to conventional medicine which focuses on treating symptoms rather than root causes of illness. A number of pharmacological agents targeting basic aging pathways (i.e., calorie restriction mimetics, autophagy inducers, senolytics etc.) are now under investigation. This review summarizes the literature related to advances, perspectives and challenges in the field of anti-aging pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oleh V Lushchak
- Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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6
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Khavinson VK, Kuznik BI, Tarnovskaya SI, Linkova NS. Peptides and CCL11 and HMGB1 as molecular markers of aging: Literature review and own data. ADVANCES IN GERONTOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079057015030078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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8
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Effect of antioxidants supplementation on aging and longevity. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:404680. [PMID: 24783202 PMCID: PMC3982418 DOI: 10.1155/2014/404680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
If aging is due to or contributed by free radical reactions, as postulated by the free radical theory of aging, lifespan of organisms should be extended by administration of exogenous antioxidants. This paper reviews data on model organisms concerning the effects of exogenous antioxidants (antioxidant vitamins, lipoic acid, coenzyme Q, melatonin, resveratrol, curcumin, other polyphenols, and synthetic antioxidants including antioxidant nanoparticles) on the lifespan of model organisms. Mechanisms of effects of antioxidants, often due to indirect antioxidant action or to action not related to the antioxidant properties of the compounds administered, are discussed. The legitimacy of antioxidant supplementation in human is considered.
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Khavinson VK, Kuznik BI, Ryzhak GA. Peptide bioregulators: A new class of geroprotectors. Message 1: Results of experimental studies. ADVANCES IN GERONTOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079057013030065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK. Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects. Biogerontology 2009; 11:139-49. [PMID: 19830585 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-009-9249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Accepted: 09/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The review comprises the results of author's long-term investigation in the mechanisms of aging and a role of peptide bioregulators in prevention of age-related pathology. A number of small peptides have been isolated from different organs and tissues and their analogues (di-, tri-, tetrapeptides) were synthesized from the amino acids. It was shown that long-term treatment with some peptide preparations increased mean life span by 20-40%, slow down the age-related changes in the biomarkers of aging and suppressed development of spontaneous and induced by chemical or radiation carcinogens tumorigenesis in rodents. Possible mechanisms of the biological effects of small peptides are discussed in the paper. The results of clinical applications of peptide preparation during the period of 6-12 years are presented as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Anisimov
- N.N. Petrov Research Institute of Oncology, Leningradskaya Str. 68, Pesochny-2, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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11
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Kapoor VK, Dureja J, Chadha R. Synthetic drugs with anti-ageing effects. Drug Discov Today 2009; 14:899-904. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2009.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2008] [Revised: 07/16/2009] [Accepted: 07/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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12
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Sinclair DA. Toward a unified theory of caloric restriction and longevity regulation. Mech Ageing Dev 2005; 126:987-1002. [PMID: 15893363 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2005.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 398] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2004] [Revised: 02/03/2005] [Accepted: 03/15/2005] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The diet known as calorie restriction (CR) is the most reproducible way to extend the lifespan of mammals. Many of the early hypotheses to explain this effect were based on it being a passive alteration in metabolism. Yet, recent data from yeast, worms, flies, and mammals support the idea that CR is not simply a passive effect but an active, highly conserved stress response that evolved early in life's history to increase an organism's chance of surviving adversity. This perspective updates the evidence for and against the various hypotheses of CR, and concludes that many of them can be synthesized into a single, unifying hypothesis. This has important implications for how we might develop novel medicines that can harness these newly discovered innate mechanisms of disease resistance and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Sinclair
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Paster, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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13
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Semenchenko GV, Anisimov VN, Yashin AI. Stressors and antistressors: how do they influence life span in HER-2/neu transgenic mice? Exp Gerontol 2004; 39:1499-511. [PMID: 15501020 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2004.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2004] [Revised: 07/13/2004] [Accepted: 08/06/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate possible influences of different stressors (saline injections, light deprivation and constant light regimen) and geroprotectors (Epitalon and melatonin) on survivals of female HER-2/neu transgenic mice. We propose a semi-parametric model of heterogeneous mortality (frailty model) for the analysis of the experimental data. In this model, we assume that treatment influences parameters of both frailty distribution and baseline hazard. The unique design of the experiments makes it possible to compare the effects on survival produced by different treatments in terms of changes in population heterogeneity and underlying hazard. Parameters of the model help to describe the possible influences of various stressors, geroprotectors, and their dosage on the life span of laboratory animals. The proposed model helps to advance our understanding of the effects--such as debilitation, longevity hormesis and incomplete hormesis--which occur in the population as a result of different treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganna V Semenchenko
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Konrad-Zuse-Strasse 1, Rostock D-18057, Germany.
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Abstract
Genetic and environmental interventions that extend life span are a current focus in research on the biology of aging. Most of this work has focused on differences among genotypes and species. A recent study on fruit flies shows that life span extension because of dietary restriction can be highly sex-specific. Here we review the literature on sex-specific effects of 56 genetic and 41 environmental interventions that extend life span in Drosophila melanogaster. We found that only one-sixth of the experiments provided statistical tests of differences in response between males and females, suggesting that sex-specific effects have been largely ignored. When measured, the life span extension was female-biased in 8 of 16 cases, male-biased in 5 of 16 cases, and not significantly different in only 3 of 16 cases. We discuss possible explanations for the sex-specific differences and suggest various ways in which we might test these hypotheses. We argue that understanding sex differences in the response to life span-extending manipulations should lead to new insights about the basic mechanisms that underlie the biology of aging in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joep M S Burger
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7223, USA. @uga.edu
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Morrow G, Samson M, Michaud S, Tanguay RM. Overexpression of the small mitochondrial Hsp22 extends Drosophila life span and increases resistance to oxidative stress. FASEB J 2004; 18:598-9. [PMID: 14734639 DOI: 10.1096/fj.03-0860fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (Hsp) are involved in protein folding, transport and stress resistance. Studies reporting an increased mRNA level of hsp genes in aged Drosophila suggest that expression of Hsp might be beneficial in preventing damages induced by aging. Because oxidative damage is often observed in aged organisms and mitochondria are sensitive to reactive oxygen species, we tested the hypothesis that increased levels of a small Hsp localized in mitochondria, Hsp22 of Drosophila melanogaster, could protect mitochondrial proteins and influence the aging process. We demonstrate that a ubiquitous or a targeted expression of Hsp22 within motorneurons increases the mean life span by more than 30%. Hsp22 shows beneficial effects on early-aging events since the premortality phase displays the same increase as the mean lifespan. Moreover, flies expressing Hsp22 in their motorneurons maintain their locomotor activity longer as assessed by a negative geotaxis assay. The motorneurons-targeted expression of Hsp22 also significantly increases flies' resistance to oxidative injuries induced by paraquat (up to 35%) and thermal stress (39% at 30 degrees C and 23% at 37 degrees C). These observations establish Hsp22 as a key player in cell-protection mechanisms against oxidative injuries and aging in Drosophila and corroborate the pivotal role of mitochondria in the process of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Morrow
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Genetics, CREFSIP and Department Medicine, Université Laval, Ste-Foy, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
The incidence of cancer increases with age in humans and in laboratory animals alike. There are different patterns of age-related distribution of tumors in different organs and tissues. Aging may increase or decrease the susceptibility of various tissues to initiation of carcinogenesis and usually facilitates promotion and progression of carcinogenesis. Aging may predispose to cancer by several mechanisms: (1) tissue accumulation of cells in late stages of carcinogenesis; (2) alterations in homeostasis, in particular, alterations in immune and endocrine system and (3) telomere instability linking aging and increased cancer risk. Increased susceptibility to the effects of tumor promoters is found both in aged animals and aged humans, as predicted by the multistage model of carcinogenesis. Available evidence supporting the relevance of replicative senescence of human cells and telomere biology to human cancer seems quite strong, however, the evidence linking cellular senescence to human aging is controversial and required additional studies. Data on the acceleration of aging by carcinogenic agents as well as on increased cancer risk in patients with premature aging are critically discussed. In genetically modified mouse models (transgenic, knockout or mutant) characterized by the aging delay, the incidence of tumors usually similar to those in controls, whereas the latent period of tumor development is increased. Practically all models of accelerated of aging in genetically modified animals show the increase in the incidence and the reduction in the latency of tumors. Strategies for cancer prevention must include not only measures to minimize exposure to exogenous carcinogenic agents, but also measures to normalize the age-related alterations in internal milieu. Life-span prolonging drugs (geroprotectors) may either postpone population aging and increase of tumor latency or decrease the mortality in long-living individuals in populations and inhibit carcinogenesis. At least some geroprotectors may increase the survival of a short-living individuals in populations but increase the incidence of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Anisimov
- Department of Carcinogenesis and Oncogerontology, N.N. Petrov Research Institute of Oncology, Pesochny-2, 68 Leningradskaya St., St. Petersburg 197758, Russia.
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17
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Anisimov VN, Khavinson VKH, Provinciali M, Alimova IN, Baturin DA, Popovich IG, Zabezhinski MA, Imyanitov EN, Mancini R, Franceschi C. Inhibitory effect of the peptide epitalon on the development of spontaneous mammary tumors in HER-2/neu transgenic mice. Int J Cancer 2002; 101:7-10. [PMID: 12209581 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.10570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Female FVB/N HER-2/neu transgenic mice from the age of 2 months were subcutaneously injected with saline, the peptide Epitalon(R) (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) or with the peptide Vilon(R) (Lys-Glu) in a single dose of 1 microg/mouse for 5 consecutive days every month. Epitalon treatment reduced the cumulative number and the maximum size of tumors (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the number of mice bearing 1 mammary tumor was increased, whereas the number of mice bearing 2 or more mammary tumors was reduced in Epitalon-treated in comparison to saline-treated animals (p < 0.05). The size but not the number of lung metastases was reduced in Epitalon-treated compared to saline-treated mice (p < 0.05). The treatment with Vilon produced significant negative effects when compared to the control group, with an increased incidence of mammary cancer development (p < 0.05), a shorter mean latent period of tumors (p < 0.05) and an increased cumulative number of tumors (p < 0.05). A 3.7-fold reduction in the expression of HER-2/neu mRNA was found in mammary tumors from HER-2/neu transgenic mice treated with Epitalon compared to control animals. The expression of mRNA for HER-2/neu was also partially reduced in Vilon-treated mice, but it remained significantly higher in Vilon- than in Epitalon-treated animals (1.9-fold increase). The data demonstrate the inhibitory effect of Epitalon in the development of spontaneous mammary tumors in HER-2/neu mice, suggesting that a downregulation of HER-2/neu gene expression in mammary adenocarcinoma may be responsible, at least in part, for the antitumor effect of the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Anisimov
- Department of Carcinogenesis and Oncogerontology, N.N. Petrov Research Institute of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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