In vitro caloric restriction induces protective genes and functional rejuvenation in senescent SAMP8 astrocytes

Ageing in the brain: mechanisms and rejuvenating strategies

Ageing is characterized by the progressive loss of cellular homeostasis, leading to an overall decline of the organism's fitness. In the brain, ageing is highly associated with cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. With the rise in life expectancy, characterizing the brain ageing process becomes fundamental for developing therapeutic interventions against the increased incidence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases and to aim for an increase in human life span and, more importantly, health span. In this review, we start by introducing the molecular/cellular hallmarks associated with brain ageing and their impact on brain cell populations. Subsequently, we assess emerging evidence on how systemic ageing translates into brain ageing. Finally, we revisit the mainstream and the novel rejuvenating strategies, discussing the most successful ones in delaying brain ageing and related diseases.

Role of Senescent Astrocytes in Health and Disease

For many decades after their discovery, astrocytes, the abundant glial cells of the brain, were believed to work as a glue, supporting the structure and metabolic functions of neurons. A revolution that started over 30 years ago revealed many additional functions of these cells, including neurogenesis, gliosecretion, glutamate homeostasis, assembly and function of synapses, neuronal metabolism with energy production, and others. These properties have been confirmed, limited however, to proliferating astrocytes. During their aging or following severe brain stress lesions, proliferating astrocytes are converted into their no-longer-proliferating, senescent forms, similar in their morphology but profoundly modified in their functions. The changed specificity of senescent astrocytes is largely due to their altered gene expression. The ensuing effects include downregulation of many properties typical of proliferating astrocytes, and upregulation of many others, concerned with neuroinflammation, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, dysfunction of synapses, etc., specific to their senescence program. The ensuing decrease in neuronal support and protection by astrocytes induces the development, in vulnerable brain regions, of neuronal toxicity together with cognitive decline. Similar changes, ultimately reinforced by astrocyte aging, are also induced by traumatic events and molecules involved in dynamic processes. Senescent astrocytes play critical roles in the development of many severe brain diseases. The first demonstration, obtained for Alzheimer's disease less than 10 years ago, contributed to the elimination of the previously predominant neuro-centric amyloid hypothesis. The initial astrocyte effects, operating a considerable time before the appearance of known Alzheimer's symptoms evolve with the severity of the disease up to their proliferation during the final outcome. Involvement of astrocytes in other neurodegenerative diseases and cancer is now intensely investigated.

Calorie Restriction Rescues Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Adck2-Deficient Skeletal Muscle

ADCK2 haploinsufficiency-mediated mitochondrial coenzyme Q deficiency in skeletal muscle causes mitochondrial myopathy associated with defects in beta-oxidation of fatty acids, aged-matched metabolic reprogramming, and defective physical performance. Calorie restriction has proven to increase lifespan and delay the onset of chronic diseases associated to aging. To study the possible treatment by food deprivation, heterozygous Adck2 knockout mice were fed under 40% calorie restriction (CR) and the phenotype was followed for 7 months. The overall glucose and fatty acids metabolism in muscle was restored in mutant mice to WT levels after CR. CR modulated the skeletal muscle metabolic profile of mutant mice, partially rescuing the profile of WT animals. The analysis of mitochondria isolated from skeletal muscle demonstrated that CR increased both CoQ levels and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) based on both glucose and fatty acids substrates, along with mitochondrial mass. The elevated aerobic metabolism fits with an increase of type IIa fibers, and a reduction of type IIx in mutant muscles, reaching WT levels. To further explore the effect of CR over muscle stem cells, satellite cells were isolated and induced to differentiate in culture media containing serum from animals in either ad libitum or CR diets for 72 h. Mutant cells showed slower differentiation alongside with decreased oxygen consumption. In vitro differentiation of mutant cells was increased under CR serum reaching levels of WT isolated cells, recovering respiration measured by OCR and partially beta-oxidation of fatty acids. The overall increase of skeletal muscle bioenergetics following CR intervention is paralleled with a physical activity improvement, with some increases in two and four limbs strength tests, and weights strength test. Running wheel activity was also partially improved in mutant mice under CR. These results demonstrate that CR intervention, which has been shown to improve age-associated physical and metabolic decline in WT mice, also recovers the defective aerobic metabolism and differentiation of skeletal muscle in mice caused by ADCK2 haploinsufficiency.

Caloric Restriction May Help Delay the Onset of Frailty and Support Frailty Management

Frailty is an age-related clinical syndrome that may increase the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and death in older adults. Delaying the progression of frailty helps improve the quality of life in older adults. Caloric restriction (CR) may extend lifespan and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. However, few studies have explored the relationship between CR and frailty. In this review, we focused on the impact of CR on frailty and aimed to identify potential associated mechanisms. Although CR may help prevent frailty, further studies are required to determine the underlying mechanisms and specific CR regimens suitable for use in humans.

Nutrition and cellular senescence in obesity-related disorders

Adequate nutrition is vital for immune homeostasis. However, the incidence of obesity is increasing worldwide due to the adoption of the Western diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation which alters the function of adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, and the nervous system. Inflammation is related to cellular senescence, distinguished by irreversible cell cycle arrest. Senescent cells secrete the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) which contains pro-inflammatory factors. Targeting processes in senescence might have a salutary approach to obesity. The present review highlights the impact of an unhealthy diet on tissues affected by obesity, and the mechanisms that promote the consequent inflammation and senescence.

Microglial Hyperreactivity Evolved to Immunosuppression in the Hippocampus of a Mouse Model of Accelerated Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Traits

Neuroinflammation is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We sought to study the glial derangement in AD using diverse experimental models and human brain tissue. Besides classical pro-inflammatory cytokines, we analyzed chitinase 3 like 1 (CHI3L1 or YKL40) and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) that are increasingly being associated with astrogliosis and microgliosis in AD, respectively. The SAMP8 mouse model of accelerated aging and AD traits showed elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and activated microglia phenotype. Furthermore, 6-month-old SAMP8 showed an exacerbated inflammatory response to peripheral lipopolysaccharide in the hippocampus and null responsiveness at the advanced age (for this strain) of 12 months. Gene expression of TREM2 was increased in the hippocampus of transgenic 5XFAD mice and in the cingulate cortex of autosomal dominant AD patients, and to a lesser extent in aged SAMP8 mice and sporadic early-onset AD patients. However, gene expression of CHI3L1 was increased in mice but not in human AD brain samples. The results support the relevance of microglia activation in the pathways leading to neurodegeneration and suggest diverse neuroinflammatory responses according to the AD process. Therefore, the SAMP8 mouse model with marked alterations in the dynamics of microglia activation and senescence may provide a complementary approach to transgenic mouse models for the study of the neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying AD risk and progression.

Cellular Senescence: Mechanisms, Morphology, and Mouse Models

Cellular senescence is a cell cycle arrest in damaged or aged cells. Although this represents a critical mechanism of tumor suppression, persistence of senescent cells during aging induces chronic inflammation and tissue dysfunction through the adoption of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This has been shown to promote the progression of age-associated diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and atherosclerosis. As the global population ages, the role of cellular senescence in disease is becoming a more critical area of research. In this review, mechanisms, biomarkers, and pathology of cellular senescence and SASP are described with a brief discussion of literature supporting a role for cellular senescence in veterinary diseases. Cell culture and mouse models used in senescence studies are also reviewed including the senescence-accelerated mouse-prone (SAMP), senescence pathway knockout mice (p53, p21 [CDKN1A], and p16 [CDKN2A]), and the more recently developed senolysis mice, which allow for direct visualization and elimination (or lysis) of senescent cells in live mice (p16-3MR and INK-ATTAC). These and other mouse models have demonstrated the importance of cellular senescence in embryogenesis and wound healing but have also identified a therapeutic benefit for targeting persistent senescent cells in age-associated diseases including neurodegeneration, diabetes, and cardiac fibrosis.

CDK5 Targeting as a Therapy for Recovering Neurovascular Unit Integrity in Alzheimer's Disease

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is responsible for synchronizing the energetic demand, vasodynamic changes, and neurochemical and electrical function of the brain through a closed and interdependent interaction of cell components conforming to brain tissue. In this review, we will focus on cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) as a molecular pivot, which plays a crucial role in the healthy function of neurons, astrocytes, and the endothelium and is implicated in the cross-talk of cellular adhesion signaling, ion transmission, and cytoskeletal remodeling, thus allowing the individual and interconnected homeostasis of cerebral parenchyma. Then, we discuss how CDK5 overactivation affects the integrity of the NVU in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive impairment; we emphasize how CDK5 is involved in the excitotoxicity spreading of glutamate and Ca2+ imbalance under acute and chronic injury. Additionally, we present pharmacological and gene therapy strategies for producing partial depletion of CDK5 activity on neurons, astrocytes, or endothelium to recover neuroplasticity and neurotransmission, suggesting that the NVU should be the targeted tissue unit in protective strategies. Finally, we conclude that CDK5 could be effective due to its intervention on astrocytes by its end feet on the endothelium and neurons, acting as an intermediary cell between systemic and central communication in the brain. This review provides integrated guidance regarding the pathogenesis of and potential repair strategies for AD.

Targeting Mitochondrial Defects to Increase Longevity in Animal Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Bioenergetic homeostasis is a vital process maintaining cellular health and has primary importance in neuronal cells due to their high energy demand markedly at synapses. Mitochondria, the metabolic hubs of the cells, are the organelles responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP by using nutrients and oxygen. Defects in mitochondrial homeostasis result in energy deprivation and can lead to disrupted neuronal functions. Mitochondrial defects adversely contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondrial defects not only include reduced ATP levels but also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to cellular damage. Here, we detail the mechanisms that lead to neuronal pathologies involving mitochondrial defects. Furthermore, we discuss how to target these mitochondrial defects in order to have beneficial effects as novel and complementary therapeutic avenues in neurodegenerative diseases. The critical evaluation of these strategies and their potential outcome can pave the way for finding novel therapies for neurodegenerative pathologies.

Role of Resveratrol and Selenium on Oxidative Stress and Expression of Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Genes in Immortalized Lymphocytes from Alzheimer's Disease Patients

Oxidative damage is involved in the pathophysiology of age-related ailments, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies have shown that the brain tissue and also lymphocytes from AD patients present increased oxidative stress compared to healthy controls (HCs). Here, we use lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from AD patients and HCs to investigate the role of resveratrol (RV) and selenium (Se) in the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated after an oxidative injury. We also studied whether these compounds elicited expression changes in genes involved in the antioxidant cell response and other aging-related mechanisms. AD LCLs showed higher ROS levels than those from HCs in response to H2O2 and FeSO4 oxidative insults. RV triggered a protective response against ROS under control and oxidizing conditions, whereas Se exerted antioxidant effects only in AD LCLs under oxidizing conditions. RV increased the expression of genes encoding known antioxidants (catalase, copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase 1, glutathione S-transferase zeta 1) and anti-aging factors (sirtuin 1 and sirtuin 3) in both AD and HC LCLs. Our findings support RV as a candidate for inducing resilience and protection against AD, and reinforce the value of LCLs as a feasible peripheral cell model for understanding the protective mechanisms of nutraceuticals against oxidative stress in aging and AD.

Understanding Epigenetics in the Neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's Disease: SAMP8 Mouse Model

Epigenetics is emerging as the missing link among genetic inheritance, environmental influences, and body and brain health status. In the brain, specific changes in nucleic acids or their associated proteins in neurons and glial cells might imprint differential patterns of gene activation that will favor either cognitive enhancement or cognitive loss for more than one generation. Furthermore, derangement of age-related epigenetic signaling is appearing as a significant risk factor for illnesses of aging, including neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, better knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms might provide hints and clues in the triggering and progression of AD. Intense research in experimental models suggests that molecular interventions for modulating epigenetic mechanisms might have therapeutic applications to promote cognitive maintenance through an advanced age. The SAMP8 mouse is a senescence model with AD traits in which the study of epigenetic alterations may unveil epigenetic therapies against the AD.

Icariin Delays Brain Aging in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) Model via Inhibiting Autophagy

Icariin (ICA), a major flavonoid extracted from the Chinese tonic herb Epimedium, exerts beneficial effects in a variety of age-dependent diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the antiaging mechanisms remain unclear. The senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) model has been used to study age-related neurodegenerative changes associated with aging and the pathogenesis of AD. Hence, the current study was designed to examine the effect of ICA on age-related cognitive decline in SAMP8 mice and explore the role of autophagy in the ICA-mediated neuroprotection. SAMP8 mice were administered with ICA starting at 5 months of age, and the treatment lasted for 3 consecutive months. Morris water maze was used to evaluate cognitive function. The senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining was used to determine the number of senescence cells. The neuronal morphologic changes were examined via Nissl staining. The hippocampal neuronal ultrastructure was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of autophagy protein was examined by Western blot. ICA-treated SAMP8 mice exhibited a robust improvement in spatial learning and memory function. Meanwhile, ICA reduced the number of senescence cells in the brains of SAMP8 mice, inhibited neuronal loss, and reversed neuronal structural changes in the hippocampi of SAMP8 mice. Moreover, ICA treatment also decreased the formation of autophagosomes in the hippocampus of SAMP8 mice, and reduced the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3-II and p62. These results demonstrate that ICA possesses the ability to delay brain aging in SAMP8 mice, and the mechanisms are possibly mediated through the regulation of autophagy.

Dietary Restriction and Neuroinflammation: A Potential Mechanistic Link

Chronic neuroinflammation is a common feature of the aged brain, and its association with the major neurodegenerative changes involved in cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction is well established. One of the most potent antiaging interventions tested so far is dietary restriction (DR), which extends the lifespan in various organisms. Microglia and astrocytes are two major types of glial cells involved in the regulation of neuroinflammation. Accumulating evidence suggests that the age-related proinflammatory activation of astrocytes and microglia is attenuated under DR. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying DR-mediated regulation of neuroinflammation are not well understood. Here, we review the current understanding of the effects of DR on neuroinflammation and suggest an underlying mechanistic link between DR and neuroinflammation that may provide novel insights into the role of DR in aging and age-associated brain disorders.

RAC3 more than a nuclear receptor coactivator: a key inhibitor of senescence that is downregulated in aging

Receptor-associated coactivator 3 (RAC3) is a nuclear receptor coactivator usually overexpressed in tumors that exerts oncogenic functions in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Although as part of its oncogenic actions it was previously identified as an inhibitor of apoptosis and autophagy, its expression is required in order to preserve the pluripotency and embryonic stem cell self-renewal. In this work we investigated its role in cellular senescence. We found that RAC3 overexpression in the nontumoral HEK293 cells inhibits the premature senescence induced by hydrogen peroxide or rapamycin. The mechanism involves not only the inhibition of autophagy early induced by these stimuli in the pathway to senescence, but also the increase in levels and nuclear localization of both the cell cycle suppressors p53/p21 and the longevity promoters FOXO1A, FOXO3A and SIRT1. Furthermore, we found that RAC3 overexpression is required in order to maintain the telomerase activity. In tumoral HeLa cells its activity was inhibited by depletion of RAC3 inducing replicative senescence. Moreover, we demonstrated that in vivo, levels of RAC3 are downregulated in the liver from aged as compared with young rats, whereas the levels of p21 are increased, correlating with the expected senescent cell contents in aged tissues. A similar downregulation of RAC3 was observed in the premature and replicative senescence of human fetal WI-38 cells and premature senescence of hepatocyte HepG2 cell line. Taken together, all these results demonstrate that RAC3 is an inhibitor of senescence whose downregulation in aged individuals could be probably a tumor suppressor mechanism, avoiding the clonal expansion of risky old cells having damaged DNA.

Reduced apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 activity and increased DNA damage in mitochondria are related to enhanced apoptosis and inflammation in the brain of senescence- accelerated P8 mice (SAMP8)

The senescence- accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) is a well- characterized animal model of senescence that shows early age- related neurodegeneration with impairment in learning and memory skills when compared with control senescence- resistant mice (SAMR1). In the current study, we investigated whether such impairment could be partly due to changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) repair capacity and mitochondrial DNA damage in the brain of SAMP8 mice. Besides we studied whether these potential changes were related to modifications in two major processes likely involved in aging and neurodegeneration: apoptosis and inflammation. We observed that the specific activity of one of the main mtDNA repair enzymes, the mitochondrial APE1, showed an age- related reduction in SAMP8 animals, while in SAMR1 mice mitochondrial APE1 increased with age. The reduction in mtAPE1 activity in SAMP8 animals was associated with increased levels of the DNA oxidative damage marker 8oxodG in mtDNA. Our results also indicate that these changes were related to a premature increase in apoptotic events and inflammation in the brain of SAMP8 mice when compared to SAMR1 counterparts. We suggest that the premature neurodegenerative phenotype observed in SAMP8 animals might be due, at least in part, to changes in the processing of mtDNA oxidative damage, which would lead to enhancement of apoptotic and inflammatory processes.