Serine- and threonine/valine-dependent activation of PDK and Tor orthologs converge on Sch9 to promote aging

Exploring juventology: unlocking the secrets of youthspan and longevity programs

In recent decades, the study of biological aging has evolved from simplistic theories like the free radical theory to more complex and nuanced perspectives. In particular, the identification of evolutionary conserved genes and signaling pathways that can modulate both lifespan but also healthspan has resulted in the expanding understanding of the link between nutrients, signal transduction proteins, and aging along with substantial support for the existence of multiple "longevity programs," which are activated based on the availability of nutrients. Periodic fasting and other dietary restrictions can promote entry into a longevity program characterized by cellular protection and optimized function, and the activation of regenerative processes that lead to rejuvenation. This review discusses the idea of juventology, a novel field proposing the existence of longevity programs that can maintain organisms in a highly functional state for extended periods of time. Drawing upon research on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other model organisms, the review explores the distinctiveness of juventology from traditional aging-centered views. The focus on the "age of youth" challenges conventional thinking and opens new avenues for understanding and extending the period of peak functionality in organisms. Thus, a "juventology"-based strategy can complement the traditional gerontology approach by focusing not on aging but on the longevity program affecting the life history period in which mortality is very low and organisms remain youthful, healthy, and fully functional.

Integrated metabolomic and lipidomic analysis revealed the protective mechanisms of Erzhi Wan on senescent NRK cells through BRL cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Erzhi Wan (EZW), as a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for tonifying the liver and kidney. Although past studies have shown that EZW has potential anti-aging effect, the mechanisms associated with cellular metabolomics and lipidomics are not fully understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-aging effect of EZW and investigate the mechanisms associated with cellular metabolomics and lipidomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EZW solution at dosage of 3.6 g/kg in Sprague-Dawley rats was orally administered twice a day for 7 days and serum containing EZW was then collected. NRK cell senescence model induced by D-galactose was established in vitro, and non-contact co-culture cell assay was performed between senescent NRK cells and BRL cells intervened by serum containing EZW. The anti-aging effect of EZW on NRK cells was evaluated by metabolites identification, differential metabolites screening and metabolic pathways analysis through cellular metabolomics with GC-MS and lipidomics with UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS.

RESULTS

Serum containing EZW indicated a protective effect through intervening BRL cells in non-contact co-culture system with D-gal-induced senescent NRK cells. For metabolic profiles, 71 endogenous metabolites were identified, among which 24 significantly differential metabolites were screened as metabolomics potential biomarkers. For lipidic profiles, 64 lipid components were identified in NRK cell samples under positive ion mode, among which 24 potential biomarkers of lipids were screened, mainly including PC and PE. 127 lipid components were identified in NRK cell samples under negative ion mode, among which 59 potential biomarkers of lipids were screened, including FA, PC, PE, PI and PS. Metabolic pathway analysis demonstrated that the identified differential metabolites found mainly involved in amino acids metabolism, energy metabolism and phospholipid biosynthesis pathways.

CONCLUSION

Serum containing EZW exhibited protective effect on D-gal-induced senescent NRK cells through intervening BRL cells by mainly regulating amino acids metabolism, energy metabolism and phospholipid biosynthesis pathways to possess its anti-aging function, providing a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of EZW.

Inactivation of Ymr1, Sjl2/3 phosphatases promotes stress resistance and longevity in wild type and Ras2G19V yeast

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ras (RAt Sarcoma) activity plays a central role in mediating the effect of glucose in decreasing stress resistance and longevity, with constitutive Ras activation mutations promoting cell growth and oncogenesis. Here, we used transposon mutagenesis in yeast to identify suppressors of the constitutively active Ras2G19V, orthologue of the KRASG12C mammalian oncogene. We identified mutations in YMR1 (Yeast Myotubularin Related), SJL2 (SynaptoJanin-Like) and SJL3 phosphatases, which target phosphatidylinositol phosphates, as the most potent suppressors of constitutive active Ras, able to reverse its effect on stress sensitization and sufficient to extend longevity. In sjl2 mutants, the staining of Ras-GTP switched from membrane-associated to a diffuse cytoplasmic staining, suggesting that it may block Ras activity by preventing its localization. Whereas expression of the Sjl2 PI 3,4,5 phosphatase mediated stress sensitization in both the Ras2G19V and wild type backgrounds, overexpression of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase VPS34 (Vacuolar Protein Sorting), promoted heat shock sensitization only in the Ras2G19V background, suggesting a complex relationship between different phosphatidylinositol and stress resistance. These results provide potential targets to inhibit the growth of cancer cells with constitutive Ras activity and link the glucose-dependent yeast pro-aging Ras signaling pathway to the well-established pro-aging PI3K (PhosphoInositide 3-Kinase) pathway in worms and other species raising the possibility that the conserved longevity effect of mutations in the PI3K-AKT (AK strain Transforming) pathway may involve inhibition of Ras signaling.

Branched-chain amino acid synthesis is coupled to TOR activation early in the cell cycle in yeast

How cells coordinate their metabolism with division determines the rate of cell proliferation. Dynamic patterns of metabolite synthesis during the cell cycle are unexplored. We report the first isotope tracing analysis in synchronous, growing budding yeast cells. Synthesis of leucine, a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), increases through the G1 phase of the cell cycle, peaking later during DNA replication. Cells lacking Bat1, a mitochondrial aminotransferase that synthesizes BCAAs, grow slower, are smaller, and are delayed in the G1 phase, phenocopying cells in which the growth-promoting kinase complex TORC1 is moderately inhibited. Loss of Bat1 lowers the levels of BCAAs and reduces TORC1 activity. Exogenous provision of valine and, to a lesser extent, leucine to cells lacking Bat1 promotes cell division. Valine addition also increases TORC1 activity. In wild-type cells, TORC1 activity is dynamic in the cell cycle, starting low in early G1 but increasing later in the cell cycle. These results suggest a link between BCAA synthesis from glucose to TORC1 activation in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.

The Yeast Protein Kinase Sch9 Functions as a Central Nutrient-Responsive Hub That Calibrates Metabolic and Stress-Related Responses

Yeast cells are equipped with different nutrient signaling pathways that enable them to sense the availability of various nutrients and adjust metabolism and growth accordingly. These pathways are part of an intricate network since most of them are cross-regulated and subject to feedback regulation at different levels. In yeast, a central role is played by Sch9, a protein kinase that functions as a proximal effector of the conserved growth-regulatory TORC1 complex to mediate information on the availability of free amino acids. However, recent studies established that Sch9 is more than a TORC1-effector as its activity is tuned by several other kinases. This allows Sch9 to function as an integrator that aligns different input signals to achieve accuracy in metabolic responses and stress-related molecular adaptations. In this review, we highlight the latest findings on the structure and regulation of Sch9, as well as its role as a nutrient-responsive hub that impacts on growth and longevity of yeast cells. Given that most key players impinging on Sch9 are well-conserved, we also discuss how studies on Sch9 can be instrumental to further elucidate mechanisms underpinning healthy aging in mammalians.

Assessing chronological aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Chronological age represents the time that passes between birth and a given date. To understand the complex network of factors contributing to chronological lifespan, a variety of model organisms have been implemented. One of the best studied organisms is the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which has greatly contributed toward identifying conserved biological mechanisms that act on longevity. Here, we discuss high- und low-throughput protocols to monitor and characterize chronological lifespan and chronological aging-associated cell death in S. cerevisiae. Included are propidium iodide staining with the possibility to quantitatively assess aging-associated cell death via flow cytometry or qualitative assessments via microscopy, cell viability assessment through plating and cell counting and cell death characterization via propidium iodide/AnnexinV staining and subsequent flow cytometric analysis or microscopy. Importantly, all of these methods combined give a clear picture of the chronological lifespan under different conditions or genetic backgrounds and represent a starting point for pharmacological or genetic interventions.

Homo cerevisiae-Leveraging Yeast for Investigating Protein-Protein Interactions and Their Role in Human Disease

Understanding how genetic variation affects phenotypes represents a major challenge, particularly in the context of human disease. Although numerous disease-associated genes have been identified, the clinical significance of most human variants remains unknown. Despite unparalleled advances in genomics, functional assays often lack sufficient throughput, hindering efficient variant functionalization. There is a critical need for the development of more potent, high-throughput methods for characterizing human genetic variants. Here, we review how yeast helps tackle this challenge, both as a valuable model organism and as an experimental tool for investigating the molecular basis of phenotypic perturbation upon genetic variation. In systems biology, yeast has played a pivotal role as a highly scalable platform which has allowed us to gain extensive genetic and molecular knowledge, including the construction of comprehensive interactome maps at the proteome scale for various organisms. By leveraging interactome networks, one can view biology from a systems perspective, unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic diseases, and identify therapeutic targets. The use of yeast to assess the molecular impacts of genetic variants, including those associated with viral interactions, cancer, and rare and complex diseases, has the potential to bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, opening the door for precision medicine approaches and therapeutic development.

The remoulding of dietary effects on the fecundity / longevity trade-off in a social insect

BACKGROUND

In many organisms increased reproductive effort is associated with a shortened life span. This trade-off is reflected in conserved molecular pathways that link nutrient-sensing with fecundity and longevity. Social insect queens apparently defy the fecundity / longevity trade-off as they are both, extremely long-lived and highly fecund. Here, we have examined the effects of a protein-enriched diet on these life-history traits and on tissue-specific gene expression in a termite species of low social complexity.

RESULTS

On a colony level, we did not observe reduced lifespan and increased fecundity, effects typically seen in solitary model organisms, after protein enrichment. Instead, on the individual level mortality was reduced in queens that consumed more of the protein-enriched diet - and partially also in workers - while fecundity seemed unaffected. Our transcriptome analyses supported our life-history results. Consistent with life span extension, the expression of IIS (insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signalling) components was reduced in fat bodies after protein enrichment. Interestingly, however, genes involved in reproductive physiology (e.g., vitellogenin) were largely unaffected in fat body and head transcriptomes.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IIS is decoupled from downstream fecundity-associated pathways, which can contribute to the remoulding of the fecundity/longevity trade-off in termites as compared to solitary insects.

Fasting and fasting mimicking diets in cancer prevention and therapy

Fasting mimicking diets (FMDs) are emerging as effective dietary interventions with the potential to improve healthspan and decrease the incidence of cancer and other age-related diseases. Unlike chronic dietary restrictions or water-only fasting, FMDs represent safer and less challenging options for cancer patients. FMD cycles increase protection in healthy cells while sensitizing cancer cells to various therapies, partly by generating complex environments that promote differential stress resistance (DSR) and differential stress sensitization (DSS), respectively. More recent data indicate that FMD cycles enhance the efficacy of a range of drugs targeting different cancers in mice by stimulating antitumor immunity. Here, we report on the effects of FMD cycles on cancer prevention and treatment and the mechanisms implicated in these effects.

Anti-Aging and Neuroprotective Properties of Grifola frondosa and Hericium erinaceus Extracts

Nutrition has relevant consequences for human health and increasing pieces of evidence indicate that medicinal mushrooms have several beneficial effects. One of the main issues in Western countries is represented by the challenges of aging and age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders. Among these, Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects 10 million people worldwide and is associated with α-synuclein misfolding, also found in other pathologies collectively called synucleinopathies. Here, we show that aqueous extracts of two edible mushrooms, Grifola frondosa and Hericium erinaceus, represent a valuable source of β-glucans and exert anti-aging effects in yeast. Their beneficial effects are mediated through the inhibition of the Ras/PKA pathway, with increased expression of heat shock proteins, along with a consistent increase of both mean and maximal lifespans. These fungal extracts also reduce the toxicity of α-synuclein heterologously expressed in yeast cells, resulting in reduced ROS levels, lower α-synuclein membrane localization, and protein aggregation. The neuroprotective activity of G. frondosa extract was also confirmed in a PD model of Drosophila melanogaster. Taken together, our data suggest the use of G. frondosa and H. erinaceus as functional food to prevent aging and age-related disorders, further supporting the neuro-healthy properties of these medicinal mushroom extracts.

Yeast Chronological Lifespan: Longevity Regulatory Genes and Mechanisms

S. cerevisiae plays a pivotal role as a model system in understanding the biochemistry and molecular biology of mammals including humans. A considerable portion of our knowledge on the genes and pathways involved in cellular growth, resistance to toxic agents, and death has in fact been generated using this model organism. The yeast chronological lifespan (CLS) is a paradigm to study age-dependent damage and longevity. In combination with powerful genetic screening and high throughput technologies, the CLS has allowed the identification of longevity genes and pathways but has also introduced a unicellular “test tube” model system to identify and study macromolecular and cellular damage leading to diseases. In addition, it has played an important role in studying the nutrients and dietary regimens capable of affecting stress resistance and longevity and allowing the characterization of aging regulatory networks. The parallel description of the pro-aging roles of homologs of RAS, S6 kinase, adenylate cyclase, and Tor in yeast and in higher eukaryotes in S. cerevisiae chronological survival studies is valuable to understand human aging and disease. Here we review work on the S. cerevisiae chronological lifespan with a focus on the genes regulating age-dependent macromolecular damage and longevity extension.

Histidine kinase two-component response regulators Ssk1, Skn7 and Rim15 differentially control growth, developmental and volatile organic compounds emissions as stress responses in Trichoderma atroviride

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Ssk1 may function as a hub-like RR in T. atroviride, as growth, and differentiation (conidiation).

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Skn7 has a significant role in the production of volatile organic compounds.

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Ssk1 and Rim15 have a role in mycoparasitism and both are negative regulators of volatile organic compounds. Rim15 seems to be a negative regulator of either the accumulation or biosynthesis of terpenes.

The Skn7, Ssk1 and Rim15 proteins are response regulators involved in osmotic, oxidative and nutritional stress in fungi. In order to verify the involvement of these genes in Trichoderma atroviride IMI206040’s growth, conidiation, direct antagonism against plant pathogens (Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with fungistatic effect, and interaction with plants (growth promotion), single mutants were generated, and the phenotypic patterns were analysed in comparison to the wild-type (wt) strain. The mutants were submitted to osmotic, oxidative, membrane and cell wall stress conditions in vitro. The Δskn7 and Δrim15 mutants did not show either significant differences at morphological level, or marked decreases in mycelial growth and conidiation in relation to wt, whereas Δssk1 had altered phenotypes in most conditions tested. The plant-growth promotion of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings induced by VOCs was not quantitatively modified by any of the mutants in relation to the wt strain, although possible differences in secondary root hairs was noticed for Δrim15. The fungistatic activity was significantly altered for Δssk1 and Δrim15. Overall, the Δssk1 strain showed remarkable morphological differences, with decrease in mycelial growth and conidiation, being also affected in the antagonistic capacity against plant pathogens. The impacts demonstrated by the deletion of ssk1 suggest this gene has a relevant participation in the signalling response to different stresses in T. atroviride and in the interactive metabolism with phytopathogens and plants. On the other hand, unlike other fungal models, Skn7 did not appear to have a critical participation in the above-mentioned processes; Rim15 seemed to confirm its involvement in modulating cellular responses to nutritional status, although with a possible cross-talk with other cellular processes. Our results suggest that Ssk1 likely plays a key regulatory role, not only in basic metabolisms of T. atroviride, but also in biocontrol-related characteristics.

Nutrition, longevity and disease: From molecular mechanisms to interventions

Diet as a whole, encompassing food composition, calorie intake, and the length and frequency of fasting periods, affects the time span in which health and functional capacity are maintained. Here, we analyze aging and nutrition studies in simple organisms, rodents, monkeys, and humans to link longevity to conserved growth and metabolic pathways and outline their role in aging and age-related disease. We focus on feasible nutritional strategies shown to delay aging and/or prevent diseases through epidemiological, model organism, clinical, and centenarian studies and underline the need to avoid malnourishment and frailty. These findings are integrated to define a longevity diet based on a multi-pillar approach adjusted for age and health status to optimize lifespan and healthspan in humans.

Metabolomic Profiles of Mouse Tissues Reveal an Interplay between Aging and Energy Metabolism

Energy metabolism, including alterations in energy intake and expenditure, is closely related to aging and longevity. Metabolomics studies have recently unraveled changes in metabolite composition in plasma and tissues during aging and have provided critical information to elucidate the molecular basis of the aging process. However, the metabolic changes in tissues responsible for food intake and lipid storage have remained unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate aging-related metabolic alterations in these tissues. To fill this gap, we employed NMR-based metabolomics in several tissues, including different parts of the intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) and brown/white adipose tissues (BAT, WAT), of young (9-10 weeks) and old (96-104 weeks) wild-type (mixed genetic background of 129/J and C57BL/6) mice. We, further, included plasma and skeletal muscle of the same mice to verify previous results. Strikingly, we found that duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and WAT do not metabolically age. In contrast, plasma, skeletal muscle, and BAT show a strong metabolic aging phenotype. Overall, we provide first insights into the metabolic changes of tissues essential for nutrient uptake and lipid storage and have identified biomarkers for metabolites that could be further explored, to study the molecular mechanisms of aging.

Statistical mediation of the relationships between chronological age and lipoproteins by nonessential amino acids in healthy men

Aging is a major risk factor for metabolic impairment that may lead to age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Different mechanisms that may explain the interplay between aging and lipoproteins, and between aging and low-molecular-weight metabolites (LMWMs), in the metabolic dysregulation associated with age-related diseases have been described separately. Here, we statistically evaluated the possible mediation effects of LMWMs on the relationships between chronological age and lipoprotein concentrations in healthy men ranging from 19 to 75 years of age. Relative and absolute concentrations of LMWMs and lipoproteins, respectively, were assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Multivariate linear regression and mediation analysis were conducted to explore the associations between age, lipoproteins and LMWMs. The statistical significance of the identified mediation effects was evaluated using the bootstrapping technique, and the identified mediation effects were validated on a publicly available dataset. Chronological age was statistically associated with five lipoprotein classes and subclasses. The mediation analysis showed that serine mediated 24.1% (95% CI: 22.9 – 24.7) of the effect of age on LDL-P, and glutamate mediated 17.9% (95% CI: 17.6 – 18.5) of the effect of age on large LDL-P. In the publicly available data, glutamate mediated the relationship between age and an NMR-derived surrogate of cholesterol. Our results suggest that the age-related increase in LDL particles may be mediated by a decrease in the nonessential amino acid glutamate. Future studies may contribute to a better understanding of the potential biological role of glutamate and LDL particles in aging mechanisms and age-related diseases.

Intermittent and Periodic Fasting, Hormones, and Cancer Prevention

The restriction of proteins, amino acids or sugars can have profound effects on the levels of hormones and factors including growth hormone, IGF-1 and insulin. In turn, these can regulate intracellular signaling pathways as well as cellular damage and aging, but also multisystem regeneration. Both intermittent (IF) and periodic fasting (PF) have been shown to have both acute and long-term effects on these hormones. Here, we review the effects of nutrients and fasting on hormones and genes established to affect aging and cancer. We describe the link between dietary interventions and genetic pathways affecting the levels of these hormones and focus on the mechanisms responsible for the cancer preventive effects. We propose that IF and PF can reduce tumor incidence both by delaying aging and preventing DNA damage and immunosenescence and also by killing damaged, pre-cancerous and cancer cells.

The Multifaceted Role of Nutrient Sensing and mTORC1 Signaling in Physiology and Aging

The mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is a growth-related kinase that, in the context of the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), touches upon most fundamental cellular processes. Consequently, its activity is a critical determinant for cellular and organismal physiology, while its dysregulation is commonly linked to human aging and age-related disease. Presumably the most important stimulus that regulates mTORC1 activity is nutrient sufficiency, whereby amino acids play a predominant role. In fact, mTORC1 functions as a molecular sensor for amino acids, linking the cellular demand to the nutritional supply. Notably, dietary restriction (DR), a nutritional regimen that has been shown to extend lifespan and improve healthspan in a broad spectrum of organisms, works via limiting nutrient uptake and changes in mTORC1 activity. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1, using rapamycin or its analogs (rapalogs), can mimic the pro-longevity effects of DR. Conversely, nutritional amino acid overload has been tightly linked to aging and diseases, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Similar effects can also be recapitulated by mutations in upstream mTORC1 regulators, thus establishing a tight connection between mTORC1 signaling and aging. Although the role of growth factor signaling upstream of mTORC1 in aging has been investigated extensively, the involvement of signaling components participating in the nutrient sensing branch is less well understood. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that signal nutrient availability to mTORC1, and summarize the role that nutrients, nutrient sensors, and other components of the nutrient sensing machinery play in cellular and organismal aging.

Amino Acids Whose Intracellular Levels Change Most During Aging Alter Chronological Life Span of Fission Yeast

Amino acid deprivation or supplementation can affect cellular and organismal life span, but we know little about the role of concentration changes in free, intracellular amino acids during aging. Here, we determine free amino acid levels during chronological aging of nondividing fission yeast cells. We compare wild-type with long-lived mutant cells that lack the Pka1 protein of the protein kinase A signalling pathway. In wild-type cells, total amino acid levels decrease during aging, but much less so in pka1 mutants. Two amino acids strongly change as a function of age: glutamine decreases, especially in wild-type cells, while aspartate increases, especially in pka1 mutants. Supplementation of glutamine is sufficient to extend the chronological life span of wild-type but not of pka1Δ cells. Supplementation of aspartate, on the other hand, shortens the life span of pka1Δ but not of wild-type cells. Our results raise the possibility that certain amino acids are biomarkers of aging, and their concentrations during aging can promote or limit cellular life span.

Methionine transsulfuration pathway is upregulated in long-lived humans

Available evidences point to methionine metabolism as a key target to study the molecular adaptive mechanisms underlying differences in longevity. The plasma methionine metabolic profile was determined using a LC-MS/MS platform to systematically define specific phenotypic patterns associated with genotypes of human extreme longevity (centenarians). Our findings demonstrate the presence of a specific plasma profile associated with human longevity characterized by an enhanced transsulfuration pathway and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates, as well as a reduced content of specific amino acids. Furthermore, our work reveals that centenarians maintain a strongly correlated methionine metabolism, suggesting an improved network integrity, homeostasis and more tightly regulated metabolism. We have discovered a particular methionine signature related to the condition of extreme longevity, allowing the identification of potential mechanisms and biomarkers of healthy aging.

A cell-nonautonomous mechanism of yeast chronological aging regulated by caloric restriction and one-carbon metabolism

Caloric restriction (CR) improves health span and life span of organisms ranging from yeast to mammals. Understanding the mechanisms involved will uncover future interventions for aging-associated diseases. In budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, CR is commonly defined by reduced glucose in the growth medium, which extends both replicative and chronological life span (CLS). We found that conditioned media collected from stationary-phase CR cultures extended CLS when supplemented into nonrestricted (NR) cultures, suggesting a potential cell-nonautonomous mechanism of CR-induced life span regulation. Chromatography and untargeted metabolomics of the conditioned media, as well as transcriptional responses associated with the longevity effect, pointed to specific amino acids enriched in the CR conditioned media (CRCM) as functional molecules, with L-serine being a particularly strong candidate. Indeed, supplementing L-serine into NR cultures extended CLS through a mechanism dependent on the one-carbon metabolism pathway, thus implicating this conserved and central metabolic hub in life span regulation.

Diazepam and Its Disinfection Byproduct Promote the Early Development of Nervous System in Zebrafish Embryos

The widely used diazepam, as central nervous system inhibitor, has found to be ubiquitous in surface water and drinking water. Moreover, a series of byproducts such as 2-methylamino-5-chlorobenzophenone (MACB) were generated after the chlorine disinfection process. However, little information is available about the neurobiological effects of these emerging chemicals at low doses, especially on infants and children. Here, we exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to diazepam and MACB at 0.05, 0.5, and 5 nM, which were equivalent to environmental levels. Both diazepam and MACB increased the somite number and promoted nervous development of transgenic zebrafish [Tg (elavl3: EGFP) larvae] at 72 hours postfertilization ( hpf). Both diazepam and MACB also disrupted the homeostasis of adenosine monophosphate, valine, methionine, and fumaric acid in zebrafish embryos at 12 hpf. Additionally, the locomotor behavior activity of zebrafish was significantly enhanced after 120-hour sustained exposure to diazepam or MACB. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of oct4, sox2, and nanog, modulating the pluripotency and self-renewal, were upregulated by diazepam and MACB in zebrafish embryo. Altogether, diazepam and MACB stimulate developmental neurogenesis and may induce neuronal excitotoxicity at quite low doses. These results indicated that the chronic exposure to psychoactive drugs may pose a potential risk to the development of the nervous system in infancy.

Ribosomal Protein uL11 as a Regulator of Metabolic Circuits Related to Aging and Cell Cycle

Aging is a biological phenomenon common to all living organisms. It is thought that the rate of aging is influenced by diverse factors, in many cases related to the control of energy metabolism, i.e., the so-called pro-longevity effects of starvation. Translation, regarded as the main energy consumption process, lies at the center of interest, as it has a significant impact on the longevity phenomenon. It has been shown that perturbations in the translational apparatus may lead to a lower rate of aging. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate aging in relation to the protein biosynthesis circuit, taking into account the uL11 ribosomal protein as a vital ribosomal element. To this end, we used set of yeast mutants with deleted single uL11A or uL11B genes and a double disruptant uL11AB mutant. We applied an integrated approach analyzing a broad range of biological parameters of yeast mutant cells, especially the longevity phenomenon, supplemented with biochemical and high throughput transcriptomic and metobolomic approaches. The analysis showed that the longevity phenomenon is not fully related to the commonly considered energy restriction effect, thus the slow-down of translation does not represent the sole source of aging. Additionally, we showed that uL11 can be classified as a moonlighting protein with extra-ribosomal function having cell-cycle regulatory potential.

Impact of a High Protein Intake on the Plasma Metabolome in Elderly Males: 10 Week Randomized Dietary Intervention

High protein diets may improve the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass in the elderly, although it remains less clear what broader impact such diets have on whole body metabolic regulation in the elderly. Non-targeted polar metabolomics analysis using HILIC HPLC-MS was used to profile the circulating plasma metabolome of elderly men (n = 31; 74.7 ± 4.0 years) who were randomized to consume for 10 weeks a diet designed to achieve either protein (RDA; 0.8·g⁻¹·kg⁻¹) or that doubled this recommend intake (2RDA; 1.6.g.kg⁻¹). A limited number of plasma metabolites (n = 24) were significantly differentially regulated by the diet. These included markers of protein anabolism, which increased by the 2RDA diet, including; urea, creatine, and glutarylcarnitine. Whilst in response to the RDA diet; glutamine, glutamic acid, and proline were increased, relative to the 2RDA diet (p < 0.05). Metaboanalyst identified six major metabolic pathways to be influenced by the quantity of protein intake, most notably the arginine and proline pathways. Doubling of the recommended protein intake in older males over 10 weeks exerted only a limited impact on circulating metabolites, as determined by LC-MS. This metabolomic response was almost entirely due to increased circulating abundances of metabolites potentially indicative of altered protein anabolism, without evidence of impact on pathways for metabolic health.

Trial Registration: This trial was registered on 3rd March 2016 at the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (www.anzctr.org.au) at ACTRN 12616000310460.

Sphingolipidomic Analysis of C. elegans reveals Development- and Environment-dependent Metabolic Features

Sphingolipids (SLs) serve as structural and signaling molecules in regulating various cellular events and growth. Given that SLs contain various bioactive species possessing distinct roles, quantitative analysis of sphingolipidome is essential for elucidating their differential requirement during development. Herein we developed a comprehensive sphingolipidomic profiling approach using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with multiple reaction monitoring mode (LC-MS-MRM). SL profiling of C. elegans revealed organism-specific, development-dependent and environment-driven metabolic features. We showed for the first time the presence of a series of sphingoid bases in C. elegans sphingolipid profiles, although only C17-sphingoid base is used for generating complex SLs. Moreover, we successfully resolved growth-, temperature- and nutrition-dependent SL profiles at both individual metabolite-level and network-level. Sphingolipidomic analysis uncovered significant SL composition changes throughout development, with SMs/GluCers ratios dramatically increasing from larva to adult stage whereas total sphingolipid levels exhibiting opposing trends. We also identified a temperature-dependent alteration in SMs/GluCers ratios, suggesting an organism-specific strategy for environmental adaptation. Finally, we found serine-biased GluCer increases between serine- versus alanine-supplemented worms. Our study builds a “reference” resource for future SL analysis in the worm, provides insights into natural variability and plasticity of eukaryotic multicellular sphingolipid composition and is highly valuable for investigating their functional significance.

Protein Quantity and Source, Fasting-Mimicking Diets, and Longevity

Dietary modifications, including caloric restriction, dietary restriction, various intervals of fasting, and even limiting the time when food is consumed can have a pronounced impact on longevity. In addition, dietary modifications are powerful interventions to delay, prevent, or treat many aging-related diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Restricting amino acid and protein intake generally decreases aging-related comorbidities and thereby increases health and longevity. However, chronic dietary interventions are likely not feasible for most people due to low adherence to dietary protocols or resistance to drastic changes to lifestyle, and might even cause detrimental effects, possibly by negatively affecting the immune system and wound healing. The periodic use of low-protein, low-calorie fasting-mimicking diets (FMDs) has the potential to promote health benefits, while minimizing the burden of chronic restriction. Protein restriction and FMDs together have the potential to play an important complementary role in medicine by promoting disease prevention and treatment, and by delaying the aging process at least in part by stimulating stem cell-based regeneration in periods of normal food intake after periodic FMD cycles. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize research on the impact of protein restriction on health and longevity in model organisms and to discuss the implementation of an FMD in mice and in human clinical trials and its effects on biomarkers of healthy aging. Taking into account the importance of sex on aging and diet, we include this information in all discussed studies. Whereas for some model organisms of aging, such as rodents, many studies are available, results are more limited for primates and/or humans.

Cell organelles and yeast longevity: an intertwined regulation

Organelles are dynamic structures of a eukaryotic cell that compartmentalize various essential functions and regulate optimum functioning. On the other hand, ageing is an inevitable phenomenon that leads to irreversible cellular damage and affects optimum functioning of cells. Recent research shows compelling evidence that connects organelle dysfunction to ageing-related diseases/disorders. Studies in several model systems including yeast have led to seminal contributions to the field of ageing in uncovering novel pathways, proteins and their functions, identification of pro- and anti-ageing factors and so on. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of findings that highlight the role of organelles in ageing and ageing-associated functions/pathways in yeast.

An overview of two decades of diet restriction studies using Drosophila

Dietary restriction (DR) is a potent forerunner in aging studies capable of influencing lifespan and improving health in various model organisms even in their old age. Despite the importance of protein and carbohydrates in the diet (regulation of fecundity and body maintenance respectively), different ratio based combinations of these components has played a major role in lifespan extension studies. In spite of differences existing in dietary protocols across laboratories, diet manipulations have evolved as a major area of research in Drosophila lifespan studies, prominently shedding light on the multi-faceted process over the last two decades. Here, we review various advances and technicalities involved in understanding the DR-mediated lifespan alongside discussing the pros and cons of various existing approaches/diets used across labs. The current review also focuses on the importance of life-stage specific DR implementation and their influence on the life-history traits including lifespan and fecundity, by taking examples of results from different studies comprising diet dilution, calorie restriction, protein restriction, carbohydrate: protein ratios and the modulations in various minor diet components. We thereby intend to gather the major advances made in these fields alongside reviewing the practical implementations that need to be made to get a better view of the DR-mediated lifespan studies.

Longevity: Lesson from Model Organisms

Research on longevity and healthy aging promises to increase our lifespan and decrease the burden of degenerative diseases with important social and economic effects. Many aging theories have been proposed, and important aging pathways have been discovered. Model organisms have had a crucial role in this process because of their short lifespan, cheap maintenance, and manipulation possibilities. Yeasts, worms, fruit flies, or mammalian models such as mice, monkeys, and recently, dogs, have helped shed light on aging processes. Genes and molecular mechanisms that were found to be critical in simple eukaryotic cells and species have been confirmed in humans mainly by the functional analysis of mammalian orthologues. Here, we review conserved aging mechanisms discovered in different model systems that are implicated in human longevity as well and that could be the target of anti-aging interventions in human.

The TORC1-Sch9 pathway as a crucial mediator of chronological lifespan in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The concept of ageing is one that has intrigued mankind since the beginning of time and is now more important than ever as the incidence of age-related disorders is increasing in our ageing population. Over the past decades, extensive research has been performed using various model organisms. As such, it has become apparent that many fundamental aspects of biological ageing are highly conserved across large evolutionary distances. In this review, we illustrate that the unicellular eukaryotic organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae has proven to be a valuable tool to gain fundamental insights into the molecular mechanisms of cellular ageing in multicellular eukaryotes. In addition, we outline the current knowledge on how downregulation of nutrient signaling through the target of rapamycin (TOR)-Sch9 pathway or reducing calorie intake attenuates many detrimental effects associated with ageing and leads to the extension of yeast chronological lifespan. Given that both TOR Complex 1 (TORC1) and Sch9 have mammalian orthologues that have been implicated in various age-related disorders, unraveling the connections of TORC1 and Sch9 with yeast ageing may provide additional clues on how their mammalian orthologues contribute to the mechanisms underpinning human ageing and health.

Ageing Investigation Using Two-Time-Point Metabolomics Data from KORA and CARLA Studies

Ageing, one of the largest risk factors for many complex diseases, is highly interconnected to metabolic processes. Investigating the changes in metabolite concentration during ageing among healthy individuals offers us unique insights to healthy ageing. We aim to identify ageing-associated metabolites that are independent from chronological age to deepen our understanding of the long-term changes in metabolites upon ageing. Sex-stratified longitudinal analyses were performed using fasting serum samples of 590 healthy KORA individuals (317 women and 273 men) who participated in both baseline (KORA S4) and seven-year follow-up (KORA F4) studies. Replication was conducted using serum samples of 386 healthy CARLA participants (195 women and 191 men) in both baseline (CARLA-0) and four-year follow-up (CARLA-1) studies. Generalized estimation equation models were performed on each metabolite to identify ageing-associated metabolites after adjusting for baseline chronological age, body mass index, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol intake and systolic blood pressure. Literature researches were conducted to understand their biochemical relevance. Out of 122 metabolites analysed, we identified and replicated five (C18, arginine, ornithine, serine and tyrosine) and four (arginine, ornithine, PC aa C36:3 and PC ae C40:5) significant metabolites in women and men respectively. Arginine decreased, while ornithine increased in both sexes. These metabolites are involved in several ageing processes: apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, lipid metabolism, autophagy and oxidative stress resistance. The study reveals several significant ageing-associated metabolite changes with two-time-point measurements on healthy individuals. Larger studies are required to confirm our findings.

Functional genomics of dietary restriction and longevity in yeast

Dietary restriction-limitation of calories or other specific nutrients in the diet-is the sole non-genetic intervention known to extend the lifespan of a wide range of model organisms from yeast to mammals. Cell biology studies on the responses to dietary restriction have provided important clues about the mechanisms of longevity; however, a comprehensive genome-wide description of lifespan by dietary restriction has been mostly absent. Large-scale genetic analysis in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae offers a great opportunity to uncover the conserved systems-level mechanisms that give way to longevity in response to diet. Here, we review recent advances in high-throughput phenotyping of the replicative and chronological life spans of yeast cells, which have contributed to our understanding of longevity by dietary restriction and the cellular crosstalks of nutrient-sensing regulation.

Metabolic regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles of functional amino acids and their applications in yeast

In yeast, amino acid metabolism and its regulatory mechanisms vary under different growth environments by regulating anabolic and catabolic processes, including uptake and export, and the metabolic styles form a complicated but robust network. There is also crosstalk with various metabolic pathways, products and signal molecules. The elucidation of metabolic regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles is important fundamental research for understanding life phenomenon. In terms of industrial application, the control of amino acid composition and content is expected to contribute to an improvement in productivity, and to add to the value of fermented foods, alcoholic beverages, bioethanol, and other valuable compounds (proteins and amino acids, etc.). This review article mainly describes our research in constructing yeast strains with high functionality, focused on the metabolic regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles of "functional amino acids", such as l-proline, l-arginine, l-leucine, l-valine, l-cysteine, and l-methionine, found in yeast.

Programmed longevity, youthspan, and juventology

The identification of conserved genes and pathways that regulate lifespan but also healthspan has resulted in an improved understanding of the link between nutrients, signal transduction proteins, and aging but has also provided evidence for the existence of multiple “longevity programs,” which are selected based on the availability of nutrients. Periodic fasting and other dietary restrictions can promote entry into a long‐lasting longevity program characterized by cellular protection and optimal function but can also activate regenerative processes that lead to rejuvenation, which are independent of the aging rate preceding the restricted period. Thus, a “juventology”‐based strategy can complement the traditional gerontology approach by focusing not on aging but on the longevity program affecting the life history period in which mortality is very low and organisms remain youthful, healthy, and fully functional.

Activating the Anaphase Promoting Complex to Enhance Genomic Stability and Prolong Lifespan

In aging cells, genomic instability is now recognized as a hallmark event. Throughout life, cells encounter multiple endogenous and exogenous DNA damaging events that are mostly repaired, but inevitably DNA mutations, chromosome rearrangements, and epigenetic deregulation begins to mount. Now that people are living longer, more and more late life time is spent suffering from age-related disease, in which genomic instability plays a critical role. However, several major questions remain heavily debated, such as the following: When does aging start? How long can we live? In order to minimize the impact of genomic instability on longevity, it is important to understand when aging starts, and to ensure repair mechanisms remain optimal from the very start to the very end. In this review, the interplay between the stress and nutrient response networks, and the regulation of homeostasis and genomic stability, is discussed. Mechanisms that link these two networks are predicted to be key lifespan determinants. The Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC), a large evolutionarily conserved ubiquitin ligase, can potentially serve this need. Recent work demonstrates that the APC maintains genomic stability, mounts a stress response, and increases longevity in yeast. Furthermore, inhibition of APC activity by glucose and nutrient response factors indicates a tight link between the APC and the stress/nutrient response networks.

Mitochondrial Metabolism and Aging in Yeast

Mitochondrial functionality is one of the main factors involved in cell survival, and mitochondrial dysfunctions have been identified as an aging hallmark. In particular, the insurgence of mitochondrial dysfunctions is tightly connected to mitochondrial metabolism. During aging, both mitochondrial oxidative and biosynthetic metabolisms are progressively altered, with the development of malfunctions, in turn affecting mitochondrial functionality. In this context, the relation between mitochondrial pathways and aging is evolutionarily conserved from single-celled organisms, such as yeasts, to complex multicellular organisms, such as humans. Useful information has been provided by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is being increasingly acknowledged as a valuable model system to uncover mechanisms underlying cellular longevity in humans. On this basis, we review the impact of specific aspects of mitochondrial metabolism on aging supported by the contributions brought by numerous studies performed employing yeast. Initially, we will focus on the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, describing how their modulation has consequences on cellular longevity. Afterward, we will report information regarding the importance of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) metabolism during aging, highlighting its relation with mitochondrial functionality. The comprehension of these key points regarding mitochondrial metabolism and their physiological importance is an essential first step for the development of therapeutic interventions that point to increase life quality during aging, therefore promoting "healthy aging," as well as lifespan itself.

Genomewide mechanisms of chronological longevity by dietary restriction in budding yeast

Dietary restriction is arguably the most promising nonpharmacological intervention to extend human life and health span. Yet, only few genetic regulators mediating the cellular response to dietary restriction are known, and the question remains which other regulatory factors are involved. Here, we measured at the genomewide level the chronological lifespan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene deletion strains under two nitrogen source regimens, glutamine (nonrestricted) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (restricted). We identified 473 mutants with diminished or enhanced extension of lifespan. Functional analysis of such dietary restriction genes revealed novel processes underlying longevity by the nitrogen source quality, which also allowed us to generate a prioritized catalogue of transcription factors orchestrating the dietary restriction response. Importantly, deletions of transcription factors Msn2, Msn4, Snf6, Tec1, and Ste12 resulted in diminished lifespan extension and defects in cell cycle arrest upon nutrient starvation, suggesting that regulation of the cell cycle is a major mechanism of chronological longevity. We further show that STE12 overexpression is enough to extend lifespan, linking the pheromone/invasive growth pathway with cell survivorship. Our global picture of the genetic players of longevity by dietary restriction highlights intricate regulatory cross‐talks in aging cells.

Nitrogen and carbon source balance determines longevity, independently of fermentative or respiratory metabolism in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Dietary regimens have proven to delay aging and age-associated diseases in several eukaryotic model organisms but the input of nutritional balance to longevity regulation is still poorly understood. Here, we present data on the role of single carbon and nitrogen sources and their interplay in yeast longevity. Data demonstrate that ammonium, a rich nitrogen source, decreases chronological life span (CLS) of the prototrophic Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain PYCC 4072 in a concentration-dependent manner and, accordingly, that CLS can be extended through ammonium restriction, even in conditions of initial glucose abundance. We further show that CLS extension depends on initial ammonium and glucose concentrations in the growth medium, as long as other nutrients are not limiting. Glutamine, another rich nitrogen source, induced CLS shortening similarly to ammonium, but this effect was not observed with the poor nitrogen source urea. Ammonium decreased yeast CLS independently of the metabolic process activated during aging, either respiration or fermentation, and induced replication stress inhibiting a proper cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. The present results shade new light on the nutritional equilibrium as a key factor on cell longevity and may contribute for the definition of interventions to promote life span and healthy aging.

The Indirubin Derivative 6-Bromoindirubin-3'-Oxime Activates Proteostatic Modules, Reprograms Cellular Bioenergetic Pathways, and Exerts Antiaging Effects

AIMS

Organismal aging can be delayed by mutations that either activate stress responses or reduce the nutrient-sensing pathway signaling; thus, by using Drosophila melanogaster as an in vivo experimental screening platform, we searched for compounds that modulate these pathways.

RESULTS

We noted that oral administration of the glycogen synthase kinase 3 (Gsk-3) inhibitor 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (6BIO) in Drosophila flies extended healthy life span. 6BIO is not metabolized in fly tissues, modulated bioenergetic pathways, decreased lipid and glucose tissue load, activated antioxidant and proteostatic modules, and enhanced resistance to stressors. Mechanistically, we found that the effects on the stress-responsive pathways were largely dependent on the activity of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf-2). Genetic inhibition of Gsk-3 largely phenocopied the 6BIO-mediated effects, while high levels of Gsk-3 expression and/or kinase activity suppressed proteostatic modules and reduced flies' longevity; these effects were partially rescued by 6BIO. Also, 6BIO was found to partially reduce the 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (Pdpk1) activity, a major effector of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 cell signaling pathways.

INNOVATION

6BIO exerts the unique property of increasing stress tolerance and in parallel partially suppressing the nutrient-sensing pathway signaling.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the 6BIO scaffold can be used for the development of novel antiaging compounds. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 1027-1047.

Homeostatic control of START through negative feedback between Cln3-Cdk1 and Rim15/Greatwall kinase in budding yeast

How cells coordinate growth and division is key for size homeostasis. Phosphorylation by G1-CDK of Whi5/Rb inhibitors of SBF/E2F transcription factors triggers irreversible S-phase entry in yeast and metazoans, but why this occurs at a given cell size is not fully understood. We show that the yeast Rim15-Igo1,2 pathway, orthologous to Gwl-Arpp19/ENSA, is up-regulated in early G1 and helps promoting START by preventing PP2A^Cdc55 to dephosphorylate Whi5. RIM15 overexpression lowers cell size while IGO1,2 deletion delays START in cells with low CDK activity. Deletion of WHI5, CDC55 and ectopic CLN2 expression suppress the START delay of igo1,2∆ cells. Rim15 activity increases after cells switch from fermentation to respiration, where Igo1,2 contribute to chromosome maintenance. Interestingly Cln3-Cdk1 also inhibits Rim15 activity, which enables homeostatic control of Whi5 phosphorylation and cell cycle entry. We propose that Rim15/Gwl regulation of PP2A plays a hitherto unappreciated role in cell size homeostasis during metabolic rewiring of the cell cycle.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.26233.001

NutrimiRAging: Micromanaging Nutrient Sensing Pathways through Nutrition to Promote Healthy Aging

Current sociodemographic predictions point to a demographic shift in developed and developing countries that will result in an unprecedented increase of the elderly population. This will be accompanied by an increase in age-related conditions that will strongly impair human health and quality of life. For this reason, aging is a major concern worldwide. Healthy aging depends on a combination of individual genetic factors and external environmental factors. Diet has been proved to be a powerful tool to modulate aging and caloric restriction has emerged as a valuable intervention in this regard. However, many questions about how a controlled caloric restriction intervention affects aging-related processes are still unanswered. Nutrient sensing pathways become deregulated with age and lose effectiveness with age. These pathways are a link between diet and aging. Thus, fully understanding this link is a mandatory step before bringing caloric restriction into practice. MicroRNAs have emerged as important regulators of cellular functions and can be modified by diet. Some microRNAs target genes encoding proteins and enzymes belonging to the nutrient sensing pathways and, therefore, may play key roles in the modulation of the aging process. In this review, we aimed to show the relationship between diet, nutrient sensing pathways and microRNAs in the context of aging.

Metabolic Alterations at the Crossroad of Aging and Oncogenesis

Aging represents the major risk factor for cancer. Cancer and aging are characterized by a similar dysregulated metabolism consisting in upregulation of glycolysis and downmodulation of oxidative phosphorylation. In this respect, metabolic interventions can be viewed as promising strategies to promote longevity and to prevent or delay age-related disorders including cancer. In this review, we discuss the most promising metabolic approaches including chronic calorie restriction, periodic fasting/fasting-mimicking diets, and pharmacological interventions mimicking calorie restriction. Metabolic interventions can also be viewed as adjuvant anticancer strategies to be combined to standard cancer therapy (chemotherapeutic agents, ionizing radiation, and drugs with specific molecular target), whose major limiting factors are represented by toxicity against healthy cells but also limited efficacy easily circumvented by tumor cells. In fact, conventional cancer therapy is unable to distinguish normal and cancerous cells and thus causes toxic side effects including secondary malignancies, cardiovascular and respiratory complications, endocrinopathies, and other chronic conditions, that resemble and, in some cases, accelerate the age-related disorders and profoundly affect the quality of life. In this scenario, geroscience contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of protection of normal cells against a cytotoxic agent and finding strategies focused on the preserving healthy cells while enhancing the efficacy of the treatment against malignant cells.

Nutrient sensing pathways as therapeutic targets for healthy ageing

INTRODUCTION

In the present paper, the authors have discussed anti-aging strategies which aim to slow the aging process and to delay the onset of age-related diseases, focusing on nutrient sensing pathways (NSPs) as therapeutic targets. Indeed, several studies have already demonstrated that both in animal models and humans, dietary interventions might have a positive impact on the aging process through the modulation of these pathways. Areas covered: Achieving healthy aging is the main challenge of the twenty-first century because lifespan is increasing, but not in tandem with good health. The authors have illustrated different approaches that can act on NSPs, modulating the rate of the aging process. Expert opinion: Humanity's lasting dream is to reverse or, at least, postpone aging. In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to anti-aging therapies. The subject is very popular among the general public, whose imagination runs wild with all the possible tools to delay aging and to gain immortality. Some approaches discussed in the present review should be able to substantially slow down the aging process, extending our productive, youthful lives, without frailty.

Health Risks of Food Oxidation

The impact of dietary habits on our health is indisputable. Consumer's concern on aging and age-related diseases challenges scientists to underline the potential role of food on the extension and guarantee of lifespan and healthspan. While some dietary components and habits are generally regarded as beneficial for our health, some others are being found to exert potential toxic effects and hence, contribute to the onset of particular health disorders. Among the latter, lipid and protein oxidation products formed during food production, storage, processing, and culinary preparation have been recently identified as potentially harmful to humans. Upon intake, food components are further degraded and oxidized during the subsequent digestion phases and the pool of compounds formed in the lumen is in close contact with the lamina propria of the intestines. Some of these oxidation products have been found to promote inflammatory conditions in the gut (i.e., bowel diseases) and are also reasonably linked to the onset of carcinogenic processes. Upon intestinal uptake, some species are distributed by the bloodstream causing an increase in oxidative stress markers and impairment of certain physiological processes through alteration of specific gene expression pathways. This chapter summarizes the most recent discoveries on this topic with particular stress on challenges that we face in the near future: understanding the molecular basis of disease, the suitability of using living animals vs in vitro model systems and the necessity of using massive genomic techniques and versatile mass spectrometric technology.