Aging and gender-related effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid treatment on liver functions, plasma lipid profile, and oxidative stress

Abstract

Purpose: Aging is related to multiple and systemic dysfunctions in the body, accompanied by metabolic disorders and oxidative stress. Although studies are revealing the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in aging-related pathologies, this relationship has not been fully elucidated. In this study, it was aimed to reveal changes in liver function, plasma lipids, and oxidative stress markers due to aging and gender, and to investigate how these parameters change with ER stress inhibitor tauro-ursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) treatment.
 Materials and Methods: Young (4 months old) and old (24 months old) Wistar albino male and female rats were used in the experiments. The administration of ER stress inhibitor TUDCA was performed for 4 weeks (150 mg/kg/day, ip). Liver function markers (AST and ALT), plasma lipids (LDL, HDL, TG and total cholesterol), and oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO)) levels were measured in plasma samples. 
 Results: ER stress inhibition with TUDCA decreased AST levels, increased HDL value, decreased TG value, and decreased MDA and MPO levels in the elderly. The effects on some parameters varied depending on gender.
 Conclusion: Considering the role of oxidative stress and metabolic disorders in the pathogenesis of many age-related diseases, it is thought that these results will contribute to the development of treatment approaches targeting ER stress inhibition in aging.