Abstract
Aging is a complex process mainly categorized by a decline in tissue, cells and organ function and an increased risk of mortality. Recent studies have provided evidence that suggests a strong association between epigenetic mechanisms throughout an organism’s lifespan and age-related disease progression. Epigenetics is considered an evolving field and regulates the genetic code at several levels. Among these are DNA changes, which include modifications to DNA methylation state, histone changes, which include modifications of methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination and phosphorylation of histones, and non-coding RNA changes. As a result, these epigenetic modifications are vital targets for potential therapeutic interventions against age-related deterioration and disease progression. Dietary polyphenols play a key role in modulating these modifications thereby delaying aging and extending longevity. In this review, we summarize recent advancements linking epigenetics, polyphenols and aging as well as critical findings related to the various dietary polyphenols in different fruits and vegetables. In addition, we cover studies that relate polyphenols and their epigenetic effects to various aging-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer.
Highlights
Aging is an intricate biological process that causes changes in the normal function of an organism throughout its lifetime [1,2,3]
Even though oxidative stress/damage (OS) and caloric restriction (CR) play a pivotal role in aging, it is imperative to understand the underlying mechanism by which different bioactive compounds imitate the effects of CR and further reduce the risks associated with CR side effects
Epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNAs play significant roles as hallmarks of aging-related diseases, and as important molecular processes that underlie the basis of aging
Summary
Aging is an intricate biological process that causes changes in the normal function of an organism throughout its lifetime [1,2,3] Both genetic and non-genetic factors, which include environmental factors, are implicated in aging by causing structural and molecular modifications at cellular, tissue, and organ levels [4,5]. Synthase resulted into both reduction in body size and increased lifespan [7] Another biochemical process, oxidative stress/damage (OS) plays a critical role in mammalian aging. Aging and age-related diseases are associated with profound changes in epigenetic patterns, less is known about the role of dietary polyphenols in extending lifespan through alterations in epigenetics machinary. This review will provide aggregate information on various studies related to influence of dietary polyphenols and epigenetic modifications in age-related diseases. The term epigenetics will be used broadly, highlighting the genomic alterations contributing to DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)
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