Age-related Degenerative Changes Research Articles

Intermittent Fasting Ameliorates Age-Induced Morphological Changes in Aged Albino Rat Kidney via Autophagy Activation and Reduction of Apoptosis and Inflammation

Abstract Aging is a biological process with gradual decrease of cell function. Kidneys are one of the organs with higher susceptibility to the development of age-dependent tissue damage. Intermittent fasting has several beneficial effects on age-related degenerative changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effect of intermittent fasting in delaying age-related renal changes and the possible mechanisms of this effect. Thirty male albino rats were classified into three groups: control, adult rats aged 3 months; aged group, 15-month-old rats and maintained until the age of 18 months; and intermittent fasting-aged groups, 15-month-old rats maintained on intermittent fasting for 3 months. Kidneys were processed for histological and immunohistochemical study. Aging resulted in a significant reduction in renal function and significant several degenerative changes in renal corpuscles and tubules which showed abnormal histological structure with increased collagen deposition. Aging caused significant reduction in the expression of autophagic marker light chain 3 with increased expression of active caspase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Intermittent fasting significantly improved these age-related renal changes. Intermittent fasting effectively prevents age-related renal changes through the reduction of age-related oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and activation of autophagy.

In Silico Modeling of Stress Distribution in the Diseased Ankle Joint.

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis is a feature of the aging process. Here, we adopted in silico 2D finite element modeling (FEM) for the simulation of diseased ankle joints. We delved into the influence of body weight intensity on the stress distribution caused by subchondral cysts imitating degenerative age-related arthritic changes. Methods: FEM was performed using virtually generated pictorial schemes of the ankle joint skeletal contour. It included a constellation of scenarios with solitary or multiple cysts, or the lack thereof, located centrally, peripherally, or both in the talus and tibia at increased fixed levels of body weight. Results: The modeling showed that the highest stress was in the presence of a solitary central cyst in the talus and two centrally located cysts in the talus and the tibia, with the averaged values of 1.81 ± 0.52 MPa and 1.92 ± 0.55 MPa, respectively; there was a significant increase compared with the 1.24 ± 0.35 MPa in the control condition without cysts. An increase in body weight consistently increased the strain on the ankle joint. In contrast, peripherally located cysts failed to affect the stress distribution significantly. Conclusions: We conclude that subchondral central cysts substantially enhance the stress exerted on the ankle joint and its vicinity with body weight dependence. FEM's ability to predict the location and magnitude of subchondral stress changes when confirmed in clinical trials might help to optimize the management of age-related degenerative joint changes.

Protocolo de abordaje nutricional en el paciente geriátrico

Aging is accompanied by a series of physiological, financial, and social circumstances that contribute to an adverse effect on nutritional status. Old individuals (65 years and older) are at a higher risk of malnutrition due to age-related degenerative changes together with the catabolic effect of chronic and acute diseases. The nutritional approach to older adult patients includes an initial screening followed by a complete nutritional assessment in order to establish a nutritional diagnosis and initiate appropriate nutritional treatment, with subsequent follow-up and adjustment. There are specific nutritional recommendations for the older adult population. The first choice is oral nutrition, always respecting the patient's will and preferences.

Morphometric, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examination of age-related structural alterations in optic nerve

Aims: As individuals age, there is a known decline in visual function attributed to a reduction in the optic nerve fibers and myelin sheath degeneration. Studies present conflicting findings on whether aging affects axonal integrity in the human optic nerve. This study aims to investigate degenerative changes in the aging rat optic nerve. Methods: The investigation involved 36 Wistar albino rats. The rats were divided into six groups: the newborn, prepubertal, pubertal, junior, adult, and elderly groups. This study investigated optic nerve axon counts, axon diameters, levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity (GFAP-IR) and nerve growth factor immunoreactivity (NGF-IR), as well as findings from light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) in these groups. Results: This study observed age-related alterations in rat optic nerves, including increased diameter, irregular axon count fluctuations (both increases and decreases), elevated astrocyte count, and a simultaneous decline in oligodendrocyte count. Additionally, it was observed that NGF-IR was predominantly at the membrane level in newborns and moderately in the cytoplasm, whereas in older ages, it was evident at both cellular and axonal levels furthermore, it was observed that GFAP-IR increased with age. However, in LM and EM examinations, axonal loss and rarefaction, accumulation of osmiophilic substances, splitting of the myelin sheath, vacuolization, axonal retraction were observed. Conclusion: In this study, it was found that one of the causes of age-related vision loss is the advanced degenerative changes in the optic nerve and it was concluded that the remaining small-diameter myelinated nerve fibers may partially compensate for the sense of vision. Our study reveals that age-related degenerative changes in the central nervous system resemble those in multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting a potential contribution to MS pathogenesis.

Anestesia neuroaxial guiada por ultrasonido vs. reparos anatómicos en ancianos: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo

Introduction: Spinal anesthesia requires palpation of surfaces in order to identify the intervertebral spaces in the lumbar spine. In elderly individuals, the procedure is more challenging due to age-related degenerative changes in the spine. Objective: To determine which technique between ultrasound (US) guidance or the use of anatomical landmarks to guide spinal anesthesia ensures a higher success rate in elderly patients. Methods: Prospective observational cohort study in patients with an indication to receive subarachnoid anesthesia, regardless of the type of surgical intervention, carried out at Hospital Universitario del Valle and Fundación Hospital San José Buga. Data were collected over a 12-month period at the time of making the puncture. The treating anesthetists were free to choose between US guidance or the use of anatomical landmarks. Results: Overall, 80 patients were assessed, including men and women over 65 years of age (mean 78.50±9.04). The number of punctures as well as needle redirections were significantly lower in the US-guided group. Additionally, in the group in which anatomical landmarks were used to guide the puncture, the marked site did not coincide with the actual puncture site confirmed with US in 37.5% of cases (p<0.001). This could result in inadequate block or complications associated with intradural puncture. Conclusions: US-guided neuroaxial anesthesia in elderly individuals could facilitate success on the first attempt.

Calf stretch effectiveness in plantar fasciitis cases: A case series

Plantar fasciitis in Indonesia, occur after 30 years of age, 77% of sufferers between 40 to 69 years old, men to women is 1:2. There are risk factors for plantar fasciitis include structural abnormalities, being overweight, age-related degenerative changes, activities that require prolonged standing and/or ambulation, and errors in training, especially in athletes. We present 20 case series of all patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis who went to the Orthopedic Polyclinic in 2018 and 2019, they received conservative management with Calf Stretch workouts for 30 days and were evaluated with AOFAS Score. Calf stretch exercises in which the patient stands with the sore leg behind and both hands pushing against a wall, also known as the wall stretch. This exercise is performed 2 times a day with a duration of 10-15 minutes each session. This exercise is done routinely for 30 days. A simple, progressive training protocol consisting of strength training with heavy weights will produce better results in the first three months when compared to plantar-focused stretching and may aid in more rapid relief of symptoms on pain. Conservative management with calf exercises still provides a good outcome in patients with plantar fasciitis, based on the AOFAS score.

Magnetic resonance imaging-based classification of the myodural bridge complex and its influencing factors

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation is considered the third circulation of the human body. Recently, some scholars have proposed the myodural bridge (MDB) as a novel power source for CSF flow. Moreover, the suboccipital muscles can exert a driving force on the CSF via the MDB. This hypothesis is directly supported by head rotation and nodding movements, which can affect CSF circulation. The MDB has been validated as a normal structure in humans and mammals. In addition, the fusion of MDB fibers of different origins that act in concert with each other forms the MDB complex (MDBC). The MDBC may be associated with several CSF disorder-related neurological disorders in clinical practice. Therefore, the morphology of the MDBC and its influencing factors must be determined. In this study, T2-weighted imaging sagittal images of the cervical region were analyzed retrospectively in 1085 patients, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) typing of the MDBC was performed according to the imaging features of the MDBC in the posterior atlanto-occipital interspace (PAOiS) and posterior atlanto-axial interspace (PAAiS). The effects of age and age-related degenerative changes in the cervical spine on MRI staging of the MDBC were also determined. The results revealed four MRI types of the MDBC: type A (no MDBC hyposignal shadow connected to the dura mater in either the PAOiS or PAAiS), type B (MDBC hyposignal shadow connected to the dura mater in the PAOiS only), type C (MDBC hyposignal shadow connected to the dura mater in the PAAiS only), and type D (MDBC hyposignal shadow connected to the dura mater in both the PAOiS and PAAiS). The influencing factors for the MDBC typing were age (group), degree of intervertebral space stenosis, dorsal osteophytosis, and degenerative changes in the cervical spine (P < 0.05). With increasing age (10-year interval), the incidence of type B MDBC markedly decreased, whereas that of type A MDBC increased considerably. With the deepening of the degree of intervertebral space stenosis, the incidence of type C MDBC increased significantly, whereas that of type A MDBC decreased. In the presence of dorsal osteophytosis, the incidence of type C and D MDBCs significantly decreased, whereas that of type A increased. In the presence of protrusion of the intervertebral disc, the incidence of type B, C, and D MDBCs increased markedly, whereas that of type A MDBC decreased considerably, with cervical degenerative changes combined with spinal canal stenosis. Moreover, the incidence of both type C and D MDBCs increased, whereas that of type A MDBC decreased. Based on the MRI signal characteristics of the dural side of the MDBC, four types of the MDBC were identified. MDBC typing varies dynamically according to population distribution, depending on age and cervical degeneration (degree of intervertebral space stenosis, vertebral dorsal osteophytosis formation, simple protrusion of intervertebral disc, and cervical degeneration changes combined with spinal canal stenosis, except for the degree of protrusion of the intervertebral disc and the degree of spinal canal stenosis); however, it is not influenced by sex.

Efficacy of cervical mobilization with post-isometric relaxation in managing mechanical neck pain, ROM, and functional limitations associated with myofascial trigger points

Background: Sedentary lifestyle, age-related degenerative changes or traumatic injuries leads to cervical spine structural mal-alignment, which results in neck pain and other symptoms. Various therapeutic exercises and manual techniques have been proven to be beneficial in terms of managing these symptoms. This study aimed to determine the combined effects of cervical mobilization and post-isometric relaxation (PIR) technique on managing neck pain, cervical side flexion range of motion, and functional limitation in participants with mechanical neck pain linked with myofascial trigger points. Methods: This study followed a 2-arm, parallel-group, pretest-posttest randomized comparative design. Thirty participants with mechanical neck pain associated with myofascial trigger points aged 30.87 ± 4.45 years were randomly allocated to Groups 1 and 2. Group 1 received conventional intervention, PIR, and cervical mobilization techniques while Group 2 received conventional intervention and PIR technique only. Neck pain, muscle tenderness, cervical range of motion, and functional limitations were assessed using a visual analog scale, pressure pain threshold (PPT), goniometer, and neck disability index (NDI) questionnaire, respectively at baseline on day 1 and post-intervention on day 7, 14, and 21. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann–Whitney U test evaluated within-group and between-group analyses, respectively. Statistical significance was established at a 95% confidence interval, indicated by P &lt; .05. Results: Significant differences (95% confidence interval [CI], P &lt; .05) were observed within each group for all the outcomes scores when compared to the baselines across multiple time points. Significant variations were observed between the groups when comparing visual analog scale and NDI scores at weeks 1, 2, and 3 post-interventions. In contrast, insignificant differences (95% CI, P &gt; .05) were observed for side flexion range of motion and PPT compared at weeks 1, 2, and 3 post-interventions except for PPT at week 3 post-intervention (95% CI, P &lt; .05). Additionally, Cohen d test revealed the superiority of group 1 over group 2 in reducing pain and functional limitations and improving cervical side flexion range of motion and PPT. Conclusion: The combination of cervical mobilization and Post-isometric relaxation techniques was discovered to effectively alleviate neck pain and enhance functional abilities when contrasted with the application of post-isometric relaxation alone in patients with mechanical neck pain linked with myofascial trigger points.

Micro-CT evaluation of morphological degenerative features of sterno-clavicular joint for age-at-death estimation in forensic anthropology – A qualitative analysis

The analysis of the sternoclavicular joint holds significant importance in forensic anthropology, especially through the evaluation of medial clavicular ossification stage, which, however, is helpful only in subjects younger than 30 years of age. Given this limitation, the aim of the present work was to examine, through micro-CT, the surface of sternoclavicular joints of deceased individuals across various age groups, aiming to identify age-related degenerative changes applicable to age estimation in adults over 30 years old. A total of 41 deceased subjects were categorized into three age groups (20–39 years; 40–59 years; ≥60 years) for the analysis. Degenerative morphological features on both clavicular and sternal articular surfaces, including topography, porosity, and presence of osteophytes, were evaluated using a composite scoring system based on a modified “Falys-Prangle method.”, which assigns to each parameter specific score ranges: 1–3 for surface topography (smooth, slightly irregular, markedly irregular), 1–6 for porosity (absent, micro- and macroporosity for <50 % or >50 % of surface, surface breakdown), 1–3 for osteophytes (absent, present, not evaluable). The findings revealed a positive correlation between degenerative morphological features and age for both clavicular (rs = 0.719) and sternal articular surfaces (rs = 0.750). Additionally, the combined assessment of the clavicle and sternum, or the evaluation of the clavicle alone, exhibited better differentiation among the three age groups.The micro-CT evaluation of degenerative alterations affecting the sternoclavicular joint proves to be a reliable and efficient method for age estimation in adults.

The effect of physical activity on the manifestation of age-related degenerative changes in the neuromuscular apparatus in dogs

Degenerative changes in neuromuscular structures are an irreversible process in the pathogenesis of age-related changes. These include a decrease in the proportion of muscle tissue, the replacement of nerve structures with connective tissue elements, the development of synoptic depression and a decrease in the excitability and lability of the neuromuscular apparatus as a result. An important aspect of maintaining the quality of life of dogs older than 9 years is the prvention and postponement of irreversible degenerative processes. For this purpose, the introduction of physical activity into the protocols of prevention and rehabilitation after injuries is widespread in humane medicine. However, there is no convincing evidence base for the effectiveness of physical activity in relation to the prevention of age-related degenerative changes for animals. In the course of the work, the influence of physical activity on the manifestation of degenerative changes in animals aged 9 to 11 years was studied using an electrophysiological research method - electroneuromyography (ENMG). This technique helps to assess the functional state of neuromuscular structures using a graphical image (M-response curve). The obtained results show that the condition of the studied structures in the experimental group of animals according to the obtained electrophysiological data is estimated as more functionally preserved, compared with the animals of the control group. This is due to the fact that kinesiotherapy has a positive effect on the metabolic processes occurring at the cellular and tissue levels, thereby improving microcirclation and innervation of neuromuscular structures, and also has a restorative effect on the entire animal body The obtained results indisputably indicate the beneficial effect of physical activity on the state of the neuromuscular system of animals.

Gluteal Tendinopathy: Critical Analysis Review of Current Nonoperative Treatments.

» Gluteal tendinopathy/greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is the most prevalent of all lower limb tendinopathies, affecting 1 in 4 women older than 50 years and commonly individuals within their fifth and sixth decades of life regardless of activity level.» The condition is believed to originate from age-related degenerative changes about the hip abductor tendon insertions and the surrounding bursae, and is exacerbated by congenital and acquired abnormal hip biomechanics.» Treatment of gluteal tendinopathy/GTPS often begins with noninvasive nonoperative modalities such as activity modifications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. For recalcitrant symptoms, additional nonoperative therapies have been used; however, there remains a lack of comparative efficacy between these adjunct treatments.» In this article, we examine the available literature regarding the nonoperative management of gluteal tendinopathy/GTPS and provide insight into the effectiveness of current treatment modalities.

Degenerative Changes in Aging Human Pelvic Lymph Nodes-A Reason to Rethink Staging and Therapy of Regional Malignancies?

Lymph node metastases are common in pelvic urological tumors, and the age-related remodeling process of the pelvic lymph nodes influences metastatic behavior. The aim of this work is to characterize age-related degenerative changes in the pelvic lymph nodes with respect to their occurrence and extent. A total of 5173 pelvic lymph nodes of 390 patients aged 44 to 79 years (median 68 years, IQR 62-71 years) were histologically examined for degenerative structural changes. Lymph node size, lipomatous atrophy, capsular fibrosis, framework fibrosis, and calcifications were recorded semi-quantitatively and evaluated by age group. Significantly more lymph nodes <10 mm were found in older patients (p = 0.001). The incidence of framework fibrosis, capsular fibrosis, and calcifications increased significantly with increasing patient age (p < 0.001). In lipomatous atrophy, an increase in mild to moderate lipomatous atrophy was observed with increasing age (p < 0.001). In this, the largest study to date on this topic, age-related degenerative changes in pelvic lymph nodes were proven. Due to the consecutive decrease in hte filtration function of pelvic lymph nodes with increasing age, staging and therapy of metastatic pelvic urologic carcinomas should be reconsidered.

Nuclear factor erythrogen-2 associated factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling is an essential molecular pathway for the anti-aging effect of whey protein in the prefrontal cortex of aging rat model (Histological and Biochemical Study)

Aging is a highly complicated natural process. Brain aging is associated with remarkable neurodegenerative changes and oxidative damage. Whey protein (WP) has been mentioned to have an antioxidant property. Nuclear factor erythrogen-2 associated factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway is an antioxidant defense system. Nrf2 activity declines with age so, its activation could be a promising therapeutic strategy for aging. This study aimed to explore the anti-aging role of WP against D-galactose (D-gal) induced age-related degenerative changes and oxidative damage in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and investigate its underlying mechanisms. Forty adult male rats were divided into 4 groups; control, WP group received WP (28.77 mg/kg/day) by gastric tube on the 4th experimental week; D-gal (model group) received D-gal (300 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 8 weeks and D-gal +WP group received WP on the 4th week of D-gal treatment. Specimens from PFC were obtained for biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical and western blot analysis. WP treatment in D-gal +WP group reduced lipid peroxidation, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, decreased advanced glycation end products level and improved the histological and ultrastructural alterations. Moreover, the number of neurons expressed the senescence marker; p21 and percentage area of the astrocytic marker; glial fibrillary acidic protein were significantly reduced. WP also enhanced Nrf2 pathway and its downstream targets; heme oxygenase-1 and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1. In conclusion WP alleviates the D-gal-induced PFC aging through activating Nrf2 pathway, reducing cell senescence and gliosis. So, it may be a potential therapeutic target to retard the aging process.

Impact of Long-Term Shaolin Zen Meditation on Emotional Processing in Aging: A Visual ERP Study.

The aging process is always accompanied by a decline in cognitive and emotional functions. Although previous studies have identified the positive effects of different meditative practices on emotional and cognitive functions, few studies have investigated the most primitive Chinese meditation-Shaolin Zen meditation. In particular, data are extremely limited regarding the brain mechanism of the effects of Shaolin Zen meditation on cognitive and emotional functions during aging. The current study aimed to explore the effects of long-term Shaolin Zen meditation practice on event-related potentials (ERPs) during facial emotion recognition in aging. ERPs were recorded from 16 monks with long-term meditation experience and 20 controls without meditation experience. The significant age-related degenerative changes in the early ERP components did not present in the meditators but only in the controls without meditation experience. Additionally, we found no group differences in the late P3 component. These findings suggest that long-term Shaolin Zen meditation practice can counteract the age-related cognitive decline in the "down-top" automatic processing of emotional stimuli.

Geriatric dizziness

The prevalence of vertigo and dizziness in the elderly is rapidly increasing due to aging of population. The presence of dizziness in the aged may be connected to falls, which is the leading cause of accidental death in older people. The geriatric dizziness may manifest differently, as patients tend to report less rotatory vertigo and more non-specific and complex dizziness than younger patients. The understanding of pathophysiology in the geriatric dizziness and systematic approach for this symptom help a clinician to find proper management. In this review, we present age-related degenerative changes in nervous system and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches focusing on the elderly patients with dizziness.

Altered expression of necroptotic, angiogenic and spermatogenic proteins in degenerate testes from aged stallions

We utilized RNA sequencing to compare the testis transcriptomes of fertile, adult stallions to those of adult stallions with age-related testicular degeneration (TD). Large-scale gene ontology analysis identified pathway-wide upregulation of inflammation and alterations in apoptotic pathways that likely play roles in the disease process (Woodward et al., Eq Vet J. 2022; 1-14). In humans and mice, inflammation, together with necroptosis, and alterations in capillary density, all contribute to age-related degenerative changes (Li et. al, ELife. 2017; 6:e27692 DOI: 10.7554/eLife.27692; Das et al, Cell. 2018;(173)74-89). One objective of the current study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that may contribute similarly to TD in the horse. We also searched for DEGs that play roles in spermatogenesis. A second objective was to use immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine if the protein products of these genes are differentially expressed between normal and diseased testes and to determine their patterns of expression. The hypothesis is that aberrations in necroptotic, angiogenic, and spermatogenic signaling pathways contribute to the pathophysiology of TD in stallions. RNA isolation and sequencing were performed on testicular tissue samples from 3 fertile adult stallions and from 3 adult stallions with confirmed TD as previously described (Woodward et al., Eq Vet J. 2022; 1-14). Transcript expression was compared between the 2 populations using either EdgeA or DESeq2, and a minimum of >1.5x fold change and Padj<0.05 asthe cutoffs for significance. Protein expression from selected DEGs was compared between normal adult and TD tissue using IHC. In degenerate testes, significant increases in gene expression were found in testicular-origin growth factors (BMP4 (9x increase), FGF2 (9x increase), and CSF1 (7x increase)). IHC confirmed increased expression of BMP4 and FGF2 proteins in germ cells from degenerate testes. Expression of CSF1R protein also was altered, with loss of expression of the protein in early germ cells, and increased expression in later stages of spermatogenesis. Upregulation of RIPK3 (3x increase) and VEGF (17x increase) transcripts also were confirmed in degenerate testes. These genes are central to necroptotic and angiogenic pathways, respectively. IHC confirmed diffuse upregulation of the RIPK3 protein in germ cells from degenerate testes. IHC for the VEGF protein is pending. In conclusion, alterations in expression of proteins responsible for stimulation of mitosis and meiosis in male germ cells were identified. Additionally, we provide evidence that chronic inflammation, necroptosis and aberrant angiogenesis may cause age-related degenerative changes in equine testes. In mice, inhibitors of the RIPK3 pathway and stimulation of angiogenesis can ameliorate clinical signs of aging in testes and muscle respectively (Li et. al, ELife. 2017; Das et al, Cell. 2018). Financial support: Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation.

The effects of hormone replacement therapy: а window of opportunity for the cardiovascular system

Coronary artery disease and stroke make up the greater part of the pattern of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Their prevalence is increasing primarily due to death rates decline and life expectancy increase. However, CVDs remain the leading cause of death in both high/middle and low income countries (WHO, 2008). The burden of coronary heart disease and stroke is determined both by a significant decrease in patients’ quality of life and the economic expenditures of healthcare aimed at treating these conditions and managing their complications. The overall CVD risk is more or less the same in men and women, but a detailed analysis shows a clear dependence on the patient age. The CVD risk in men is comparable to the CVD risk in women of younger age groups, i.e. CVD incidence rates in women are about ten years behind such rates in men. CVDs are of major concern for women who enter menopause. The changing endocrine profile predisposes to an increase in the cardiovascular event rates due to a combination of risk factors such as visceral obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, impaired glucose regulation, homeostasis disorders, and vascular dysfunction. However, an independent association between age-related degenerative changes in the ovaries and CVD risk has been established primarily in women with premature and early menopause (&lt;40– 45 years). Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) significantly reduces most CVD risks. The effectiveness of the prevention of irreversible effects of oestrogen deficiency is ensured by the timely MHT start during the very first pathological changes in female health or in the late stage of the menopausal transition/early postmenopausal stage (&gt;&lt;60 years or within ten years after the last menstrual period). The concept of prescribing MHT within the “window of therapeutic opportunity” produces a favourable benefit-risk ratio for patients.&gt;˂40– 45 years). Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) significantly reduces most CVD risks. The effectiveness of the prevention of irreversible effects of oestrogen deficiency is ensured by the timely MHT start during the very first pathological changes in female health or in the late stage of the menopausal transition/early postmenopausal stage (˂60 years or within ten years after the last menstrual period). The concept of prescribing MHT within the “window of therapeutic opportunity” produces a favourable benefit-risk ratio for patients.

Intermittent Fasting Protects Against Age-Induced Rat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia via Preservation of Prostatic Histomorphology, Modification of Oxidative Stress, and Beclin-1/P62 Pathway.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has several beneficial effects on most age-related degenerative changes in the body. Here we aimed to investigate the impact of IF on the biochemical and morphological abnormalities associated with normal aging in rat prostate. Thirty male albino rats were used and divided into three equal groups: adult group, rats aged 3 months; aged group, rats aged 15 months; and IF-aged group, rats aged 15 months maintained on intermittent fasting. After 3 months, prostates were excised and processed for biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical study. Aging resulted in prostatic histological changes that resemble those of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level, decreased glutathione (GSH) level, reduction of autophagy, and increased proliferation. Intermittent fasting ameliorated these described age-related prostatic changes. It could be concluded that IF could prevent age-induced BPH. This occurs via its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects, suppression of oxidative stress, and by improving autophagy via Beclin-1/P62 modulation. These mechanisms underlie the IF-mediated protection against age-related BPH. Because of IF safety and easy availability over BPH medications, it might be promising for managing BPH after further clinical studies.

The Effect of Physical Activity on the Secretory Function of Muscles and Bone Tissue in Humans

The purpose of the study was to summarize new literature data on the effect of physical activity on the secretory function of skeletal muscles and their relationship with organs. Materials and methods. Analytical methods were used in the study. The search for scientific information was carried out in databases of search systems. Results. Muscles secrete proteins called myokines, which are involved in a variety of processes by interacting with tissues. Current research has shown that exercise, by stimulating the skeletal muscle system in vivo, leads to the release of myokines and causes several effects that explain the positive effect of exercise in the treatment of several diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Skeletal muscles synthesize and secrete a wide range of myokines that contribute to various functions in organs, including the brain. Recent publications have focused much attention on one such myokine, the recently discovered protein irisin, which is secreted into the bloodstream from skeletal muscle during exercise from the membrane-bound precursor fibronectin type III. Irisin promotes metabolic processes such as glucose homeostasis and the darkening of white adipose tissue. Irisin also crosses the blood-brain barrier and initiates a neuroprotective genetic program in the hippocampus, which culminates in increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors. Most studies report that irisin concentration is closely related to health status. For example, irisin levels are significantly lower in patients with obesity, osteoporosis/fracture, muscular atrophy, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disease. Over the past decade, several myokines have been discovered, expanding our understanding of how muscles interact with other organs. In recent publications, a lot of attention is paid to the recently discovered protein irisin, which contributes to metabolic processes. A series of studies on irisin have provided new insights into the mechanisms of exercise to improve bone density, counteract cartilage degeneration, and maintain overall joint environmental homeostasis. These studies further contribute to the understanding of the role of exercise in the fight against osteoarthritis and may provide important assistance in advancing the prevention and treatment of this common disease. Research on the exercise-induced muscle factor irisin will help to better understand and explain the beneficial effects of exercise on maintaining physical health, especially in the fight against aging and age-related degenerative changes. Conclusion. Thus, exercise-induced stimulation of bioactive cytokines increases muscle anabolism, bone formation, mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose utilization, and fatty acid oxidation, and reduces chronic inflammation

Loss of lumbar disc height with age and its impact on pain and sensitivity associated behaviors in mice

PurposeAging is a risk factor for several debilitating conditions including those related to chronic back pain and intervertebral disc degeneration, both of which have no cure. Mouse models are useful tools for studying disc degeneration and chronic back pain in a tightly controlled and clinically relevant aging environment. Moreover, mice offer the advantage of carrying out longitudinal studies to understand the etiology and progression of disc pathology induced by genetic or surgical strategies. Previously, age-related behavioral trends of discomfort and enhanced nociception in mice were reported; however, whether these measures are mediated by structural and pathological changes in the disc is unknown.MethodsThe goal of the present observational study was to identify behavioral correlates of age-related degenerative changes in the disc. Towards this, we collected radiographs from 150 mice (77 females) between three and 23 months of age and measured the disc height index for each level of lumbar disc. Behavioral measures were collected on several of these mice which included rearing and distance travelled in an open field test; time spent in rearing, reaching, immobile, and self-suspended in the tail suspension test; bilateral hind paw licking in response to cold allodynia using acetone; and unilateral hind paw licking in response to heat hyperalgesia using capsaicin.ResultsResults show that the lower lumbar discs lose height with age and these changes are independent of body composition measures including body weight, bone mineral density, fat mass, lean weight mass, percent fat mass, and percent lean mass. Disc height positively correlates with rearing and mobility in the open field test, immobility in the tail suspension test, and thermal hyperalgesia. Disc height negatively correlates with cold allodynia and rearing in the tail suspension test. Furthermore, mediation analysis shows that the lumbosacral disc significantly mediates the effect of age on rearing in the open field test, but not cold allodynia, suggesting this behavior is a useful measure of age-related axial discomfort due to disc degeneration.ConclusionIn summary, the findings from the current study show that disc height are associated with measures of axial discomfort and nociception in mice.