Anti-aging Research Articles

The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Aging and Age-Related Disorders

A variety of molecular and cellular changes distinguish the multifaceted biological process of aging. Recent studies in this decade have demonstrated the essential role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the aging process. Mitochondrial malfunction and increased oxidative stress are major contributors for the aging process. This review investigates the role of EVs in intercellular communication, tissue regeneration, and inflammation in the context of aging. We also discuss the exosome and its utility to reduce oxidative stress, which is a key part of aging, as well as the possibility of using the exosomes (EVs) as anti-aging drugs. Changes in cargo composition can influence the aging phenotype and impact the functionality of cells and tissues. Additionally, the role of EVs in oxidative stress during the aging process addresses potential treatment strategies and the development of biomarkers for age-associated disorders. The review also highlighted the role of exosomes in providing antioxidant properties, which help reduce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and strengthen cellular defenses against oxidative stress. Additionally, it emphasized the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in age-related pathologies, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and immunosenescence, offering insights into targeted interventions for promoting healthy aging. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current body of knowledge regarding the therapeutic effects of EVs on aging, with a particular emphasis on the implications of this emerging field of research and its relationship to oxidative stress.

Active packaging film based on chitosan/gelatin blend incorporated with mango peel carbon dots: Properties and shelf life extension of minced pork.

Active packaging is essential for reducing food quality loss and ensuring consumer safety. Recently, carbon dots, synthesized from agricultural bio-wastes, have been used as active nanofillers. Mango peels generally discarded as waste can serve as potential precursor for synthesis of carbon dots. Mango peel carbon dots (MPCD) were prepared and characterized. Characteristics of active film based on chitosan (CS)/fish gelatin (FG) blend incorporated with MPCD at different concentrations (1, 3, and 5 wt%) were investigated. MPCD with augmenting concentrations enhanced mechanical properties of CS/FG film. Film containing 5 % MPCD had 15 % higher tensile strength than the control (without MPCD). The film containing MPCD showed the improved antioxidant activity, antimicrobial and UV barrier properties. The pouch (5 × 5 cm2) made from film added with 5 % MPCD via heat sealing was used for packaging minced pork. Minced pork packed in the pouch showed lower bacterial growth (below 6 log CFU/g) and chemical changes than that packed in polyethylene pouch during 15 days of storage at 4 °C. Therefore, the conversion of mango peel into valuable carbon dots promotes a zero-waste sustainable approach in line with the biocircular economy. Active pouch could be employed as novel biodegradable active and green packaging for the food industry.

A qualitative study of the spirituality of volunteers registered for human organ donation

BackgroundExploring the spiritual cognition of human organ donation registration volunteers, aiming to provide new ideas for promoting the development of organ donation through this perspective.MethodsThis qualitative research was conducted following the conventional content analysis method. 10 registered volunteers for human organ donation were selected from July to December 2023 for face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Snowball sampling was employed to select the participants. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted for data gathering. Theoretical saturation was achieved through 10 interviews. Colaizzi phenomenological 7-step analysis method was used to analyze the interview content.ResultsThe spirituality of registered volunteers for human organ donation can be summarized into three themes and seven sub themes: ① Spiritual Understanding (Love & Life Extension, Dedication to society, Death elevates life); ② The Supporting Role of Spirituality (Become a spiritual motivation for a better life, self-transcendence ); ③ The Spiritual Emotional Value of Organ Donation (Sense of accomplishment and pride, Sense of complexity and ambivalence).ConclusionThe willingness to donate organs is closely related to spirituality. By understanding the spirituality of this group, it is possible to take an important step in promoting the development of organ donation.

Stochasticity in dietary restriction-mediated lifespan outcomes in Drosophila.

Dietary restriction (DR) is widely considered to be one of the most potent approaches to extend healthy lifespan across various species, yet it has become increasingly apparent that DR-mediated longevity is influenced by biological and non-biological factors. We propose that current priorities in the field should include understanding the relative contributions of these factors to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of DR. Our work conducted in two laboratories represents an attempt to unify DR protocols in Drosophila and to investigate the stochastic effects of DR. Across 64 pairs of survival data (DR/ad libitum, or AL), we find that DR does not universally extend lifespan. Specifically, we observed that DR conferred a significant lifespan extension in only 26.7% (17/64) of pairs. Our pooled data show that the overall lifespan difference between DR and AL groups is statistically significant, but the median lifespan increase under DR (7.1%) is small. The effects of DR were overshadowed by stochastic factors and genotype. Future research efforts directed toward gaining a comprehensive understanding of DR-dependent mechanisms should focus on unraveling the interactions between genetic and environmental factors. This is essential for developing personalized healthspan-extending interventions and optimizing dietary recommendations for individual genetic profiles.

In Silico Characterization of Sirtuins in Acetic Acid Bacteria Reveals a Novel Phylogenetically Distinctive Group

Acetic acid bacteria are single-celled organisms well-known for their ability to convert ethanol into acetic acid. Still, recent research suggests they may harbor another attractive characteristic—the production of proteins with remarkable similarities to sirtuins. Sirtuins have been linked to lifespan extension in various organisms, raising intriguing questions about the potential connection between acetic acid bacteria and the biology of aging. This article delves into the characterization of sirtuin homologs in acetic acid bacteria. Up to three types of sirtuin homologs have been identified in 21% of acetic acid bacteria genomes deposited in NCBI. All three types were present only in the genera Acetobacter and Novacetimonas, which are known to survive in the harshest environmental conditions (high concentrations of acetic acid and ethanol). Interestingly, two types of these sirtuin homologs (SirAAB-L and SirAAB-S) constitute a separate group (SirAAB), distinctive from all other presently known sirtuins. The results obtained in silico thus encourage further studies into the function of these types of sirtuins and their interplay with metabolic pathways in these industrially important bacteria.

Establishment and application of a zebrafish model of Werner syndrome identifies sapanisertib as a potential antiaging drug

Aging is a complex process that affects multiple organs, and the discovery of a pharmacological approach to ameliorate aging is considered the Holy Grail of medicine. Here, we performed an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea forward genetic screening in zebrafish and identified an accelerated aging mutant named meteor (met), harboring a mutation in the Werner syndrome RecQ-like helicase (wrn) gene. Loss of wrn leads to a short lifespan and age-related characteristics in the intestine of zebrafish embryos, such as cellular senescence, genomic instability, and epigenetic alteration. Therefore, we conducted a screening of antiaging drugs using the met mutant and revealed that sapanisertib effectively ameliorated most of the aging phenotypes of the mutant. Mechanistically, the geroprotective effects of sapanisertib may be attributed to inhibition of mTORC1/2. Furthermore, sapanisertib also attenuated chronological aging in wild-type aged zebrafish and replicative-senescence in human foreskin fibroblasts. Taken together, our study introduces a unique and efficient model for large-scale antiaging drug screening in vertebrates and suggests sapanisertib as a potential therapeutic option for treating premature aging and promoting healthy aging.

Antioxidant Assays in Phytonutrient Research: Translating Laboratory Innovations into Practical Applications

Background: There is great promise for improving nutrition and health thanks to phytonutrients' antioxidant qualities and health advantages. Their capacity to combat oxidative stress and associated illnesses emphasizes the importance of precisely evaluating their antioxidant characteristics. Objective: This study concludes by providing a comprehensive and critical critique of the current approaches to measure the antioxidant activity of phytonutrients. It dives into the fundamentals, benefits, drawbacks, and most recent developments of commonly used antioxidant assays, giving the reader a comprehensive grasp of the topic. This recapitulation of the review's goal in the end reinforces the reader's primary takeaway. Methods: Research on several antioxidant tests, such as FRAP, ORAC, DPPH, and ABTS, is consolidated in this review. It looks at each assay's performance traits, technological advances, and techniques. The review also assesses the incorporation of many assays to thoroughly examine phytonutrient potency and its uses in the food industry and nutritional science. Results: The review shows how antioxidant tests have advanced significantly, improving sensitivity, accuracy, and physiological relevance. It demonstrates how these tests can be used practically to guarantee food quality, create supplements, and offer nutritional advice. The paper also lists the difficulties today, including the intricacy of antioxidant mechanisms, test variability, and the requirement for assay standardization. The practical value of the research is emphasized by highlighting the significance of antioxidant tests for quality assurance, adulteration detection, and shelf life extension in the food business. Discussion: Scientists, doctors, and business experts interested in evaluating and applying phytonutrients will find this review helpful. It emphasizes how crucial it is to improve antioxidant testing to ascertain the possible health advantages and therapeutic uses of phytonutrients. The review highlights the need for increased test sensitivity, accuracy, and relevance while discussing the benefits and drawbacks of the available techniques. It draws attention to the importance of strong and trustworthy antioxidant tests to maximize the use of phytonutrients in food quality control and pharmaceutical research. Prospects: Future directions seek to address the challenges discovered through the development of multidisciplinary research and testing technologies. Novel approaches will advance our knowledge of phytonutrient potency and aid in developing medicines and nutraceuticals. This study highlights the significance of trustworthy assays for understanding and utilizing phytonutrients, providing academics and professionals in the business with vital insights.

Comprehensive evaluation of lifespan-extending molecules in C. elegans.

The nematode C. elegans has long served as a gold-standard model organism in aging research, particularly since the discovery of long-lived mutants in conserved aging pathways including daf-2 (IGF1) and age-1 (PI3K). Its short lifespan and small size make it highly suitable for high-throughput experiments. While numerous molecules have been tested for their effects on C. elegans lifespan, consensus is still lacking regarding the most effective and reproducible compounds. Confounding effects, especially those related to drug-bacteria interactions, remain a contentious issue in the literature. In this study, we evaluated 16 of the most frequently reported lifespan-extending molecules in C. elegans, examining their effects on lifespan with two different diets (live and UV-killed OP50). In addition, we assessed the compounds' impact on bacterial growth, their effects on various nematode strains, and the impact of the starting age of treatment. Our findings first confirmed robust lifespan extension by many, but not all, of the 16 tested compounds from the literature, and revealed that some of them could be combined to obtain additive effects. Additionally, we showed that some of these compounds also extend lifespan in the fly D. melanogaster, demonstrating a conserved effect across species. Finally, by expanding our screen to a broader pool of molecules, we identified novel lifespan-extending compounds in C. elegans.

IRAP Drives Ribosomal Degradation to Refuel Energy for Platelet Activation during Septic Thrombosis.

Platelets play crucial roles in multiple pathophysiological processes after energy-dependent activation. It is puzzling how such a small cellular debris has abundant energy supply. In this study, it is shown that insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP), a type II transmembrane protein, is a key regulator for platelet activation by promoting energy regeneration during septic thrombosis. Through interaction with certain endosome membrane proteins, IRAP can not only promote granule release, but also facilitate lysosomal degradation of theoretically discarded ribosomes in an mTORC1- and S-acylation-dependent manner in activated platelets. Plentiful amino acids obtained from IRAP-mediated ribophagy are recruited to aerobic glycolysis and then promote energy metabolism reprogramming, thereby producing abundant energy for platelet life extension and prolonged activation. Consequently, targeted blocking IRAP can dramatically alleviate platelet hyperactivation and septic thrombosis.

Lifespan extension by rapamycin in Brachionus dorcas (Rotifera) is dose and developmental stage dependent

Lifespan extension by rapamycin in Brachionus dorcas (Rotifera) is dose and developmental stage dependent

Painful diabetic neuropathy is associated with accelerated epigenetic aging.

About one out of two diabetic patients develop diabetic neuropathy (DN), of these 20% experience neuropathic pain (NP) leading to individual, social, and health-economic burden. Risk factors for NP are largely unknown; however, premature aging was recently associated with several chronic pain disorders. DNA methylation-based biological age (DNAm) is associated with disease risk, morbidity, and mortality in different clinical settings. The purpose of this work was to study, for the first time, whether biological age is involved in pain development in a huge cohort of DN patients with neuropathy assessed by anatomopathological assay (99 painful (PDN), 132 painless (PLDN) patients, 84 controls (CTRL)). Six subsets of DNAm biomarkers were calculated to evaluate NP-associated changes in epigenetic aging, telomere shortening, blood cell count estimates, and plasma protein surrogates. We observed pain-related acceleration of epigenetic age (DNAmAgeHannum, DNAmGrimAgeBasedOnPredictedAge, DNAmAgeSkinBloodClock), pace of aging (DunedinPoAm), and shortening of telomeres between PDN and PLDN patients. PDN showed decreased predicted counts of B lymphocytes, naive and absolute CD8 T cells, and increased granulocyte counts. Several surrogates of plasma proteins were significantly different (GHR, MMP1, THBS2, PAPPA, TGF-α, GDF8, EDA, MPL, CCL21) in PDNs compared to PLDNs. These results provide the first evidence of an acceleration of biological aging in patients with painful compared to painless DN. This achievement has been possible thanks to the state of the art clinical phenotyping of the enrolled patients. Our findings indicate that the aging process may be directly involved in the PDN progression and in general health degeneration in the T2DM patients. Therefore, it is possible to hypothesize that the administration of effective antiaging drugs could slow down or even block the disease advancement.

The Potential of Polyphenols in Modulating the Cellular Senescence Process: Implications and Mechanism of Action

Background: Cellular senescence is a biological process with a dual role in organismal health. While transient senescence supports tissue repair and acts as a tumor-suppressive mechanism, the chronic accumulation of senescent cells contributes to aging and the progression of age-related diseases. Senotherapeutics, including senolytics, which selectively eliminate senescent cells, and senomorphics, which modulate the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), have emerged as promising strategies for managing age-related pathologies. Among these, polyphenols, a diverse group of plant-derived bioactive compounds, have gained attention for their potential to modulate cellular senescence. Methods: This review synthesizes evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on the senolytic and senomorphic activities of bioactive polyphenols, including resveratrol, kaempferol, apigenin, and fisetin. The analysis focuses on their molecular mechanisms of action and their impact on fundamental aging-related pathways. Results: Polyphenols exhibit therapeutic versatility by activating SIRT1, inhibiting NF-κB, and modulating autophagy. These compounds demonstrate a dual role, promoting the survival of healthy cells while inducing apoptosis in senescent cells. Preclinical evidence indicates their capacity to reduce SASP-associated inflammation, restore tissue homeostasis, and attenuate cellular senescence in various models of aging. Conclusions: Polyphenols represent a promising class of senotherapeutics for mitigating age-related diseases and promoting healthy lifespan extension. Further research should focus on clinical validation and the long-term effects of these compounds, paving the way for their development as therapeutic agents in geriatric medicine.

Innovative Organic Electrolytes for Enhanced Energy Density and Performance in Supercapacitors

ABSTRACTSupercapacitors, known for their high‐power energy storage capabilities, have garnered significant attention due to their rapid charge–discharge cycles and extended life span. To expand their application in fields such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and portable electronic devices, the development of advanced electrolytes that can boost energy density, power density, and overall performance is crucial. This study introduces a novel electrolyte formulation comprising lithium chloride in ethylene glycol and Magnesium Acetate in methanol. These formulations are designed to address existing challenges and enhance supercapacitor efficiency. The study reports impressive specific capacitance values (Csp = 582, 360, and 224 F/g), specific energy (SE = 323, 200, and 124 Wh/kg), and specific power (SP = 11 628, 7200, and 1322 W/kg) for lithium chloride, magnesium acetate, and zinc chloride electrolytes, respectively. These findings open new avenues for developing optimal and sustainable energy storage solutions in an increasingly electrified world. Continued research in this domain is expected to unlock the full potential of supercapacitors, contributing to a cleaner and more energy‐efficient future.

A review of the irradiation effect on the quality and safety of different types of meat

This review explores the benefits of irradiation in improving the quality and safety of different meat types. The process involves exposing meat in a shielded room using one source of radiation that can be gamma radiation, electron beam or X-radiation for a specified period of time. Through the use of this technology, parasites, viruses, insects and bacteria can be effectively reduced, which in turn increases the lifespan and quality of meat products. According to products to be irradiated and the bacteria to be eradicated, the radiation dose could be high, low or medium. Irradiating meat at an appropriate dose does not affect its sensory qualities such as taste, texture and color. The impact of irradiation on nutritional and chemical aspects of different types of meat is complex, since free radicals can cause lipid oxidation and alter vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids. Furthermore, irradiation can also affect physical properties of meat, such as texture and tenderness. This review also summarizes the available information on the impact of irradiation on the extension of meat shelf life.

Intestine-specific disruption of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase extends longevity.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive oxygen containing molecules that are generated by normal metabolism. While ROS can cause damage to the building blocks that make up cells, these molecules can also act as intracellular signals that promote longevity. The levels of ROS within the cell can be regulated by antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), which converts superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. Interestingly, our previous work has shown that disruption of the mitochondrial SOD gene sod-2 results in increased lifespan, suggesting that elevating levels of mitochondrial superoxide can promote longevity. To explore the molecular mechanisms involved, we determined the tissues in which disruption of sod-2 is necessary for lifespan extension and the tissues in which disruption of sod-2 is sufficient to extend lifespan. We found that tissue-specific restoration of SOD-2 expression in worms lacking SOD-2 could partially revert changes in fertility, embryonic lethality and resistance to stress, but did not inhibit the effects of sod-2 deletion on lifespan. Knocking down sod-2 expression using RNA interference specifically in the intestine, but not other tissues, was sufficient to extend longevity. Intestine-specific knockdown of sod-2 also increased resistance to heat stress while decreasing resistance to oxidative stress. Combined, these results indicate that disruption of sod-2 in neurons, intestine, germline, or muscle is not required for lifespan extension, but that decreasing sod-2 expression in just the intestine extends lifespan. This work defines the conditions required for disruption of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase to increase longevity.

Active Polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) Films Loaded with Olive Leaf Extract for Food Packaging-Antibacterial Activity, Surface, Thermal and Mechanical Evaluation.

As the demand for sustainable and innovative solutions in food packaging continues to grow, this study endeavors to introduce a comprehensive exploration of novel active materials. Specifically, we focus on characterizing polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA/PEG) films filled with olive leaf extract (OLE; Olea europaea) obtained via solvent evaporation. Examined properties include surface structure, thermal degradation and mechanical attributes, as well as antibacterial activity. The results indicated a significant impact of the incorporation of OLE into this polymeric matrix, increasing hydrophobicity, decreasing surface free energy, and enhancing surface roughness, albeit with slight reductions in mechanical properties. Notably, these modified materials exhibited significant bacteriostatic, bactericidal and anti-adhesive activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Consequently, PLA/PEG/OLE films demonstrated considerable potential for advanced food packaging, facilitating interactions between products and their environment. This capability ensures the preservation and extension of food shelf life, safeguards against microbial contamination, and maintains the overall quality, safety, and integrity of the packaged food. These findings suggest potential pathways for developing more sustainable and effective food packaging films.

Ergothioneine improves healthspan of aged animals by enhancing cGPDH activity through CSE-dependent persulfidation.

Ergothioneine (ET), a dietary thione/thiol, is receiving growing attention for its possible benefits in healthy aging and metabolic resilience. Our study investigates ET's effects on healthspan in aged animals, revealing lifespan extension and enhanced mobility in Caenorhabditis elegans, accompanied by improved stress resistance and reduced age-associated biomarkers. In aged rats, ET administration enhances exercise endurance, muscle mass, and vascularization, concomitant with higher NAD+ levels in muscle. Mechanistically, ET acts as an alternative substrate for cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), stimulating H2S production, which increases protein persulfidation of more than 300 protein targets. Among these, protein-persulfidation-driven activation of cytosolic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (cGPDH) primarily contributes to the ET-induced NAD+ increase. ET's effects are abolished in models lacking CSE or cGPDH, highlighting the essential role of H2S signaling and protein persulfidation. These findings elucidate ET's multifaceted actions andprovide insights into its therapeutic potential for combating age-related muscle decline and metabolic perturbations.

Superlongevity and African Ethics

ABSTRACTI apply African moral precepts to the topic of ‘superlongevity’. I make the case that African theories give rise to three specific sorts of moral concern about life extension that are distinct from similar objections in Western literature: first, superlongevity presents a challenge to identity; second, significantly longer lives face increased challenges to their meaningfulness; third, life extension may be socially divisive, undermining key tenets of sharing a way of life and communing harmoniously with others. Although these distinctive concerns are significant, I claim that their strength as objections to superlongevity depends heavily on the distribution of life extension technologies. Moreover, since African theories typically hold that moral excellence correlates with increasing age, they provide a prudential and moral incentive to live longer to develop personhood.

In vivo base editing extends lifespan of a humanized mouse model of prion disease.

Prion disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by the misfolding of prion protein (PrP) encoded by the PRNP gene. While there is currently no cure for the disease, depleting PrP in the brain is an established strategy to prevent or stall templated misfolding of PrP. Here we developed in vivo cytosine and adenine base strategies delivered by adeno-associated viruses to permanently modify the PRNP locus to achieve PrP knockdown in the mouse brain. Systemic injection of dual-adeno-associated virus PHP.eB encoding BE3.9max and single guide RNA installing PRNP R37X resulted in 37% average installation of the desired edit, 50% reduction of PrP in the mouse brain and 52% extension of lifespan in transgenic human PRNP mice inoculated with pathogenic human prion isolates representing the most common sporadic and genetic subtypes of prion disease. We further engineered base editing systems to achieve improved in vivo potency and reduced base editor expression in nontargeting tissues, resulting in 63% average PrP reduction in the mouse brain from a 6.7-fold lower viral dose, with no detected off-target editing of anticipated clinical significance observed in either human cells or mouse tissues. These findings support the potential of in vivo base editing as one-time treatment for prion disease.

Extending the Shelf Life of Apples After Harvest Using Edible Coatings as Active Packaging—A Review

Extending the shelf life of perishable food, such as apples, and storing them in cold conditions and/or controlled atmospheres have been of great interest in the last decades. Apples are very valuable fruits with many health benefits, but during storage at ambient conditions, they ripen quickly and lose moisture, causing lower crispness or other negative effects, resulting in waste problems. There has been growing attention to protective edible coatings or active packaging films based on biopolymers and natural bioactive substances. Edible coatings and films allow for combination with functional ingredients or compounds, affecting the maintenance of the postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables. They also ensure the preservation of the sensory characteristics of food, and they can have antimicrobial or antioxidant properties. All these aspects play a significant role in the storage of apples, which can also help prevent waste, which is in line with the circular economy approach. The functionality of coatings and films is closely related to the type, content, and composition of active compounds, as well as their interaction with biopolymers. Active coatings with the addition of different functional compounds, such as plant extracts, phenolic acids, and nanoparticles, can be an alternative solution affecting the postharvest quality of apples during storage, maintaining the fruit’s stability, and thus minimising their waste. The most important issues related to the latest reports on improving the postharvest quality of apples using edible coatings incorporated with various active substances were evaluated. Agricultural conditions and factors that affect the postharvest quality of apples were described. The requirements for protective coatings for apples should be focused on low-cost materials, including waste-based resources, good miscibility, and compatibility of components. Those factors combined with the storage conditions may result in shelf life extension or retention of the postharvest quality of apples, regardless of the variety or cultivation techniques.