Decline In Physiological Function Research Articles

Synergistic Effect of miR-200 and Young Extracellular Matrix-based Bio-scaffolds to Reduce Signs of Aging in Senescent Fibroblasts

Aging is defined as a complex, multifaceted degenerative process that causes a gradual decline of physiological functions and a rising mortality risk with time. Stopping senescence or even rejuvenating the body represent one of the long-standing human dreams. Somatic cell nuclear transfer as well as cell reprogramming have suggested the possibility to slow or even reverse signs of aging. We exploited miR-200 family ability to induce a transient high plasticity state in human skin fibroblasts isolated from old individuals and we investigated whether this ameliorates cellular and physiological hallmarks of senescence. In addition, based on the assumption that extracellular matrix (ECM) provides biomechanical stimuli directly influencing cell behavior, we examine whether ECM-based bio-scaffolds, obtained from decellularized ovaries of young swine, stably maintain the rejuvenated phenotype acquired by cells after miR-200 exposure. The results show the existence of multiple factors that cooperate to control a unique program, driving the cell clock. In particular, miR-200 family directly regulates the molecular mechanisms erasing cell senescence. However, this effect is transient, reversible, and quickly lost. On the other hand, the use of an adequate young microenvironment stabilizes the miR-200-mediated rejuvenating effects, suggesting that synergistic interactions occur among molecular effectors and ECM-derived biomechanical stimuli. The model here described is a useful tool to better characterize these complex regulations and to finely dissect the multiple and concurring biochemical and biomechanical cues driving the cell biological clock.Graphical

Frailty in the context of COVID-19 pandemic: A life-threatening condition

The pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused emerging challenges for healthcare systems regarding the assistance to the older adult population which, added to the increased life expectancy, may be exposing frail older adults to an increased risk of unfavorable health outcomes. Frailty has a pathogenesis of multifactorial etiology and is defined as a condition characterized by progressive decline in physiological function, weakness, decreased strength, and reduced resilience to stressors, leading to vulnerability and an increased risk of fractures, falls, institutionalization, and death. In the context of COVID-19, frail older adults accounted for approximately 51% of hospitalized patients with confirmed cases and elevated risk of mortality in-hospital. In addition, frailty may be associated with recent “excess mortality” reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in terms of the full death toll associated directly (due to the disease) or indirectly (due to the pandemic's impact on health systems and society) to COVID-19. Therefore, this mini review aimed to provide a summarized discussion from meta-analyses data regarding the impact of frailty in community-dwelling older adults hospitalized with COVID-19 on short-term mortality risk.

Açaì (Euterpe oleracea) Extract Protects Human Erythrocytes from Age-Related Oxidative Stress.

Aging is a process characterised by a general decline in physiological functions. The high bioavailability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in the aging rate. Due to the close relationship between aging and oxidative stress (OS), functional foods rich in flavonoids are excellent candidates to counteract age-related changes. This study aimed to verify the protective role of Açaì extract in a d-Galactose (d-Gal)-induced model of aging in human erythrocytes. Markers of OS, including ROS production, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, oxidation of protein sulfhydryl groups, as well as the anion exchange capability through Band 3 protein (B3p) and glycated haemoglobin (A1c) have been analysed in erythrocytes treated with d-Gal for 24 h, with or without pre-incubation for 1 h with 0.5–10 µg/mL Açaì extract. Our results show that the extract avoided the formation of acanthocytes and leptocytes observed after exposure to 50 and 100 mM d-Gal, respectively, prevented d-Gal-induced OS damage, and restored alterations in the distribution of B3p and CD47 proteins. Interestingly, d-Gal exposure was associated with an acceleration of the rate constant of SO42− uptake through B3p, as well as A1c formation. Both alterations have been attenuated by pre-treatment with the Açaì extract. These findings contribute to clarify the aging mechanisms in human erythrocytes and propose functional foods rich in flavonoids as natural antioxidants for the treatment and prevention of OS-related disease conditions.

Systematic Selection of Age-Associated mRNA Markers and the Development of Predicted Models for Forensic Age Inference by Three Machine Learning Methods.

Aging is usually accompanied by the decline of physiological function and dysfunction of cellular processes. Genetic markers related to aging not only reveal the biological mechanism of aging but also provide age information in forensic research. In this study, we aimed to screen age-associated mRNAs based on the previously reported genome-wide expression data. In addition, predicted models for age estimations were built by three machine learning methods. We identified 283 differentially expressed mRNAs between two groups with different age ranges. Nine mRNAs out of 283 mRNAs showed different expression patterns between smokers and non-smokers and were eliminated from the following analysis. Age-associated mRNAs were further screened from the remaining mRNAs by the cross-validation error analysis of random forest. Finally, 14 mRNAs were chosen to build the model for age predictions. These 14 mRNAs showed relatively high correlations with age. Furthermore, we found that random forest showed the optimal performance for age prediction in comparison to the generalized linear model and support vector machine. To sum up, the 14 age-associated mRNAs identified in this study could be viewed as valuable markers for age estimations and studying the aging process.

Nitric oxide, aging and aerobic exercise: Sedentary individuals to Master's athletes

Aging is associated with a decline in physiological function and exercise performance. These effects are mediated, at least in part, by an age-related decrease in the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), a ubiquitous gasotransmitter and regulator of myriad physiological processes. The decrease in NO bioavailability with aging is especially apparent in sedentary individuals, whereas older, physically active individuals maintain higher levels of NO with advancing age. Strategies which enhance NO bioavailability (including nutritional supplementation) have been proposed as a potential means of reducing the age-related decrease in physiological function and enhancing exercise performance and may be of interest to a range of older individuals including those taking part in competitive sport. In this brief review we discuss the effects of aging on physiological function and endurance exercise performance, and the potential role of changes in NO bioavailability in these processes. We also provide a summary of current evidence for dietary supplementation with substrates for NO production — including inorganic nitrate and nitrite, l-arginine and l-citrulline — for improving exercise capacity/performance in older adults. Additionally, we discuss the (limited) evidence on the effects of (poly)phenols and other dietary antioxidants on NO bioavailability in older individuals. Finally, we provide suggestions for future research.

The guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a useful model for analyzing age-dependent changes in metabolism, motor function, and gene expression.

Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, causing a general decline in physiological function and loss of homeostasis. Recently, small teleost fish have been used as animal models of aging research because their genetic structures and organs closely resemble those of humans. Guppy (Poecilia reticulata), a small teleost fish, has a shorter lifespan than zebrafish. However, the age-dependent changes in physiology and genetics in guppies are not well understood. Here, we investigated the age-associated changes in metabolic rate, physical activity, and gene expression in guppies. Our results indicated that the resting metabolic rate and spontaneous motor activity in guppies decreased from an earlier age than those in mice. Moreover, the mRNA expression level of ppargc1a and the accumulation of lipofuscin were affected by age in the guppy livers; however, these changes were species-specific. On the other hand, in aged guppy brains, the mRNA expression changes of some genes were partly consistent with aged mammals. Although the process of senescence of the liver in guppies might vary from mammals, our findings suggest that guppy could be a useful animal model for age-related changes in physiological functions.

Data mining-based detection of the clinical effect on motion style acupuncture therapy combined with conventional acupuncture therapy in chronic neck pain.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is the most common symptom of cervical spondylosis.OBJECTIVE: To discuss the indications for conventional acupuncture therapy (CAT) and motion style acupuncture therapy (MSAT) combined with CAT in neck pain patients using data mining.METHOD: Seventy-six participants with neck pain were recruited and randomly divided into two paralleled groups. Participants in intervention group received two-course MSAT at Houxi (SI3) and CAT at local neck region, while the control group received CAT at neck only. Take the SF-36 score scale and pain pressure threshold (PPT) values as the raw data and use data-mining to evaluate the clinical effect of two treatments.RESULT: Both groups have the best effect after one-time and one-course treatment. The main factors influencing effect most are Role-Emotional (RE), Physical Functioning (PF) and Social Functioning (SF) in intervention group, while it transfers to General Health (GH), RE and SF in control group. To patients in intervention group who scores 41.70 to 68.70 in PF before treatment, MSAT can effectively improve the restriction of activities and play an analgesic effect; to patients in control group who score 56.09 to 66.09 in GH before treatment, CAT may have curative effect.CONCLUSION: Both MSAT and CAT can improve the life-quality of neck pain patients. Patients with high general health status before treatment can choose CAT, while patients who score mild to moderate decline in physiological function can choose MSAT combined with CAT.

Small-molecule fluorescence-based probes for aging diagnosis

Aging is a time-dependent decline in physiological function that affects most organisms and is the major risk factor for many non-communicable diseases. The early diagnosis of aging is critical for the treatment of aging and aging-related diseases. In recent years, extensive efforts have attempted to accurately diagnose aging. To date, multiple types of fluorescent probes for various age-related biomarkers have been developed, with the aims of achieving rapid, precise diagnosis of the aging process and evaluating the efficacy of anti-aging drugs. This review summarizes recent research progress in small-molecule fluorescence-based probes for aging diagnosis, and further discusses the challenges and opportunities in this field.

Perioperative management of elderly and senile patients. Recommendations

Perioperative management of elderly patients remains one of the most difficult tasks of modern anesthesiology. Compared with younger patients, people over 60 years of age have a higher risk of developing adverse postoperative outcomes, as a result of age-related decline in physiological functions, the presence of several concomitant diseases, polypragmasia, cognitive dysfunction and specific geriatric syndromes, such as frailty. More than 25 % of this category of people have several chronic diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, hematopoietic, musculoskeletal systems, respiratory, digestive and other systems. In the process of aging, there is also a decrease and some perversion of metabolic processes, a decrease in the reactivity of the body. All of the above, along with the surgical intervention, increases the risk of postoperative complications and perioperative mortality. The recommendations present the definition of the category of elderly and senile patients, provide information about age-related changes in their body that affect anesthesia and intensive care. The main clinical syndromes and symptoms useful in predicting the unfavorable course of the perioperative period are indicated, including frailty, nutritional insufficiency, sarcopenia and cognitive dysfunction. Methods for assessing functional activity and the risk of falls are given separately. Attention is paid to the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of delirium, cardiovascular, respiratory complications. The principles of choosing the method of anesthesia and management of the perioperative period in elderly and senile patients, depending on the features of interventions and concomitant pathology, are described.

Metabolomics-Based Biomarkers for Frailty in Chinese Older Adults

Background: Frailty is a clinical state characterized by decline in physiological function, and increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes. The biological mechanisms underlying frailty have been extensively studied in recent years. Advances in the multi-omics platforms have provided new information on the molecular mechanisms of frailty. Thus, identifying omics-based biomarkers is helpful for both exploring the physiological mechanisms of frailty and evaluating the risk of frailty development and progression. Objective: To identify metabolomics biomarkers and possible pathogenic mechanisms for frailty with untargeted-metabolomics profiling. Methods: LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed on serum samples of 25 frail older inpatients and 49 non-frail older controls. The metabolomics profiling was compared between the two groups. Results: We identified 349 metabolites belonging to 46 classes, in which 2 were increased and 3 were decreased in frail older adults. Citrate cycle (with up-regulated cis-Aconitic acid, Fumaric acid, L-Malic acid, and Isocitric acid), fatty acid metabolism (with up-regulated Palmitic acid and L-Palmitoylcarnitine) and tryptophan metabolism (with up-regulated 5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan, L-Kynurenine, Kynurenic acid, and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid) were significantly associated with frailty phenotype. Conclusions: Our results revealed characteristics of metabolites of frailty in Chinese older adults. The citrate cycle related metabolites (Isocitrate, (s)-Malate, Fumarate and cis-Aconitate), saturated fat (Palmitic acid), unsaturated fatty acid (Arachidonate and Linoleic acid), and some essential amino acid (Tryptophan) might be candidate biomarkers for early diagnosis of frailty. Disorders of energy metabolism, lipotoxicity of saturated fatty acids, disturbances of unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, and increased degradation of tryptophan were potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets of frailty.

Psychological-based Physical Exercise Education Model for Improving Elderly Physical Fitness

Increasing age that helps everyone will lead to the elderly group being vulnerable to various activities because of the decline in physiological functions. On the other hand, the elderly have to be able to survive. In addition to the psychological aspects, aspects of muscle, cardiovascular, balance, and mobility are essential factors to support the body's work. Measurements in this study using Delphi Technique towards a psychological-based physical exercise education model to improve physical fitness. The majority of validity tests are more significant than critical 0.30, so the Delphi technique is valid. In the reliability test, the calculated values of Cronbach's Alpha were 0.889 and 0.741, indicating that various questions about the use of the Delphi technique were reliable or consistent. It can be concluded that applied Delphi Technique as a psychological-based physical exercise education model to improve physical fitness for the elderly stated valid and reliable.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE ROLE OF FAMILY IN PROVISION OF NUTRITION WITH NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN THE ELDERLY IN KLINTEREJO VILLAGE, SOOKO DISTRICT, MOJOKERTO REGENCY

Introduction Biological changes that occur in the elderly can affect nutritional status including reduced muscle mass, increased fat mass, decreased intestinal mobility, number of missing teeth, decreased sense of sight and reduced kidney capacity to excrete large amounts of water (Hutapea, 2015). As compensation for the decline in physiological functions, adequate nutrition must be provided to suit the activities of the elderly. Balanced nutritional intake is very necessary for healthy and sick elderly to maintain their quality of life and is needed in the healing process and prevent further complications from the disease (Siti, 2015). The family has an important role in maintaining the health status of the elderly through the fulfillment of balanced nutritional needs because the family is the closest party to the elderly.Methods:The research design used is a correlation research type because this study aims to determine the existence of a relationship between the role of the family and the nutritional status of the elderly with a Cross Sectional approach. The population is the elderly aged 60-90 years and over in Klinterejo Village, Sooko District, Mojokerto Regency as many as 52 samples with simple random sampling technique. Variable measurement instruments use questionnaires and KMS sheets. The statistical test uses Chi-Square with a value of = 0.05. Result: The results showed that almost half of the respondents (44.2%) had less family roles as many as 23 respondents and as many as 36 respondents (69.2%2 with poor nutritional status). Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it is expected that the optimal role of the family in providing a balanced menu according to the needs of the elderly so that the nutritional status of the elderly is not in poor condition.

Long-term intake of Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 prevents age-related circadian locomotor activity and changes in gut metabolism in physiologically aged mice.

Aging involves age-progressive loss of physiological functions in organs and tissues. We previously showed that Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 suppressed age-related inflammation and prevented age-related retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. As RGCs mediate biological behaviors associated with responses to ambient light, we assessed whether L. paracasei KW3110 affects circadian locomotor activities in physiologically aged mice. The ratio of locomotor activity during the nighttime (active phase) to daytime (inactive phase) significantly decreased in physiologically aged mice compared with young mice: intake of L. paracasei KW3110 prevented this decrease. We also performed metabolomics analysis of cecal contents using both capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry to better understand the benefical effects for aging of L. paracasei KW3110 through a gut retina axis, since our previous study showed that L. paracasei KW3110 mitigated not only age-related expansions of intestinal inflammatory immune cells but age-related alternation of gut microbiome composition. Principal component analysis showed clear changes in metabolites between physiologically aged mice fed a diet containing L. paracasei KW3110 and age-matched control mice. Furthermore, we found that intake of L. paracasei KW3110 mitigated age-related changes in some fatty acids compared with age-matched control mice. Taken together, L. paracasei KW3110 might regulate age-related alternation of metabolites in cecal contents, potentially leading to suppression of age-related decline in physiological functions, including impairment of circadian locomotor activities.

Health Education With Audiovisual Media and Relaxation Massage in Lowering Blood Pressure and Improved Sleep Quality for the Elderly

Intruduction: The aging process results in a progressive decline in physiological functions with age, including a decrease in productivity. Hypertension is a major problem in public health in Indonesia and in developing countries. Hypertension is a common cause of disturbed sleep patterns, due to structural and functional changes in the peripheral vascular system. The purpose of this study was the effect of health education with audiovisual methods and relaxation massage to reduce blood pressure and sleep quality disorders in the elderly. Materials and Methods: Experimental research (community trial) with pretest-posttest control group design. The target population in this study is the elderly who are included in the elderly age group, namely > 50 years in Selemadeg District, Tabanan Regency. The sample size is 90 elderly, determined based on the results of previous studies with a standard deviation (σ) = 0.51, the difference in the mean of cognitive changes (μ1- 2) = 0.30. divided into two groups, the treatment group and the control group. The independent variable is health education using audiovisual media and Relaxation Massage and the dependent variable is blood pressure. Data collection tools in the form of sphygmomanometer, observation sheet. Data analysis used independent t-test, paired t-test and Multivariate ANOVA test. Result: The blood pressure of the treatment group before the intervention mostly had grade I hypertension (53.3%), and after the intervention most of the blood pressure improved to normal (57.8%), and this result was statistically significant (0.000). In the treatment group before the intervention, many had poor sleep quality (46.7%), and after the intervention improved sleep quality in the good category (53.3%), and this result was statistically significant (0.000). Conclotion: It is concluded that the provision of health education with audiovisual methods and massage relaxation can reduce blood pressure and improve sleep quality in the elderly.

Anti-aging properties of phytoconstituents and phyto-nanoemulsions and their application in managing aging-related diseases.

Aging is spontaneous and inevitable process in all living beings. It is a complex natural phenomenon that manifests as a gradual decline of physiological functions and homeostasis. Aging inevitably leads to age-associated injuries, diseases, and eventually death. The research on aging-associated diseases aimed at delaying, preventing or even reversing the aging process are of great significance for healthy aging and also for scientific progress. Numerous plant-derived compounds have anti-aging effects, but their therapeutic potential is limited due to their short shelf-life and low bioavailability. As the novel delivery system, nanoemulsion can effectively improve this defect. Nanoemulsions enhance the delivery of drugs to the target site, maintain the plasma concentration for a longer period, and minimize adverse reaction and side effects. This review describes the importance of nanoemulsions for the delivery of phyto-derived compounds and highlights the importance of nanoemulsions in the treatment of aging-related diseases. It also covers the methods of preparation, fate and safety of nanoemulsions, which will provide valuable information for the development of new strategies in treatment of aging-related diseases.

Gut microbiota alterations and health status in aging adults: From correlation to causation.

The deterioration of tissue structure and decline in physiological function during aging are accompanied by alterations to the gut microbiota. The elderly has higher risks of various diseases and chronic diseases. However, inter‐individual differences are more apparent in elderly than younger, and a proportion of individuals have a delayed onset or even avoid developing chronic diseases. This difference in health status is influenced by both heredity and Lifestyle and environmental factors. During the process of aging, the gut microbiota is also affected by the external environment, and provides a buffer to external challenge, and thus the gut microbiota reflects an individual's personal experience. Moreover, the immune system undergoes a series of changes with age, which are related to chronic inflammation in the elderly. The formation, maturation and senescence of the intestinal immune system is closely related to the gut microbiota. Additionally, changes in the gut microbiota of elderly individuals may modulate the immune system, which may in turn affect health status. Herein, we summarize the correlations between the gut microbiota with individual health status in the elderly and explore the related mechanisms, which may provide a basis to maintain or enhance the health of the elderly though interventions targeting the gut microbiota.

Understanding the Impact of Industrial Stress Conditions on Replicative Aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In yeast, aging is widely understood as the decline of physiological function and the decreasing ability to adapt to environmental changes. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has become an important model organism for the investigation of these processes. Yeast is used in industrial processes (beer and wine production), and several stress conditions can influence its intracellular aging processes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on applied stress conditions, such as osmotic pressure, primary metabolites (e.g., ethanol), low pH, oxidative stress, heat on aging indicators, age-related physiological changes, and yeast longevity. There is clear evidence that yeast cells are exposed to many stressors influencing viability and vitality, leading to an age-related shift in age distribution. Currently, there is a lack of rapid, non-invasive methods allowing the investigation of aspects of yeast aging in real time on a single-cell basis using the high-throughput approach. Methods such as micromanipulation, centrifugal elutriator, or biotinylation do not provide real-time information on age distributions in industrial processes. In contrast, innovative approaches, such as non-invasive fluorescence coupled flow cytometry intended for high-throughput measurements, could be promising for determining the replicative age of yeast cells in fermentation and its impact on industrial stress conditions.

Effects of Aromatherapy on Depression and Loneliness in Elderly With Frailty Living in Day-Care Centers

In addition to playing significant role in the decline of physiological functions and the onset of depression, frailty is involved in a vicious circle with depression that has serious physical and mental impacts on sufferers. Furthermore, elderly people with frailty are less mobile, at increased risk of dissociative interpersonal relationships, and prone to develop a sense of loneliness, which also pose health threats. This study was designed to explore the improvement effects of an aromatherapy intervention on depression and loneliness in the elderly with frailty living in daycare centers. This study adopted a quasi-experimental, pre-and-post-test research design. This study enrolled 82 frail elderly people from six daycare centers in Taipei City as the research subjects. The subjects in the experimental group received aromatherapy twice a week for 30 minutes each session for four weeks. The researcher guided the experimental group in a small group setting to perform self-massage on the face and hands with lavender essential oil. The control group was guided in the same self-massage routine using pure base oil. Depression in the subjects was found to be positively correlated with degree of frailty. After the intervention, depression and loneliness was found to have decreased significantly in the experimental group (p < .05). The findings support the beneficial effects of aromatherapy interventions on depression and loneliness in the elderly with frailty living in daycare centers without adverse reactions. Aromatherapy may be used to improve depression and loneliness in elderly people with frailty.

Avaliação do equilíbrio postural em idosas com baixa densidade mineral óssea: caidoras e não caidoras.

Aging is associated with the decline of physiological functions. In this process, the human skeleton is especially affected by time: bone loss begins as early as the third decade of life. Performance in postural balance tests was evaluated in elderly women who were fallers and non-fallers with low bone mineral density and, secondarily, those afraid of falling had lower performance in balance tests. Sixty-two elderly women aged ≥ 60 years were evaluated, divided into two groups: fallers and non-fallers. The volunteers were evaluated using two postural balance tests: the miniBESTest (test with 14 tasks that assesses balance according to postural responses to external disturbances and verticality); and the NeuroCom Balance Master force platform, in the protocols of the Going Up and Going Down Steps and Sit and Stand Tests. There were no differences in the miniBESTest or in the NeuroCom Balance Master tests between groups. In addition, there were no differences between elderly women with and without fear of falls, in the same variables studied. Elderly people, regardless of being fallers, did not differ in the performance of the postural balance tests, nor in terms of the presence or absence of fear of falling. Keywords : Elderly; Osteoporosis; Falls; Postural balance.

Increased oxidative stress in elderly leprosy patients is related to age but not to bacillary load.

Leprosy continues to be a public health problem in Brazil. Furthermore, detection rates in elderly people have increased, particularly those of multibacillary (L-Lep) patients, who are responsible for transmitting M. leprae. Part of the decline in physiological function during aging is due to increased oxidative damage and change in T cell subpopulations, which are critical in defense against the disease. It is not still clear how age-related changes like those related to oxidation affect elderly people with leprosy. The aim of this work was to verify whether the elderly leprosy patients have higher ROS production and how it can impact the evolution of leprosy. 87 leprosy patients, grouped according to age range and clinical form of leprosy, and 25 healthy volunteers were analyzed. Gene expression analysis of antioxidant and oxidative burst enzymes were performed in whole blood using Biomark's microfluidic-based qPCR. The same genes were evaluated in skin lesion samples by RT-qPCR. The presence of oxidative damage markers (carbonylated proteins and 4-hydroxynonenal) was analyzed by a DNPH colorimetric assay and immunofluorescence. Carbonylated protein content was significantly higher in elderly compared to young patients. One year after multidrug therapy (MDT) discharge and M. leprae clearance, oxidative damage increased in young L-Lep patients but not in elderly ones. Both elderly T and L-Lep patients present higher 4-HNE in cutaneous lesions than the young, mainly surrounding memory CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, young L-Lep demonstrated greater ability to neutralize ROS compared to elderly L-Lep patients, who presented lower gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, mainly glutathione peroxidase. We conclude that elderly patients present exacerbated oxidative damage both in blood and in skin lesions and that age-related changes can be an important factor in leprosy immunopathogenesis. Ultimately, elderly patients could benefit from co-supplementation of antioxidants concomitant to MDT, to avoid worsening of the disease.