Free Radical Theory Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Natural vs. Synthetic Antioxidants in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the comparative analysis of natural vs. synthetic antioxidants in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that natural antioxidants, derived from plant sources such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, are often preferred for their bioavailability and health benefits, including their ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. They are associated with lower toxicity and potential health-boosting properties, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases. On the other hand, synthetic antioxidants, which are chemically manufactured, tend to have a more stable and consistent potency, making them more effective in industrial applications like food preservation. However, concerns about their long-term health effects, including potential toxicity and adverse side effects, have led to a growing preference for natural alternatives. While both types play important roles in protecting cells from damage, natural antioxidants are often seen as safer, though their effectiveness can vary depending on the source and concentration. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Free radical theory of aging, phytochemical hypothesis and toxicology of food additives may be used to anchor future studies on the comparative analysis of natural vs. synthetic antioxidants in Nigeria. In practical terms, health professionals should advocate for the incorporation of natural antioxidants into dietary guidelines, emphasizing foods rich in these beneficial compounds, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. From a policy perspective, there is a pressing need for regulatory frameworks that impose stricter guidelines on the use of synthetic antioxidants in food products, prioritizing safety assessments and considering long-term health impacts.

Understanding the Multifaceted Process of Aging: Theories, Mechanisms, and Implications for Treatment

The aging process is a multifaceted biological phenomenon characterized by alterations at the molecular, cellular, and organ levels that culminate in a gradual, unavoidable, and unavoidable reduction in the body's capacity to react suitably to internal and/or external stimuli. Aging is a complex process that involves different mechanisms as The "Wear and Tear" Theory ,The Genetic Control Theory ,The Neuroendocrine Theory ,Waste Accumulation Theory ,Divisions Theory, Autoimmune Theory, Thymic-Stimulating Theory ,Mitochondrial Theory Mitochondria, Errors and Repairs Theory, Redundant DNA Theory Cross-Linkage Theory , Death Hormone Theory (DECO), Caloric Restriction Theory ,The Rate of Living Theory ,Gene Mutation Theory, Accumulated mutations Theory, Theory, Order to Disorder Theory, Disposable soma Theory, Antagonistic pleiotropy theory, The Telomerase Theory ,The free radical Theory. The two main categories of aging theories that explain cellular aging are structural damage and programmed theories. Different types of cells experience physiological stressors due to a range of circumstances. Notably, post-mitotic and mitotic cells have different capacities for proliferation and age differently in response to these pressures through different processes of cellular senescence and death, respectively. Over time, these aging cells build up and eventually cause old tissues to malfunction. The aim of this review is to throw light upon the effected of aging and who to treatment it.

Effects of age on oxidative stress and locomotion in the pollinator, Megachile rotundata

Despite numerous aging studies, the relationship between oxidative stress, aging, and decline in functions such as locomotion is still debated. Insects offer a promising model for analyzing the relationship between oxidative stress and aging, because they exhibit vast differences in lifespan that may be affected by the environment, social factors, levels of activity, and aging interventions. In this study, we explore the effects of aging on oxidative stress and locomotion using the pollinator, Megachile rotundata, a species that is very mobile and active in the adult stage. Across the adult lifespan of M. rotundata, we assessed changes in walking, flight, oxidative damage, and antioxidant defenses. Our results suggest that M. rotundata experience age-related declines in flight, but not walking. Additionally, we found that oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity initially increase with age and physical activity, but then levels are maintained. Overall, these data show that M. rotundata, like some other organisms, may not perfectly follow the free radical theory of aging.

Natural Bioactive Compounds as Anti-aging Agents: Current and Future Perspectives

Abstract: Aging is a natural biological process that occurs due to various factors like unhealthy diet, environmental factors, genetic factors, and lack of moisture. This process leads to the loss of skin elasticity, also known as sagging. It happens due to the gradual decline of collagen type VII (Col-7) and fibril, which slows down the connection between the dermis and epidermis layers, causing the skin to look aged externally. There are several theories of aging, such as the free radical theory, membrane theory, DNA or genetic theory, neuroendocrine theory, telomerase theory, mitochondrial decline theory, and Hayflick limit theory. According to WHO, by 2030, one in six individuals worldwide will be 60 years or older. There are synthetic compounds available in the market for anti-aging purposes, but they pose various side effects. Natural products play an essential role in managing aging, and anti-aging phytoconstituents are mostly found in plant parts like fruits, stems, roots, and other plant sources that have no side effects. This review focuses on various anti-aging agents derived from plants and other natural sources.

Research Progress in Skin Aging and Immunity.

Skin aging is a complex process involving structural and functional changes and is characterized by a decrease in collagen content, reduced skin thickness, dryness, and the formation of wrinkles. This process is underpinned by multiple mechanisms including the free radical theory, inflammation theory, photoaging theory, and metabolic theory. The skin immune system, an indispensable part of the body's defense mechanism, comprises macrophages, lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and mast cells. These cells play a pivotal role in maintaining skin homeostasis and responding to injury or infection. As age advances, along with various internal and external environmental stimuli, skin immune cells may undergo senescence or accelerated aging, characterized by reduced cell division capability, increased mortality, changes in gene expression patterns and signaling pathways, and altered immune cell functions. These changes collectively impact the overall function of the immune system. This review summarizes the relationship between skin aging and immunity and explores the characteristics of skin aging, the composition and function of the skin immune system, the aging of immune cells, and the effects of these cells on immune function and skin aging. Immune dysfunction plays a significant role in skin aging, suggesting that immunoregulation may become one of the important strategies for the prevention and treatment of skin aging.

Exploring juventology: unlocking the secrets of youthspan and longevity programs.

In recent decades, the study of biological aging has evolved from simplistic theories like the free radical theory to more complex and nuanced perspectives. In particular, the identification of evolutionary conserved genes and signaling pathways that can modulate both lifespan but also healthspan has resulted in the expanding understanding of the link between nutrients, signal transduction proteins, and aging along with substantial support for the existence of multiple "longevity programs," which are activated based on the availability of nutrients. Periodic fasting and other dietary restrictions can promote entry into a longevity program characterized by cellular protection and optimized function, and the activation of regenerative processes that lead to rejuvenation. This review discusses the idea of juventology, a novel field proposing the existence of longevity programs that can maintain organisms in a highly functional state for extended periods of time. Drawing upon research on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other model organisms, the review explores the distinctiveness of juventology from traditional aging-centered views. The focus on the "age of youth" challenges conventional thinking and opens new avenues for understanding and extending the period of peak functionality in organisms. Thus, a "juventology"-based strategy can complement the traditional gerontology approach by focusing not on aging but on the longevity program affecting the life history period in which mortality is very low and organisms remain youthful, healthy, and fully functional.

Is Biological Aging a Treatable Disease? A Consideration Based on Proposed Mechanisms of Aging

In view of the current claim by many researchers that biological aging is a treatable disease, the possibility is discussed whether the claim is realistic, based on several proposed mechanisms of aging. The definition of biological aging is stated referring to physiological aging and pathological aging, since biological aging must be defined for the discussion of whether it can be cured. Aging in animal model is compared with that in humans in terms of common age-associated phenotypes. Major proposed mechanisms of aging are next examined including Genome Instability Theory of aging, Free Radical or Oxidative Stress Theory of Aging, Mitochondrial Theory of Aging, Error Catastrophe Theory of Aging/Translational Error Theory of Aging, Altered Protein Theory of Aging/Proteostasis Theory of Aging, and Epigenetic Theory of Aging. Finally, we discuss whether treatment of aging as a disease is realistic in comparison with possible lifespan extension by retardation of biological aging.

Corrosion mechanism and research progress of metal pipeline corrosion under magnetic field and SRB conditions: a review

Abstract Biocides are used to prevent microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), which damages and disables metal structures. However, biocides can make microorganisms resistant and contaminate the environment. Some studies have found that magnetic fields have an inhibitory effect on MIC, providing a new way of thinking for MIC control. In this paper, the current research status of MIC is discussed for typical anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), the MIC of different metals in different environments is summarized, and the corrosion mechanism of SRB on metal structures, including cathodic depolarization and metabolite corrosion, is introduced. On this basis, the research progress of metal corrosion under magnetic field and microbial conditions in recent years is summarized, and discussed from three aspects, namely, electrochemical corrosion, SCC, and microbial corrosion, respectively. The corrosion process of microorganisms on metals in magnetic field is summarized, including biofilm theory, ion interference theory, free radical theory, and so on. Finally, the prevention and control of microbial corrosion by magnetic fields are prospected using the relevant mechanisms of magnetic field corrosion on metals.

LIVING LONGER WITH MODERATE AMOUNTS OF OXYGEN RADICALS IN FRUIT FLIES

Abstract The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aging is complex and paradoxical. While the free radical theory of aging suggests that ROS cause cellular damage and senescence, some studies have shown that moderate ROS levels can enhance cellular adaptation and longevity. In this research, we used Drosophila as an in vivo model to investigate the optimal level of ROS that can promote healthy aging. We exposed flies to different concentrations of paraquat (PQ), a herbicide that generates superoxide anions, and measured their lifespan, stress resistance, and gene expression. We found that intermediate PQ levels (0.1 mM) extended lifespan and improved stress tolerance, while high PQ levels (0.5 mM) shortened lifespan and impaired stress response. We also observed an up-regulation of ROS scavenger genes, such as superoxide dismutase 1 and glutathione peroxidase, in the intermediate PQ group, suggesting a homeostatic mechanism to balance ROS levels. Our findings challenge the conventional view of ROS as harmful agents and provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of aging.

Protective Effect of a New Monophenolic Antioxidant TS-13 in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.

The development of means of the prevention and treatment of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, as well as geroprotectors, among other things, is based on the inflammatory and free radical theories of aging. In this context, we studied the effect of sodium monophenol 3-(3'-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propyl thiosulfonate (TS-13) on the behavioral and locomotor activity of C57BL/6 mice in modeling Parkinson's disease by MPTP neurotoxin injection. TS-13 administration significantly improved orientation and exploratory activity and emotional response of the animals in the open field test, but did not affect the increase in anxiety caused by MPTP injection. Long-term (6 months) TS-13 administration did not suppress spontaneous motor activity in BALB/c mice and slightly increased their exploratory activity.

Do Antioxidants Extend Longevity in Invertebrate and Vertebrate Animals?

In the 1950’s Denham Harman proposed the Free Radical Theory of Aging whereby species lifespan and individual longevities are the consequence of free radical driven damage to biomolecules. This led to decades of research to ascertain the effect of altered antioxidant defense systems on aging and mortality in an array of species using reverse genetics and dietary manipulation. Within invertebrates, the data generally support the Free Radical Theory in that overexpression of antioxidant enzymes or dietary supplementation with antioxidant compounds increases longevity and resistance to oxidative damage. Likewise, genetic knockdown of antioxidant defenses generally shortens longevity within invertebrates. On the other hand, for endothermic vertebrates (i.e., birds and mammals) the results have been equivocal. Downregulation of antioxidant enzymes typically results in an increased oxidative burden, but without an appreciable effect on longevity, while dietary supplementation with antioxidants has little-to-no effect, at least at the concentrations used. Upregulation of antioxidant enzyme genes also fails to increase longevity in vertebrates most of the time. Interestingly, manipulating antioxidant defenses in fishes increases longevity in conjunction with reduced oxidative damage akin to what is seen in invertebrates. Since invertebrates and fishes are both exothermic this raises the possibility that the evolution of endothermy interferes with the ability of antioxidants to slow the aging process.

Oxidative stress, inflammation and hormesis: The role of dietary and lifestyle modifications on aging.

Oxidative stress (OS) is primarily caused by the formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species; it is considered as one of the prominent factors in slowing down and degrading cellular machinery of an individual, and it eventually leads to aging and age-related diseases by its continuous higher state. The relation between molecular damage and OS should be particularized to understand the beginning of destruction at the cellular levels, extending outwards to affect tissues, organs, and ultimately to the organism. Several OS biomarkers, which are established at the biomolecular level, are useful in investigating the disease susceptibility during aging. Slowing down the aging process is a matter of reducing the rate of oxidative damage to the cellular machinery over time. The breakdown of homeostasis, the mild overcompensation, the reestablishment of homeostasis, and the adaptive nature of the process are the essential features of hormesis, which incorporates several factors, including calorie restriction, nutrition and lifestyle modifications that play an important role in reducing the OS. In the current review, along with the concept and theories of aging (with emphasis on free radical theory), various manifestations of OS with special attention on mitochondrial dysfunction and age-related diseases have been discussed. To alleviate the OS, hormetic approaches including caloric restriction, exercise, and nutrition have also been discussed.

Role of traditional Chinese medicine in ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction via non-coding RNA signaling: Implication in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are common chronic disorders associated with progressive nervous system damage, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, among others. Mitochondria are abundant in various nervous system cells and provide a bulk supply of the adenosine triphosphate necessary for brain function, considered the center of the free-radical theory of aging. One common feature of NDs is mitochondrial dysfunction, which is involved in many physiopathological processes, including apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and calcium homeostasis. Recently, genetic studies revealed extensive links between mitochondrion impairment and dysregulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the pathology of NDs. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been used for thousands of years in treating NDs. Numerous modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of prescription, herbal medicine, bioactive ingredients, and monomer compounds of TCMs, which are important for managing the symptoms of NDs. Some highly effective TCMs exert protective effects on various key pathological features regulated by mitochondria and play a pivotal role in recovering disrupted signaling pathways. These disrupted signaling pathways are induced by abnormally-expressed ncRNAs associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, including microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs. In this review, we first explored the underlying ncRNA mechanisms linking mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration, demonstrating the implication of ncRNA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of NDs. The ncRNA-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions affect mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, autophagy, Ca2+ homeostasis, oxidative stress, and downstream apoptosis. The review also discussed the targeting of the disease-related mitochondrial proteins in NDs and the protective effects of TCM formulas with definite composition, standardized extracts from individual TCMs, and monomeric compounds isolated from TCM. Additionally, we explored the ncRNA regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction in NDs and the effects and potential mechanisms of representative TCMs in alleviating mitochondrial pathogenesis and conferring anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic pathways against NDs. Therefore, this review presents an overview of the role of mitochondrion-related ncRNAs and the target genes for TCM-based therapeutic interventions in NDs, providing insight into understanding the "multi-level compound-target-pathway regulatory" treatment mechanism of TCMs.

State of the art in assisted reproductive technologies for patients with advanced maternal age.

According to the World Health Organization, the female reproductive age lasts up to 49 years, but problems with the realization of women's reproductive rights may arise much earlier. Significant numbers of factors affect the state of reproductive health: socioeconomic, ecological, lifestyle features, the level of medical literacy, and the state of the organization and medical care quality. Among the reasons for fertility decline in advanced reproductive age are the loss of cellular receptors for gonadotropins, an increase in the threshold of sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary system to the action of hormones and their metabolites, and many others. Furthermore, negative changes accumulate in the oocyte genome, reducing the possibility of fertilization, normal development and implantation of the embryo and healthy offspring birth. Another theory of ageing causing changes in oocytes is the mitochondrial free radical theory of ageing. Taking into account all these age-related changes in gametogenesis, this review considers modern technologies aimed at the preservation and realization of female fertility. Among the existing approaches, two main ones can be distinguished: methods allowing the preservation of reproductive cells at a younger age using ART intervention and cryobanking, as well as methods aimed at improving the basic functional state of advanced-age women's oocytes and embryos.

Initial Steps in the Reaction of H2O2 with Fe2+ and Fe3+ Ions: Inconsistency in the Free Radical Theory

Consideration of the changes in free energy shows that the assumed initial steps in reactions of H2O2 with Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the free radical theory are not consistent. The free radical theory is unable to account for the Fe3+-initiated decomposition of H2O2 or for oxidations by it. In reactions with Fe2+ ions at high [H2O2], where O2 evolution reaches a limit, such limit is not foreseen by the free radical model. At lower [H2O2], because of a disallowed substitution in the equation used, the interpretation is not valid. It appears, therefore, that free radicals derived from H2O2 do not provide a suitable basis for constructing models for these reactions. Non-radical models are more successful in interpreting experimental results.

Effects of glutathione on mitochondrial DNA and antioxidant enzyme activities in Drosophila melanogaster

The free radical theory in aging assumes that the accumulation of macromolecular damage induced by toxic reactive oxygen species plays a central role in the aging process. The intake of nutritional antioxidants can prevent this damage by neutralizing reactive oxygen derivatives. Glutathione (GSH; en-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinyl glycine) is the lowest molecular weight thiol in the cells and as a cofactor of many enzymes and a potent antioxidant plays an important role in maintaining normal cell functions by destroying toxic oxygen radicals. In this study, the effects of GSH on SOD, GST and catalase enzymes and mtDNA damage were investigated at various time intervals by giving reduced glutathione to Drosophila. It was observed that 3-week GSH administration did not have a statistically significant effect on SOD and GST activities whereas GSH application decreased the catalase enzyme activities significantly. Although the decrease in antioxidant capacity with age was observed in SOD and catalase enzymes, such a situation was not observed in GST enzyme activities. There was no statistically significant difference between the control and GSH groups in mtDNA copy number values, while in the GSH group, oxidative mtDNA damage was high. These results may be due to the prooxidant effect of GSH at the dose used in this study.

Effects of Fisetin, a Plant-Derived Flavonoid, on Response to Oxidative Stress, Aging, and Age-Related Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone), a flavonoid abundant in various fruits and vegetables, including apple, strawberry, and onion, shows several beneficial effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. The free radical theory of aging suggests that age-related accumulation of oxidative damage is the major cause of aging and that decreasing cellular oxidative stress can regulate aging. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with fisetin on the stress response, aging, and age-related diseases. Fisetin reduced the cellular ROS levels and increased the resistance to oxidative stress. However, the response to UV irradiation was not affected by fisetin. Both the mean and maximum lifespans were significantly extended by fisetin; lifespan extension by fisetin was accompanied by reduced fertility as a trade-off. Age-related decline in motility was also delayed by supplementation with fisetin. Amyloid beta-induced toxicity was markedly decreased by fisetin, which required DAF-16 and SKN-1. Reduced motility induced by a high-glucose diet was completely recovered by supplementation with fisetin, which was dependent on SKN-1. Using a Parkinson's disease model, we showed that degeneration of dopaminergic neurons was significantly inhibited by treatment with fisetin. Genetic analysis revealed that lifespan extension by fisetin was mediated by DAF-16-induced stress response and autophagy. These findings support the free radical theory of aging and suggest that fisetin can be a strong candidate for use in novel anti-aging anti-oxidant nutraceuticals.

Frailty-the missing constraint in radiotherapy treatment planning for older adults.

Current demographic changes translate into an increased frequency of cancer in older adults. Available data show that about 45-55% of the new cancer patients will need RT treatments, with an expected increase of 20-30% in the future. To provide the best cancer care it is mandatory to assess frailty, offer appropriate curative treatments to patients and personalise them for the frail. Based on published data, the median prevalence of frailty in older population is about 42%. Recently, the free radical theory of frailty has been proposed stating that oxidative damage is more prevalent in frail patients. In parallel, RT is one of the most frequent cancer treatments offered to older adults and is a source of external free radicals. RT dose constraints correlate with toxicity rates, so we open the question whether frailty should be considered when defining these constraints. Thus, for this paper, we will highlight the importance of frailty evaluation for RT treatment decisions and outcomes.

A conceptual study on understanding Ama concept with special reference to free radical theory

A conceptual study on understanding Ama concept with special reference to free radical theory

A conceptual study on understanding Ama concept with special reference to free radical theory

Ayurveda speaks the main cause of diseases is rooted in the impairment of the body's main fire, called Agni, the fire of digestion. Ayurveda views the health of the body as the functioning of a biological fire-governing metabolism. If this essential part is functioning effectively, the whole body will be nourished, full of life and vibrancy. Altered digestive functioning can lead to the production of Ama, a toxic material that initiates and promotes disease processes throughout the body. In the same way, free radicals are also found to be the root cause of many diseases. The majority of free radicals that dAmage biological systems are oxygen-free radicals, and these are more generally known as “Reactive Oxygen Species” (ROS). These are the main by-products formed in the cells of aerobic organisms, and can initiate autocatalytic reactions so that molecules to which they react are themselves converted into free radicals to propagate the chain of dAmage. Here we shall discuss about properties of both Ama and Free Radicals. The present article attempts to correlate the concept of Free radical with the concept of Ama.