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Molecular Aspects of Aging

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 36660

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As life expectancy grows in society as a result of medical and social advances, the interest in knowing the mechanisms by which humans age increases. There is no doubt that the study of aging is multidisciplinary and can be approached from different points of view. The objective of this Special Issue is to bring together investigations dedicated to investigating the phenomenon of aging from a molecular point of view, without establishing limits in terms of focus.

The “Molecular Aspects of Aging” Special Issue welcomes original research and review articles related to the basic biology of aging, bioenergetics, redox biology, and the study of biomarkers; the effect of diet on aging and longevity; the interaction between aging and its associated diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s); and any other aspects related to aging from a molecular perspective.

Dr. José L. Quiles
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • age-related diseases
  • Alzheimer
  • anti-aging
  • bioactive compounds
  • caloric restriction
  • cancer
  • cardiovascular
  • cellular aging
  • cognitive
  • dementia
  • diet
  • elderly
  • epigenetic
  • evolution
  • experimental models
  • frailty
  • gerontology
  • hormesis
  • inflammaging
  • lifespan
  • longevity
  • memory
  • metabolomic
  • microbiota
  • miRNA
  • mitochondria
  • nutrition
  • osteoporosis
  • oxidative stress
  • parkinson
  • redox biology
  • senescence
  • senolytic
  • sirtuins
  • telomeres

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1903 KiB  
Article
Comparative Metabolomic Study of Drosophila Species with Different Lifespans
by Dmitry L. Maslov, Nadezhda V. Zemskaya, Oxana P. Trifonova, Steven Lichtenberg, Elena E. Balashova, Andrey V. Lisitsa, Alexey A. Moskalev and Petr G. Lokhov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(23), 12873; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222312873 - 28 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2829
Abstract
The increase in life expectancy, leading to a rise in the proportion of older people, is accompanied by a prevalence of age-related disorders among the world population, the fight against which today is one of the leading biomedical challenges. Exploring the biological insights [...] Read more.
The increase in life expectancy, leading to a rise in the proportion of older people, is accompanied by a prevalence of age-related disorders among the world population, the fight against which today is one of the leading biomedical challenges. Exploring the biological insights concerning the lifespan is one of the ways to provide a background for designing an effective treatment for the increase in healthy years of life. Untargeted direct injection mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling of 12 species of Drosophila with significant variations in natural lifespans was conducted in this research. A cross-comparison study of metabolomic profiles revealed lifespan signatures of flies. These signatures indicate that lifespan extension is associated with the upregulation of amino acids, phospholipids, and carbohydrate metabolism. Such information provides a metabolome-level view on longevity and may provide a molecular measure of organism age in age-related studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Aging)
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Review

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23 pages, 3942 KiB  
Review
The Role of SOX Transcription Factors in Ageing and Age-Related Diseases
by Milena Stevanovic, Andrijana Lazic, Marija Schwirtlich and Danijela Stanisavljevic Ninkovic
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010851 - 3 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4587
Abstract
The quest for eternal youth and immortality is as old as humankind. Ageing is an inevitable physiological process accompanied by many functional declines that are driving factors for age-related diseases. Stem cell exhaustion is one of the major hallmarks of ageing. The SOX [...] Read more.
The quest for eternal youth and immortality is as old as humankind. Ageing is an inevitable physiological process accompanied by many functional declines that are driving factors for age-related diseases. Stem cell exhaustion is one of the major hallmarks of ageing. The SOX transcription factors play well-known roles in self-renewal and differentiation of both embryonic and adult stem cells. As a consequence of ageing, the repertoire of adult stem cells present in various organs steadily declines, and their dysfunction/death could lead to reduced regenerative potential and development of age-related diseases. Thus, restoring the function of aged stem cells, inducing their regenerative potential, and slowing down the ageing process are critical for improving the health span and, consequently, the lifespan of humans. Reprograming factors, including SOX family members, emerge as crucial players in rejuvenation. This review focuses on the roles of SOX transcription factors in stem cell exhaustion and age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, visual deterioration, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoporosis, and age-related cancers. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ageing and the roles of SOX transcription factors in this process could open new avenues for developing novel strategies that will delay ageing and prevent age-related diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Aging)
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14 pages, 667 KiB  
Review
Biological Age Predictors: The Status Quo and Future Trends
by Veronika V. Erema, Anna Y. Yakovchik, Daria A. Kashtanova, Zanda V. Bochkaeva, Mikhail V. Ivanov, Dmitry V. Sosin, Lorena R. Matkava, Vladimir S. Yudin, Valentin V. Makarov, Anton A. Keskinov, Sergey A. Kraevoy and Sergey M. Yudin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 15103; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232315103 - 1 Dec 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8184
Abstract
There is no single universal biomarker yet to estimate overall health status and longevity prospects. Moreover, a consensual approach to the very concept of aging and the means of its assessment are yet to be developed. Markers of aging could facilitate effective health [...] Read more.
There is no single universal biomarker yet to estimate overall health status and longevity prospects. Moreover, a consensual approach to the very concept of aging and the means of its assessment are yet to be developed. Markers of aging could facilitate effective health control, more accurate life expectancy estimates, and improved health and quality of life. Clinicians routinely use several indicators that could be biomarkers of aging. Duly validated in a large cohort, models based on a combination of these markers could provide a highly accurate assessment of biological age and the pace of aging. Biological aging is a complex characteristic of chronological age (usually), health-to-age concordance, and medically estimated life expectancy. This study is a review of the most promising techniques that could soon be used in routine clinical practice. Two main selection criteria were applied: a sufficient sample size and reliability based on validation. The selected biological age calculators were grouped according to the type of biomarker used: (1) standard clinical and laboratory markers; (2) molecular markers; and (3) epigenetic markers. The most accurate were the calculators, which factored in a variety of biomarkers. Despite their demonstrated effectiveness, most of them require further improvement and cannot yet be considered for use in standard clinical practice. To illustrate their clinical application, we reviewed their use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Aging)
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39 pages, 1523 KiB  
Review
Insights into the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Focus on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress
by Anamaria Jurcau
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(21), 11847; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111847 - 31 Oct 2021
Cited by 62 | Viewed by 5114
Abstract
As the population ages, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing. Due to intensive research, important steps in the elucidation of pathogenetic cascades have been made and significantly implicated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. However, the available treatment in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, [...] Read more.
As the population ages, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing. Due to intensive research, important steps in the elucidation of pathogenetic cascades have been made and significantly implicated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. However, the available treatment in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is mainly symptomatic, providing minor benefits and, at most, slowing down the progression of the disease. Although in preclinical setting, drugs targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress yielded encouraging results, clinical trials failed or had inconclusive results. It is likely that by the time of clinical diagnosis, the pathogenetic cascades are full-blown and significant numbers of neurons have already degenerated, making it impossible for mitochondria-targeted or antioxidant molecules to stop or reverse the process. Until further research will provide more efficient molecules, a healthy lifestyle, with plenty of dietary antioxidants and avoidance of exogenous oxidants may postpone the onset of neurodegeneration, while familial cases may benefit from genetic testing and aggressive therapy started in the preclinical stage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Aging)
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21 pages, 960 KiB  
Review
d-Amino Acids and pLG72 in Alzheimer’s Disease and Schizophrenia
by Yu-Jung Cheng, Chieh-Hsin Lin and Hsien-Yuan Lane
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(20), 10917; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222010917 - 9 Oct 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3652
Abstract
Numerous studies over the last several years have shown that d-amino acids, especially d-serine, have been related to brain and neurological disorders. Acknowledged neurological functions of d-amino acids include neurotransmission and learning and memory functions through modulating N-methyl-d [...] Read more.
Numerous studies over the last several years have shown that d-amino acids, especially d-serine, have been related to brain and neurological disorders. Acknowledged neurological functions of d-amino acids include neurotransmission and learning and memory functions through modulating N-methyl-d-aspartate type glutamate receptors (NMDARs). Aberrant d-amino acids level and polymorphisms of genes related to d-amino acids metabolism are associated with neurodegenerative brain conditions. This review summarizes the roles of d-amino acids and pLG72, also known as d-amino acid oxidase activator, on two neurodegenerative disorders, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The scope includes the changes in d-amino acids levels, gene polymorphisms of G72 genomics, and the role of pLG72 on NMDARs and mitochondria in schizophrenia and AD. The clinical diagnostic value of d-amino acids and pLG72 and the therapeutic importance are also reviewed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Aging)
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28 pages, 1983 KiB  
Review
Prospective Pharmacological Potential of Resveratrol in Delaying Kidney Aging
by Md Jamal Uddin, Mithila Farjana, Akhi Moni, Khandkar Shaharina Hossain, Md. Abdul Hannan and Hunjoo Ha
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(15), 8258; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22158258 - 31 Jul 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6353
Abstract
Aging is an unavoidable part of life. The more aged we become, the more susceptible we become to various complications and damages to the vital organs, including the kidneys. The existing drugs for kidney diseases are mostly of synthetic origins; thus, natural compounds [...] Read more.
Aging is an unavoidable part of life. The more aged we become, the more susceptible we become to various complications and damages to the vital organs, including the kidneys. The existing drugs for kidney diseases are mostly of synthetic origins; thus, natural compounds with minimal side-effects have attracted growing interest from the scientific community and pharmaceutical companies. A literature search was carried out to collect published research information on the effects of resveratrol on kidney aging. Recently, resveratrol has emerged as a potential anti-aging agent. This versatile polyphenol exerts its anti-aging effects by intervening in various pathologies and multi-signaling systems, including sirtuin type 1, AMP-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor-κB. Researchers are trying to figure out the detailed mechanisms and possible resveratrol-mediated interventions in divergent pathways at the molecular level. This review highlights (i) the causative factors implicated in kidney aging and the therapeutic aspects of resveratrol, and (ii) the effectiveness of resveratrol in delaying the aging process of the kidney while minimizing all possible side effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Aging)
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32 pages, 882 KiB  
Review
Molecular Interactions between Dietary Lipids and Bone Tissue during Aging
by Jose M. Romero-Márquez, Alfonso Varela-López, María D. Navarro-Hortal, Alberto Badillo-Carrasco, Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández, Francesca Giampieri, Irma Domínguez, Lorena Madrigal, Maurizio Battino and José L. Quiles
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(12), 6473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22126473 - 17 Jun 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4397
Abstract
Age-related bone disorders such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis are a major public health problem due to the functional disability for millions of people worldwide. Furthermore, fractures are associated with a higher degree of morbidity and mortality in the long term, which generates greater [...] Read more.
Age-related bone disorders such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis are a major public health problem due to the functional disability for millions of people worldwide. Furthermore, fractures are associated with a higher degree of morbidity and mortality in the long term, which generates greater financial and health costs. As the world population becomes older, the incidence of this type of disease increases and this effect seems notably greater in those countries that present a more westernized lifestyle. Thus, increased efforts are directed toward reducing risks that need to focus not only on the prevention of bone diseases, but also on the treatment of persons already afflicted. Evidence is accumulating that dietary lipids play an important role in bone health which results relevant to develop effective interventions for prevent bone diseases or alterations, especially in the elderly segment of the population. This review focuses on evidence about the effects of dietary lipids on bone health and describes possible mechanisms to explain how lipids act on bone metabolism during aging. Little work, however, has been accomplished in humans, so this is a challenge for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Aging)
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