Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
in old rats (Jung
et al.
2006). h e data showed that NF-κB activation in the old
rats and its associated gene expressions, including VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, were
all suppressed by the low dose aspirin supplementation through the inhibition of
phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα via the NIK/IKK pathway. Peroxisome
proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors belonging to the
nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Several studies have demonstrated that
PPARα and PPARγ inhibit the expression of inl ammatory genes, such as cytokines,
metalloproteases, and acute phase proteins. Recent data showed that age-related
inl ammation and oxidative stress, including the upregulation of VCAM-1 and
P-selectin, was ameliorated by PPARγ activator 2,4-thiazolidinedione. Other
anti-inl ammatory reagents such as 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione also showed
similar ef ects in regulating age-associated VCAM-1 upregulation.
Regarding those AMs that are downregulated by the aging process, new
therapeutic strategies are undergoing development. For instance, new evidence
showed that the synthetic molecule C3d, which is a peptide mimetic of NCAM,
promotes choline acetyltransferase activity in cultured rat embryonic septal
neurons. h ese i ndings on the possible involvement of AMs may be signii cant
when considering new strategies aimed at stimulating cholinergic function and
improving cognition in disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (Burgess
et al.
2009).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, AMs are unavoidably involved in many physiological and
pathological processes, especially in triggering and coordinating inl ammation
responses. h e aging process is accompanied by accumulated oxidative stress and
micro-inl ammatory changes that are two major factors triggering the upregulation
of inl ammatory AMs in the elderly. Dysregulated AMs contribute to the initiation
and development of various age-associated diseases. Consideration of ef ective
nutritional and therapeutical approaches to modulate age-related, deleterious
AM changes is becoming increasingly important. Antioxidant supplementation
and anti-inl ammatory therapies may be benei cial for reducing upregulated AMs
during the aging process, thereby helping to attenuate age-related degenerative
diseases.
SUMMARY
• A brief description on oxidative stress hypothesis is presented as a possible
mechanism underlying the aging process.
• Age-related oxidative stress and redox imbalance are described as major
factors responsible for the pro-inl ammatory status of the aged, as proposed
by the molecular inl ammatory hypothesis.
