OBJECTIVETo study the characteristics of lymphocyte nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signal transduction kinase-related molecular mRNA differential expressions at various month age segments in aging process and the intervening effect of Epimedium flavonoids (EF) on it.

METHODSSixty SD rats were divided into six groups, according to animals' age, i.e., the 3 days (d) group, the 4 months (m) group, the 10 m group, the 18 m group, the 27 m group, and the 27 m+EF group. RNA was extracted from separated splenic lymphocytes. Adopting NF-κB signal path functional genome oligonucleotide gene-chip (128 related genes), the integral characteristics and differences of NF-κB signal transduction kinase-related mRNA expressions were determined, and the intervening effect of EF was examined.

RESULTSThe mean level of the NF-κB signal transduction kinase-related mRNA expressions in rats' splenic lymphocytes lowered with aging; the highest expression was presented at 3 d after birth, and then, it lowered gradually, with the lowest level at 18 m or 27 m. After EF intervention, the expression level was raised to the 10-18 m level in the aged rats.

CONCLUSIONThe changing rules of lymphocyte NF-κB-signal-transduction-kinase-related mRNA expressions in various stages of aging are helpful for selecting the well time for preventing and intervening aging, and will also give a hint to the molecular index for assessment of senility retarding researches.