1.The SIRT6 gene promotes the anti-aging effects of mesenchymal stem cells in dogs.
Dongyao HAN ; Balun LI ; Miao HAN ; Hongkai TIAN ; Jiaqi GAO ; Zengyu ZHANG ; Zixi LING ; Na LI ; Jinlian HUA
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2719-2734
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an effective therapeutic strategy to delay aging in dogs, they are prone to aging and have poor genetic stability when cultured for a long time in vitro. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore a method to improve the anti-aging ability of MSCs. Previous studies have shown that sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) plays an important role in anti-aging. This study constructed MSCs with overexpressed SIRT6 gene. Through Giemsa staining and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining, it was found that SIRT6 significantly enhances the anti-aging capacity of MSCs. Transmission electron microscopy imaging and the detection of oxidative stress-related indicators revealed that SIRT6 improves the anti-aging capacity of MSCs by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress levels. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that SIRT6 mainly acted on phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase and other aging and inflammation related pathways. In the establishment and verification of aging models in mice and dogs, it was found that the spatial memory ability of the model mice was significantly increased after intravenous transplantation of SIRT6 overexpression cells, the organ index was also significantly changed, and the anti-oxidative capacity of the dogs and mice blood was improved. The morphology of the spleens and livers in the SIRT6 overexpression cell treatment group could be effectively restored, and the expression levels of aging and inflammation-related proteins were significantly decreased. This study provides a new idea for the study of SIRT6-mediated anti-aging of MSCs.
Animals
;
Dogs
;
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism*
;
Sirtuins/genetics*
;
Aging/physiology*
;
Mice
;
Oxidative Stress
;
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
2.Buyang Huanwu Decoction delays vascular aging in rats through exosomal miR-590-5p signal-mediated macrophage polarization.
Shuyu TU ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Chenghui LI ; Danping HUANG ; Li ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(6):1251-1259
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) on vascular aging.
METHODS:
Eighteen male SD rats were randomized into young group, intraperitoneal D-galactose injection-induced aging group, and BYHWD gavage group. The changes in pulse wave velocity (PWV), vascular SA-β-gal activity, and expressions of p16, p21 and SA‑β‑gal of the rats were examined. Serum exosomes were isolated from the rats, and after characterization using NTA and TEM and for surface markers and vascular cell markers, were examined for miR-590-5p expression using qRT-PCR. The M1/M2 macrophage ratio and cytokine levels were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were carried out to predict the potential target genes of miR-590-5p and validate its targeting relationship with SLC8A3, whose expressions were detected in the vascular tissues of the rats by Western blotting.
RESULTS:
Compared with the young rats, the aging rats exhibited significantly increased PWV in the abdominal aorta with elevated vascular expressions of p16, p21 and SA-β-gal, which were all reversed by BYHWD treatment. The isolated serum exosomes were positive for CD63, CD81, CD31 and SM-22, and the exosomes from aging rats showed significantly downregulated expression of miR-590-5p, which was upregulated after BYHWD treatment. The aging rat vessels showed an increased M1/M2 macrophage ratio with elevated M1-specific cytokines and reduced M2-specific cytokines, and BYHWD treatment effectively inhibited M1 polarization of the macrophages. Pearson analysis revealed a negative correlation between exosomal miR-590-5p upregulation and the M1/M2 ratio. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that miR-590-5p targets SLC8A3. Western blotting demonstrated increased SLC8A3 expression in aging rat vessels, which was downregulated after BYHWD treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
BYHWD attenuates vascular aging in rats by modulating macrophage M1 polarization and suppressing vascular inflammation via exosomal miR-590-5p-mediated downregulation of SLC8A3.
Animals
;
MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Male
;
Macrophages/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
Exosomes/metabolism*
;
Aging/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction
3.Qixiong Zuogui Granules enhance synaptic plasticity in aging rats by regulating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.
Qingge WANG ; Xiaohui ZHAO ; Yuxuan HE ; Feixiang LIU ; Yunke ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1589-1598
OBJECTIVES:
To exple the mechanism of Qixiong Zuogui Granules (QXZG) for enhancing synaptic plasticity in aging rats.
METHODS:
Forty SD rats were randomized into control group, aging model group, donepezil treatment group, and QXZG treatment group (n=10). Except for the control rats, all the rats were subjected to daily intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose for 8 consecutive weeks to induce brain aging, and donepezil hydrochloride and QXZG suspension were administered by gavage during modeling. After the interventions, the rats were evaluated for general conditions, behavioral changes, oxidative stress indicators, hippocampal pathologies, and expressions of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) pathway, p16, and synaptic plasticity-associated proteins.
RESULTS:
The rats in the model group exhibited obvious aging phenotypes such as yellowing of the teeth and hair, body weight loss, and impaired learning and memory abilities, with decreased serum SOD and GSH-Px activities and increased serum MDA level. The rat models also showed obvious pathological changes, reduced Nissl bodies, and elevated p16 protein expression in the hippocampal CA1 region, with significantly decreased expression levels of BDNF, TrkB, CREB and synaptic plasticity proteins SYN, GAP43, and PSD95. Treatment with QXZG alleviated the aging phenotypes in the rat models, improved their learning and memory abilities and pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region, reduced oxidative stress and p16 protein expression, and promoted the expressions of the BDNF/TrkB pathway proteins and synaptic plasticity proteins.
CONCLUSIONS
QXZG enhances synaptic plasticity and reduces oxidative stress in aging rats possibly by upregulating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway proteins, thereby delaying brain aging and improving learning and memory abilities of the rats.
Animals
;
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism*
;
Neuronal Plasticity/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Receptor, trkB/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Aging
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Male
;
Oxidative Stress
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
4.Autophagy in Oligodendrocyte Lineage Cells Controls Oligodendrocyte Numbers and Myelin Integrity in an Age-dependent Manner.
Hong CHEN ; Gang YANG ; De-En XU ; Yu-Tong DU ; Chao ZHU ; Hua HU ; Li LUO ; Lei FENG ; Wenhui HUANG ; Yan-Yun SUN ; Quan-Hong MA
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(3):374-390
Oligodendrocyte lineage cells, including oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and oligodendrocytes (OLs), are essential in establishing and maintaining brain circuits. Autophagy is a conserved process that keeps the quality of organelles and proteostasis. The role of autophagy in oligodendrocyte lineage cells remains unclear. The present study shows that autophagy is required to maintain the number of OPCs/OLs and myelin integrity during brain aging. Inactivation of autophagy in oligodendrocyte lineage cells increases the number of OPCs/OLs in the developing brain while exaggerating the loss of OPCs/OLs with brain aging. Inactivation of autophagy in oligodendrocyte lineage cells impairs the turnover of myelin basic protein (MBP). It causes MBP to accumulate in the cytoplasm as multimeric aggregates and fails to be incorporated into integral myelin, which is associated with attenuated endocytic recycling. Inactivation of autophagy in oligodendrocyte lineage cells impairs myelin integrity and causes demyelination. Thus, this study shows autophagy is required to maintain myelin quality during aging by controlling the turnover of myelin components.
Animals
;
Autophagy/physiology*
;
Oligodendroglia/metabolism*
;
Myelin Sheath/physiology*
;
Aging/pathology*
;
Myelin Basic Protein/metabolism*
;
Cell Lineage/physiology*
;
Mice
;
Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Brain/cytology*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Cell Count
5.Succinate modulates oral dysbiosis and inflammation through a succinate receptor 1 dependent mechanism in aged mice.
Fangxi XU ; Yuqi GUO ; Scott C THOMAS ; Anish SAXENA ; Samantha HWANG ; Mridula VARDHAN ; Xin LI
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):47-47
Aging involves the accumulation of various forms of molecular and cellular damage over time. Key features of aging, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, dysbiosis, and oxidative stress, are closely linked and largely driven by inflammation. This study examines the role of succinate, a key metabolite produced and utilized by cells of both host and microbes, and its receptor, succinate receptor 1 (SUCNR1), in age-related oral dysbiosis and inflammation. We examined young and aged wild-type (WT) and SUCNR1 knockout (KO) mice for this analysis. Our findings revealed significant aging-associated alveolar bone loss and succinate elevation in aged WT mice, along with notable changes in the oral microbiome. Conversely, aged KO mice showed reduced bone loss, lower succinate levels, less inflammation, and better-maintained microbial function. These results suggest that SUCNR1 is crucial in influencing aging-related succinate elevation, oral dysbiosis, and inflammation. Analysis of gene families and pathways in the oral microbiome demonstrated distinct aging-related changes between WT and KO mice, with the functional potential being preserved in the KO-aged group. This study underscores the importance of succinate elevation and signaling through SUCNR1 in regulating inflammation, alveolar bone loss, and shifts in the oral microbiome, offering potential targets for therapeutic interventions in age-related oral health issues.
Animals
;
Dysbiosis/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Succinic Acid/metabolism*
;
Mice, Knockout
;
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism*
;
Inflammation/metabolism*
;
Aging
;
Alveolar Bone Loss/metabolism*
;
Mouth/microbiology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Male
;
Microbiota
6.Noncoding RNA Terc-53 and hyaluronan receptor Hmmr regulate aging in mice.
Sipeng WU ; Yiqi CAI ; Lixiao ZHANG ; Xiang LI ; Xu LIU ; Guangkeng ZHOU ; Hongdi LUO ; Renjian LI ; Yujia HUO ; Zhirong ZHANG ; Siyi CHEN ; Jinliang HUANG ; Jiahao SHI ; Shanwei DING ; Zhe SUN ; Zizhuo ZHOU ; Pengcheng WANG ; Geng WANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(1):28-48
One of the basic questions in the aging field is whether there is a fundamental difference between the aging of lower invertebrates and mammals. A major difference between the lower invertebrates and mammals is the abundancy of noncoding RNAs, most of which are not conserved. We have previously identified a noncoding RNA Terc-53 that is derived from the RNA component of telomerase Terc. To study its physiological functions, we generated two transgenic mouse models overexpressing the RNA in wild-type and early-aging Terc-/- backgrounds. Terc-53 mice showed age-related cognition decline and shortened life span, even though no developmental defects or physiological abnormality at an early age was observed, indicating its involvement in normal aging of mammals. Subsequent mechanistic study identified hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (Hmmr) as the main effector of Terc-53. Terc-53 mediates the degradation of Hmmr, leading to an increase of inflammation in the affected tissues, accelerating organismal aging. adeno-associated virus delivered supplementation of Hmmr in the hippocampus reversed the cognition decline in Terc-53 transgenic mice. Neither Terc-53 nor Hmmr has homologs in C. elegans. Neither do arthropods express hyaluronan. These findings demonstrate the complexity of aging in mammals and open new paths for exploring noncoding RNA and Hmmr as means of treating age-related physical debilities and improving healthspan.
Animals
;
Mice
;
RNA, Untranslated/metabolism*
;
Aging/genetics*
;
Mice, Transgenic
;
Telomerase/metabolism*
;
RNA/genetics*
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
7.Single-nucleus transcriptomics decodes the link between aging and lumbar disc herniation.
Min WANG ; Zan HE ; Anqi WANG ; Shuhui SUN ; Jiaming LI ; Feifei LIU ; Chunde LI ; Chengxian YANG ; Jinghui LEI ; Yan YU ; Shuai MA ; Si WANG ; Weiqi ZHANG ; Zhengrong YU ; Guang-Hui LIU ; Jing QU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(8):667-684
Lumbar disc (LD) herniation and aging are prevalent conditions that can result in substantial morbidity. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms connecting the LD aging and herniation, particularly focusing on cellular senescence and molecular alterations in the nucleus pulposus (NP). We performed a detailed analysis of NP samples from a diverse cohort, including individuals of varying ages and those with diagnosed LD herniation. Our methodology combined histological assessments with single-nucleus RNA sequencing to identify phenotypic and molecular changes related to NP aging and herniation. We discovered that cellular senescence and a decrease in nucleus pulposus progenitor cells (NPPCs) are central to both processes. Additionally, we found an age-related increase in NFAT1 expression that promotes NPPC senescence and contributes to both aging and herniation of LD. This research offers fresh insights into LD aging and its associated pathologies, potentially guiding the development of new therapeutic strategies to target the root causes of LD herniation and aging.
Intervertebral Disc Displacement/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Aging/pathology*
;
Nucleus Pulposus/pathology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Transcriptome
;
Middle Aged
;
Lumbar Vertebrae/pathology*
;
Adult
;
Cellular Senescence
;
Stem Cells/pathology*
;
Aged
;
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/metabolism*
8.Metabolism and metabolomics in senescence, aging, and age-related diseases: a multiscale perspective.
Ziyi WANG ; Hongying ZHU ; Wei XIONG
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(2):200-225
The pursuit of healthy aging has long rendered aging and senescence captivating. Age-related ailments, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders, pose significant threats to individuals. Recent studies have shed light on the intricate mechanisms encompassing genetics, epigenetics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics in the processes of senescence and aging, as well as the establishment of age-related pathologies. Amidst these underlying mechanisms governing aging and related pathology metabolism assumes a pivotal role that holds promise for intervention and therapeutics. The advancements in metabolomics techniques and analysis methods have significantly propelled the study of senescence and aging, particularly with the aid of multiscale metabolomics which has facilitated the discovery of metabolic markers and therapeutic potentials. This review provides an overview of senescence and aging, emphasizing the crucial role metabolism plays in the aging process as well as age-related diseases.
Humans
;
Aging/metabolism*
;
Metabolomics/methods*
;
Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism*
;
Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism*
9.Aging and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a bidirectional relationship.
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(3):427-438
In recent years, aging and cellular senescence have triggered an increased interest in corresponding research fields. Evidence shows that the complex aging process is involved in the development of many chronic liver diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In fact, aging has a tremendous effect on the liver, leading to a gradual decline in the metabolism, detoxification and immune functions of the liver, which in turn increases the risk of liver disease. These changes can be based on the aging of liver cells (hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, and Kupffer cells). Similarly, patients with liver diseases exhibit increases in the aging phenotype and aging cells, often manifesting as faster physical functional decline, which is closely related to the promoting effect of liver disease on aging. This review summarizes the interplay between MASLD/MASH development and aging, aiming to reveal the complex relationships that exacerbate one another. Moreover, the corresponding schemes for delaying aging or treating diseases are discussed to provide a basis for the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies in the future.
Humans
;
Aging/physiology*
;
Fatty Liver/metabolism*
;
Liver/pathology*
;
Cellular Senescence
;
Animals
10.Salvianolic Acid B Exerts Antiphotoaging Effect on Ultraviolet B-Irradiated Human Keratinocytes by Alleviating Oxidative Stress via SIRT1 Protein.
Qiao-Ju ZHANG ; Xi LUO ; Yu-Wen ZHENG ; Jun-Qiao ZHENG ; Xin-Ying WU ; Shu-Mei WANG ; Jun SHI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(11):1021-1028
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the anti-photoaging properties of salvianolic acid B (Sal B).
METHODS:
The optimal photoaging model of human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were constructed by expose to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The cells were divided into control, model and different concentrations of Sal B groups. Cell viability was measured via cell counting kit-8. Subsequently, the levels of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyproline (Hyp), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were detected using the relevant kits. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) protein level was detected using Western blot. The binding pattern of Sal B and SIRT1 was determined via molecular docking.
RESULTS:
Sal B significantly increased the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Sal B effectively scavenged the accumulation of ROS induced by UVB (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, Sal B modulated oxidative stress by increasing the intracellular concentrations of Hyp and CAT and the activity of GSH-Px (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The Western blot results revealed a substantial increase in SIRT1 protein levels following Sal B administration (P<0.05). Moreover, Sal B exhibited good binding affinity toward SIRT1, with a docking energy of -7.5 kCal/mol.
CONCLUSION
Sal B could improve the repair of photodamaged cells by alleviating cellular oxidative stress and regulating the expression of SIRT1 protein.
Humans
;
Sirtuin 1/metabolism*
;
Ultraviolet Rays
;
Oxidative Stress/radiation effects*
;
Keratinocytes/metabolism*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Benzofurans/pharmacology*
;
Skin Aging/radiation effects*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Cell Survival/radiation effects*
;
HaCaT Cells
;
Hydroxyproline/metabolism*
;
Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism*
;
Catalase/metabolism*
;
Depsides

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