Current Aging Science - Volume 14, Issue 1, 2021

Aging is a natural process that may lead to detrimental health depending on someone’s lifestyle, family history, psychological/psychosocial health, chronic medical conditions, and genetics. However, whether the later conditions lead to faster aging or vice versa, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and psychological health has been shown to delay the process of aging and its associated problems. Two major problems that older adults face today are the inability to perform everyday tasks (defined as activities of daily living) and the increased risk of falls. Lack of muscular function (including neuromuscular function) and bone health is associated with the inability to perform the Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and increased risk of falls. This risk of falls has been associated with cardiovascular-related mortality in older adults. Research has shown that resistance exercises can maintain normal blood glucose levels, lipids, and cholesterol, and hence the management of chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Additionally, resistance exercises hinder the process of muscular (and neuromuscular) damage, improve bone health and psychological health and sleep. This mini-review will discuss the benefits of resistance exercises on reversing or at least ceasing the process of developing conditions associated with aging.

Aging is a complex biological process, a major aspect of which is the accumulation of somatic changes throughout life. Cellular senescence is a condition in which cells undergo an irreversible cell cycle arrest in response to various cellular stresses. Once the cells begin to senesce, they become more resistant to any mutagens, including oncogenic factors. Inflammaging (inflammatory aging) is an age-related, chronic, and systemic inflammatory condition realized by cells with the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). These recently recognized senescent phenotypes associated with aging have been reported to promote better wound healing, embryonic development, as well as stimulation and extension of the tumor process. It is assumed that cellular senescence contributes to the age-related decline of reproductive function due to the association of senescent cells with aging and age-related diseases. Thus, SASPs have both positive and negative effects, depending on the biological context. SASP cell accumulation in tissues contributes to an age-related functional decline of the tissue and organ state. In this review, the term “cellular senescence” is used to refer to the processes of cells irreversible growth inhibition during their viable state, while the term “aging” is used to indicate the deterioration of tissues due to loss of function. Late reproductive age is associated with infertility and possible complications of the onset and maintenance of pregnancy. Senescent cells express pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteinases and some other molecules collectively called the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP).

Background: Holistic health is important for life, perhaps especially for elders. Focus should not only be placed on illness or the physical part of their lives, but the person as a whole should also be considered, emphasizing the connection of their mind, body, and the environment. Objective: The aims of this research were to study the factors of the Holistic Health Status (HHS) of the Thai elderly in the 21st century, and to predict the factors affecting the development of HHS from 3 aspects; physical health status, mental and emotional health status, and the social and environmental health status. Methods: The data were collected from 928 Thai elderly aged 60 and over in the central part of Thailand. The research instrument was a questionnaire whose reliability was confirmed using a Cronbach alpha coefficient of .904. Multiple regression analysis was used for predicting the factors of HHS. Results: The results indicated that stress, increased age, gender, and social participation can predict the HHS of Thai elders, and stress can predict each of the 3 aspects. Therefore, stress prevention activities are very important for enhancing the HHS of Thai elders. Conclusion: The findings of this research can be used to improve the quality of life of elders in the 21^st century.

Background and Objective: Hypertension is a multifactorial disease where numerous constitutive, genetic, and environmental factors interplay. Among the constitutive factors, age is a major determent continuously reported to be associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of hypertension. In addition to age, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was also shown to be associated. On the other hand, Vitamin D (Vit D) plays an important role in the development of hypertension. In the current study, it was investigated whether H. pylori interacts with Vit D levels to influence hypertension. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on seven hundred and eighty-two “a priori” healthy individuals equally divided according to hypertension status. To study the association between Vit D, H. pylori, and hypertension, a multivariate logistic regression model was used while correcting for different confounding factors. Power analysis was also performed. Results: Approximately half of the participants were hypertensive and had Vit D insufficiency and they were also matched for age. Using a multiple logistic regression model, the results showed an inversely proportionate association between H. pylori infection and the risk of hypertension (OR=0.38, P<0.001). On the other hand, a proportionate association between Vit D deficiency and hypertension was observed (OR=2.76, P=0.004). Furthermore, Vit D and H. pylori status interacted to affect the risk of hypertension (OR=0.97, P=0.004). Stratification, according to Vit D status, showed that 59.1% of Vit D deficient participants were infected with H. pylori organisms (P<0.001). When taking hypertension, Vit D, and H. pylori statuses into account, it was found that the prevalence of hypertension was doubled when the participants were negative for H. pylori infection but had Vit D deficiency (P<0.001). Conclusion: H. pylori infection and Vit D deficiency could predict hypertension. The odds of hypertension development were double when the participants were negative for H. pylori infection and had vitamin D deficiency.

Background: A decrease in the physical activity level in old age is common, which results in an increase in the number of falls and chronic conditions. Associated with that occurs the decline in motor skills as a result of the deficit in the interaction of cognitive and motor processes. Physical activity levels can be associated differently with each motor domain. Objective: We analyzed the relationship between physical activity level and motor aptitude and to identify which motor domains were most sensitive to detect insufficiently active level in older adults. Methods: 385 elderly people of both sexes participated in the study. For the evaluation of the subjects, the International Questionnaire on Physical Activity and the Motor Scale for Older Adults were adopted. Results: The majority of the elderly were active. In comparing motor aptitude between active and insufficiently active (IAC) elders a significant difference was found in the Global Coordination, Balance, Body Scheme and General Motor Aptitude. From the analysis of the Area Under the Curve (AUC), we verified that these domains also were the ones that presented adequate diagnostic accuracy to identify IAC elderly. Besides that, active elderly have presented the General Motor Aptitude classified within normality while the IAC below the normal. Conclusion: Our data suggest that IAC older adults present lower motor aptitude than the active elderly, especially in the domains of Global Coordination, Balance, Body Scheme and General Motor Aptitude, and that these domains were sensitive to indicate IAC older adults.

Background: Self-Defining Memories (SDMs) are a specific type of autobiographical memory, which play a key role in the construction of personal identity. Objective: We investigated the characteristics of SDMs in elderly subjects. The originality of the present study is to compare our elderly group to middle-aged subjects instead of young adults, as previously reported in the literature, to understand the age-related modifications in SDMs. Methods: We recruited 41 elderly subjects with normal cognitive functioning and 37 middle-aged adults. They were matched for education level and verbal knowledge. Results: Older participants recalled the same number of specific memories than middle-aged participants. SDMs were predominantly constituted of episodic characteristics, with specific details, in both the groups. However, middle-aged subjects gave more integrative meaning of SDMs and more redemptive events than older participants. The two samples differed in three content dimensions (exploration/recreation, relationship contents, and not classifiable). As predicted, older participants reported memories that were more positive, on average, than the middle-aged participants’ memories. Conclusion: Our study added some contributions to the understanding of the consequences of aging on the sense of self. Future research should explore the continuity of SDMs characteristics across the lifespan.

Background: The medicinal plants have enormous pharmacological properties with fewer side effects. Today, there is an increasing demand of medicinal plants as an anti-aging and anti-wrinkle agent. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-aging and anti-wrinkle potential of Salvia officinalis. Materials and Methods: Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae) is folk medicine of Asia and Latin America. Powdered crude drug 100 g was successively extracted in a soxhlet apparatus with petroleum ether (60-80ºC), chloroform and methanol. After successive solvents, extraction methanolic extract was used for testing of antioxidant potential using DPPH assay. Further, the antiaging potential of the extract was investigated by the inhibitory effect of various enzymatic estimations i.e. Col-I, Ela- I and Hya-I inhibitory assays on early aging human skin fibroblasts. The antiwrinkle potential of plant Salvia officinalis was done by using a UV light-induced photoaging model. Results: Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of glycosides, alkaloids flavonoids, and triterpenoids, saponins and Phenolic Compounds at high level. The extract showed inhibitory concentration (IC50: 24.65) and ascorbic acid. The standard antioxidant showed inhibitory concentration (IC50: 20.10). In enzymatic estimations assay, the Col-I, Ela-I and Hya-I of extract were assessed showing inhibitory concentration as Col-I (IC50:21.36), Ela-I (IC50:35.05) and Hya-I (IC50:23.44), respectively. Thus, MeOH extract of Salvia officinalis can inhibit 50% of the activity of aging-related enzymes Col-I, Ela-I and Hya-I. The wrinkle score of negative control i.e. UV treated group was 2.83 ± 0.408, and MeOH extract of Salvia officinalis treated group is 1.83 ± 0.753. Conclusion: This study concluded that MeOH extract of Salvia officinalis has confirmed the high antioxidant potential and in vitro and in vivo inhibitory potential of antiaging enzymes assessed, thus they could be used for further development of cosmetic products and nutraceuticals.

Background: Behçet’s disease is frequent in Tunisia and potentially serious, which can endanger both the vital and visual prognosis. Late occurrence of the disease is uncommon and less frequently investigated. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyse the demographic characteristics and ocular manifestations of patients with late-onset Behçet disease in Tunisia, North Africa. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 38 eyes of 21 oculo-Behçet patients over a seven- year period. Results: The mean age of our patients was 54.81 years. The sex ratio M/F was 2.5. The period between the onset of the first symptom and diagnosis of Behçet’s disease varied from 3 days to 2 years. The primary complaint was a decrease in visual acuity, reported in 8 patients. Ocular involvement revealed Behçet’s disease in 2 patients, bilateral in 17 patients, and active in 31 eyes. The ocular manifestations in late-onset Behçet’s disease were dominated by uveal involvement (30 eyes). The most frequent form of uveitis was panuveitis noted in 13 eyes. Ocular complications were dominated by macular involvement in 8 patients (14 eyes). Blindness was noted in 4 eyes of 4 patients (10.5%). Topical corticosteroids were used in 30 eyes. Three patients were treated only with oral corticosteroid and 9 patients with a combination of oral corticosteroid and immunosuppressive agents. Conclusion: Since the course of the ocular involvement in late-onset Behçet’s disease is regarded to be relatively mild, it is noteworthy that our study revealed that blindness was noted in 10,5% and posterior uveitis and panuveitis were the most common uveal lesion.

Background: Despite decades of research, neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease remain a leading cause of disability worldwide, due to the insufficient reduction of disease burden by available medications. Recently, the benefits of dietary supplements like co-enzyme Q10 in neurodegenerative diseases have been reported. Aim: The protective effects of supplemental co-enzyme Q10 (CQ10) and possible additive benefits of CQ10/Levodopa-Carbidopa (LD) in Chlorpromazine (CPZ)-induced Parkinsonism-like changes in mice were investigated. Methods: Male mice were assigned to ten groups of 30 mice each. Groups included: Vehicle control (fed Standard Diet (SD), and given intraperitoneal {ip} plus oral saline), LD group (fed SD, and given ip saline plus oral LD), two groups fed CQ10-supplemented diet (at 60 and 120 mg/kg of feed), and given ip plus oral saline, CPZ group (fed SD, and given ip CPZ plus oral saline), CPZ/LD group (fed SD, and given ip CPZ plus oral LD), two groups fed CQ10-supplemented diet (at 60 and 120 mg/kg of feed) and given ip CPZ plus oral saline, and another two groups fed CQ10-supplemented diet (at 60 and 120 mg/kg of feed) and given ip CPZ plus oral LD. The total duration of study was 21 days, and treatments were administered daily. Bodyweight and food intake were measured weekly, while neurobehavioural and biochemical tests were assessed at the end of the experimental period. Results: CQ10-supplementation was protective against CPZ-induced parkinsonism-like changes including, reduction in mortality, the reversal of retardation of open-field behaviours and reduction of catalepsy, increase in dopamine levels and decreased oxidative stress. CQ10 also showed significant improvements in these parameters when co-administered with LD. CQ10 (in groups administered CPZ/CQ10 60) showed greater benefit over LD on anxiety-related behaviours and also had additive benefits on working-memory. Conclusion: Dietary CQ10-supplementation was associated with demonstrable benefits in CPZinduced Parkinsonism-like changes in mice.