Oxidative stress associated with middle aging leads to sympathetic hyperactivity and downregulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase in corpus cavernosum

2014 ◽  
Vol 307 (10) ◽  
pp. H1393-H1400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fábio H. Silva ◽  
Carolina Lanaro ◽  
Luiz Osório Leiria ◽  
Renata Lopes Rodrigues ◽  
Ana Paula Davel ◽  
...  

Impairment of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated cavernosal relaxations in middle age contributes to erectile dysfunction. However, little information is available about the alterations of sympathetic neurotransmission and contraction in erectile tissue at middle age. This study aimed to evaluate the alterations of the contractile machinery associated with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in rat corpus cavernosum (RCC) at middle age, focusing on the role of superoxide anion. Male Wistar young (3.5-mo) and middle-aged (10-mo) rats were used. Electrical-field stimulation (EFS)- and phenylephrine-induced contractions were obtained in RCC strips. Levels of reactive-oxygen species (ROS) and TH mRNA expression, as well as protein expressions for α1/β1-subunits of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), in RCC were evaluated. The neurogenic contractile responses elicited by EFS (4–32 Hz) were greater in RCC from the middle-aged group that was accompanied by elevated TH mRNA expression ( P < 0.01). Phenylephrine-induced contractions were also greater in the middle-aged group. A 62% increase in ROS generation in RCC from middle-aged rats was observed. The mRNA expression for the α1A-adrenoceptor remained unchanged among groups. Protein levels of α1/β1-sGC subunits were decreased in RCC from the middle-aged compared with young group. The NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (85 mg·rat−1·day−1, 4 wk) fully restored the enhanced ROS production, TH mRNA expressions, and α1/β1-subunit sGC expression, indicating that excess of superoxide anion plays a major role in the sympathetic hyperactivity and hypercontractility in erectile tissue at middle age. Reduction of oxidative stress by dietary antioxidants may be an interesting approach to treat erectile dysfunction in aging population.

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiri Shinan-Altman ◽  
Perla Werner

The present study evaluates discrepancies in subjective age as reported by middle-age persons (aged 44–64 years) in comparison to older adults (aged 65 years and older), using a multidimensional definition of the concept. A convenience sample of 126 middle-aged and 126 older adults completed subjective age measures (felt age, desired age, and perceived old age), attitudes toward older adults, knowledge about aging, and sociodemographic questionnaires. Overall, participants reported feeling younger than they actually were and wanting to be younger than their chronological age. Perceived mean for old age was about 69 years. Discrepancies in felt age and desired age were significantly larger for the older group compared to the middle-aged group. Regarding perceived old age, compared to the younger group, older adults reported that old age begins at an older age. Findings suggest that middle-aged and older adults’ perceptions regarding themselves and regarding old age in general are independent and need, therefore, separate research and practical attention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauriane Segaux ◽  
Amaury Broussier ◽  
Nadia Oubaya ◽  
Claire Leissing-Desprez ◽  
Marie Laurent ◽  
...  

AbstractAlthough frailty can arise in middle age, very few studies have investigated frailty before 65 years. Our objectives were to assess the prevalence of frailty parameters in middle-aged individuals and probe the association with future adverse events. We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of community-dwelling individuals aged 50 to 65 (n = 411, median age: 59.0) having undergone a multidomain geriatric assessment (2010–2015) in an outpatient clinic in the greater Paris area of France (SUCCEED cohort). The primary outcome was a composite measure of adverse events (non-accidental falls, fractures, unplanned hospitalizations, death), recorded in 2016/2017. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to identify independent predictors. Six frailty parameters were highly prevalent (> 20%): low activity (40.1%), exhaustion (31.3%), living alone (28.5%), balance impairment (26.8%), weakness (26.7%), and executive dysfunction (23.2%). Female sex (odds ratio: 2.67 [95% confidence interval: 1.17–6.11]), living alone (2.39 [1.32–4.33]), balance impairment (2.09 [1.16–3.78]), executive dysfunction (2.61, [1.18–5.77]), and exhaustion (2.98 [1.65–5.39]) were independent predictors of adverse events. Many frailty parameters are already altered in middle-aged individuals and are predictive of adverse health events. Our findings highlight a possible need for frailty screening and preventive programs targeting middle-aged individuals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2398
Author(s):  
Yong Un Shin ◽  
Seung Hun Park ◽  
Jae Ho Chung ◽  
Seung Hwan Lee ◽  
Heeyoon Cho

We investigated the association between the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and hearing loss based on vascular etiology. We used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey 2010–2012. Adults aged >40 years with diabetes were enrolled. Demographic, socioeconomic, general medical, noise exposure and biochemical data were used. Participants were classified into three groups: diabetes without DR, non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and proliferative DR (PDR); participants were also divided into two groups (middle age (40 ≤ age < 65 years) vs. old age (age ≥ 65 years)). The association between hearing loss and DR was determined using logistic regression analysis. A total of 1045 participants (n = 411, middle-aged group; n = 634, old-age group) were enrolled. Overall, the prevalence of hearing loss was 58.1%, 61.4%, and 85.0% in the no DR, NPDR, and PDR groups, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, the logistic regression model showed that there was no significant association between the prevalence of DR and hearing loss in the overall sample. However, the presence of PDR (OR 7.74, 95% CI 2.08–28.82) was significantly associated with hearing loss in the middle-aged group. Middle-aged people with diabetes may have an association between DR severity and hearing loss. The potential role of microvascular diseases in the development of hearing loss, especially in middle-aged patients, could be considered.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 170-176
Author(s):  
Hisayoshi Tachihara ◽  
Junichiro Hamada

Background: The rib cage, such as the thoracic spine and ribs, influences glenohumeral mobility and the development of shoulder disorders. Objective: To evaluate movements of the ribs, thoracic vertebrae during bilateral arm elevation and to clarify the characteristic influences of age and gender. Methods: Subjects comprised 33 healthy individuals divided into a young group (10 males, 7 females; mean age, 25 years) and a middle-aged group (8 males, 8 females; mean age, 52 years). Chest CT was performed with two arm positions: arms hanging downwards; and arms elevated at 160°. Images were three-dimensionally reconstructed to evaluate rib movement, extension angle of thoracic vertebrae. Results: Maximal movement was observed at the fifth rib, and rib movement decreased with increasing distance from the fifth rib in both the groups. In males, movement of the second to fourth ribs was smaller in the middle-aged group than in the young group (p < 0.05). Movement of the first to ninth ribs was smaller in females than in males (p < 0.05). No significant difference in the extension angle of the thoracic vertebrae was found. Conclusion: Fifth rib movement is the largest among all ribs during bilateral arm elevation. Reduction of upper rib movement initially arises as an age-related degradation in males. Women exhibit less rib movement during bilateral arm elevation.


Author(s):  
Alireza Mahmoudabadi ◽  
Hamed Masoumi ◽  
Mohammad Keshtkar ◽  
Arash Azhideh ◽  
Hamidreza Haghighatkhah

Purpose: In this study, we retrospectively evaluated chest Computed Tomography (CT) imaging manifestations of the patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to simplify prompt early diagnosis of disease and speed up needed actions for infected patients. Materials and Methods: Totally, 75 patients who laboratory confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia were enrolled in this study. CT images, demographic and some clinical data of all patients were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Furthermore, for comparison, the patients were divided into two groups as follows: the young and middle-aged group (< 60 years old) and the elderly group (≥ 60 years old). Results: Based on the evaluation of CT images, 33 patients (44%) showed Ground-Glass Opacity (GGO), 15 patients (20%) showed consolidation, 24 patients (32%) showed mixed GGO and consolidation, 2 patients (2.6%) had bronchial wall thickening, 10 patients (13.3%) had a crazy paving sign, 35 patients (46.6%) had air bronchogram and, 7 patients (9.3%) had cavitation and 2 patients (2.6%) had a tree in the bud. CT images of 3 patients (4%) were normal. In terms of out of lung changes, lymphadenopathy was observed in one patient (1.3%), pleural effusion in 12 patients (16%), and pericardial effusion in 2 patients (2.6%). Lesions were found predominantly in the peripheral (57.3%) and the lower lung region (60%). Conclusion: CT images of the COVID-19 patients showed various aspects, mainly GGO, consolidation, mixed GGO and consolidation, and air bronchogram. Lesion distribution was predominantly in lower lung region, bilateral and peripheral. Pleural effusion and multiple lobe involvement were significantly higher in the elderly group than that of the young and middle-aged group.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Robert Dunaetz

By the time career missionaries reach middle age, the risk of personal stagnation is high. Some missionaries, however, are very productive during this period of life. In Erickson’s classic description of adult development, middle-aged adults who successfully navigate this period need to lead a generative life, learning how to positively influence future generations. This paper reviews recent literature on the predictors of generativity, including awareness of early blessings and calling, awareness of others’ problems and pain, strong values and beliefs, pursuing goals to benefit others, and the presence of redemptive sequences in one’s life narrative (the story that we tell ourselves and others which helps define our identity). Missionaries are encouraged to update their life narrative, going beyond the story of their conversion to Christianity, to include stories of how God has worked in their lives in recent years.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 287-293
Author(s):  
Anders Jorgensen ◽  
Katrine Breitenstein ◽  
Otto Kalliokoski ◽  
Allan Weimann ◽  
Trine Henriksen ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:Oxidative stress has been suggested to increase after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a treatment which continues to be the most effective for severe depression. Oxidative stress could potentially be mechanistically involved in both the therapeutic effects and side effects of ECT.Methods:We measured sensitive markers of systemic and central nervous system (CNS) oxidative stress on DNA and RNA (urinary 8-oxodG/8-oxoGuo, cerebrospinal fluid 8-oxoGuo, and brain oxoguanine glycosylase mRNA expression) in male rats subjected to electroconvulsive stimulations (ECS), an animal model of ECT. Due to the previous observations that link hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis activity and age to DNA/RNA damage from oxidation, groups of young and middle-aged male animals were included, and markers of HPA-axis activity were measured.Results:ECS induced weight loss, increased corticosterone (only in middle-aged animals), and decreased cerebral glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression, while largely leaving the markers of systemic and CNS DNA/RNA damage from oxidation unaltered.Conclusion:These results suggest that ECS is not associated with any lasting effects on oxidative stress on nucleic acids neither in young nor middle-aged rats.


Antioxidants ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Paula Millin ◽  
Gina Rickert

The present experiment sought to determine the effect of an eight-week, high antioxidant, whole-foods dietary supplement on Morris Water Maze performance in early and late middle-aged female rats. To improve ecological validity over past experimental studies, rats in the current study received antioxidants by consuming freeze-dried organic strawberries and spinach rather than by being given food extracts or antioxidant injections. Latency and path length measures both indicated that late middle-aged rats fed the high antioxidant diet performed on a par with the younger animals earlier in training than their standard diet counterparts (p < 0.05). Superior performance was not due to improved fitness in the antioxidant-supplemented rats. Thus, our model showed that a high antioxidant diet of relatively short duration mitigated the mild cognitive decline that was seen in control animals during the developmental period of late middle-age. The current results offer support for the promising role of dietary antioxidants in maintaining cognitive health in normal aging and extend past findings to females, who have been relatively neglected in experimental investigations. Moreover, the current model suggests that the period of transition from early to late middle age is a promising target for dietary intervention in healthy adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 922-938
Author(s):  
Leslie Paris

Abstract In the wake of the “sexual revolution” of the 1960s and 1970s, a new American consensus emerged both that women’s sexual lives remained important past their youth and that women’s sexual pleasure generally increased into middle age. Challenging the idea that older people were (or ought to be) asexual, mainstream pundits suggested ways to retain or even improve one’s sexual vitality into middle age and beyond, and argued that sex itself was both physically and emotionally rejuvenating. New attitudes toward middle-aged women’s sexuality did not entirely supplant a more traditional body project whose focus was physical maintenance, the appearance of youthfulness, and a nostalgic return to the “true” (that is, younger) self. Yet by the 1970s, increasing numbers of middle-aged women began to consider sexual renewal as an avenue for personal and relational growth, sparked by unexpected shifts in midlife, the mainstreaming of feminist critiques of ageism, and a new ethos of self-actualization. The redefinition of sexuality as a lifelong journey enabled middle-aged women to reconsider their intimate relationships and their bodies, rethink their assumptions about age and sexual desirability, and examine their current levels of sexual satisfaction. By defying the notion that aging was inherently shameful and desexualizing for women, sexologists and feminists of the late 1960s and 1970s offered a significant challenge to the “sexual clock” and helped to redefine middle age as a time of continued growth.


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