Metformin protects lens epithelial cells against senescence in a naturally aged mouse model

The senescence of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is a major factor leading to age-related cataract (ARC). ARC results in visual impairment and severe vision loss in elderly patients. However, the specific mechanism of ARC remains unclear, and there are no effective therapeutic agents to halt the formation of ARC. This study aimed to assess the underlying mechanism of the formation of ARC and investigate the potential anti-ageing effect of metformin (MET) on ARC. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: the control group having young mice (3 months old, n = 40), the naturally aged group (aged 20 months, n = 60) and the MET group (MET, 20 months, n = 60). Mice in the control and the naturally aged groups were fed a standard purified mouse diet ad libitum and water, whereas those in the MET group were fed chows supplemented with 0.1% MET for 10 months. The transparency of the lens and age-associated proteins p21 and p53 were analysed in the LECs of these three groups. Furthermore, we determined the expressions of the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and the effect of MET on this pathway in LECs during the ageing process of ARC. In addition, the relationship between autophagy and the senescence of LECs and the role of MET in the autophagy of LECs during the ageing process of ARC were examined. Our results indicated that age-related inactivation of the AMPK pathway and impairment of autophagy might contribute to the senescence of LECs and the occurrence of ARC. More importantly, these results demonstrated that MET effectively alleviated the senescence of LECs and the formation of ARC probably via inactivation of the AMPK pathway and augmentation of autophagy. These findings revealed that MET can be exploited as a potentially useful drug for ARC prevention. Our study will help in enlightening the development of innovative strategies for the clinical treatment of ARC.

Effects of ageing on the eyes

With ageing, significant changes occur in all structures of the eye, resulting in a variety of morphological and functional effects. This review summarises parameters that are within the normal ageing process in order to distinguish them from true disease processes. Understanding the ageing changes of the eye will help to understand some of the visual problems experienced by the ageing population.

Plant-Derived Antioxidants: Significance in Skin Health and the Ageing Process

Natural substances have traditionally been used in skin care for centuries. There is now an ongoing search for new natural bioactives that not only promote skin health but also protect the skin against various harmful factors, including ultraviolet radiation and free radicals. Free radicals, by disrupting defence and restoration mechanisms, significantly contribute to skin damage and accelerate ageing. Natural compounds present in plants exhibit antioxidant properties and the ability to scavenge free radicals. The increased interest in plant chemistry is linked to the growing interest in plant materials as natural antioxidants. This review focuses on aromatic and medicinal plants as a source of antioxidant substances, such as polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and macromolecules (including polysaccharides and peptides) as well as components of essential oils, and their role in skin health and the ageing process.

The small bowel microbiome changes significantly with age and aspects of the ageing process

Gut microbiome changes have been associated with human ageing and implicated in age-related diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, studies to date have used stool samples, which do not represent the entire gut. Although more challenging to access, the small intestine plays critical roles in host metabolism and immune function. In this paper (Leite et al. (2021), Cell Reports, doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109765), we demonstrate significant differences in the small intestinal microbiome in older subjects, using duodenal aspirates from 251 subjects aged 18-80 years. Differences included significantly decreased microbial diversity in older subjects, driven by increased relative abundance of phylum Proteobacteria, particularly family Enterobacteriaceae and coliform genera Escherichia and Klebsiella. Moreover, while this decreased diversity was associated with the ‘ageing process’ (comprising chronologic age, number of medications, and number of concomitant diseases), changes in certain taxa were found to be associated with number of medications alone (Klebsiella), number of diseases alone (Clostridium, Bilophila), or chronologic age alone (Escherichia, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus). Lastly, many taxa associated with increasing chronologic age were anaerobes. These changes may contribute to changes in human health that occur during the ageing process.

Dissecting the drivers of rural demographic decline: the case of the New England & North West region of New South Wales

Background In the contemporary academic literature, rural population decline has generally been regarded as a long-running and almost natural phenomenon. Aims This paper examines the complex temporal, spatial and cultural dynamics of the population of an inland, largely agriculturally-dependent rural region, the New South Wales New England & North West Statistical Division (SD), from the late 1990s to the 2016 Census. It investigates the key demographic processes that have driven the region’s spatially and temporally-uneven experiences of population change – including decline – over this tumultuous period, using these as portents of the regional population’s likely future trajectories. Data and methods The analysis draws on Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for the SD’s population as a whole, and for the non-Indigenous and Indigenous segments of the population. Results The analysis identifies that a profound ageing process is underway across the entire region, is becoming more severe with the passing years, and leading to natural decrease for some Shires. However, the SD’s Indigenous population presents a striking contrast to the non-indigenous one, growing rapidly, increasing its share of the population and is a force for demographic rejuvenation. Conclusions The analysis reveals that a profound ageing process is underway across the entire SD and is becoming more severe with the passing years. The SD’s Indigenous population presents a striking contrast to the non-Indigenous, growing rapidly, increasing its share of the population – particularly in the western-most LGAs – and is a force for demographic rejuvenation.

LITERARY REVIEW ON AGEING PROCESS AND IT'S NATURAL AYURVEDA APPROACH

In Ayurveda, Ageing is termed as ‘Jara’ for which some rules are given to make it healthy with longevity. This is the phase anticipatory care should be taken so that ageing process can be deferred and old age related diseases can be barred. Jara as natural prodigy of human body takes place in two ways i.e. Kalaja and Akalaja. Body gets affected from various factors like diet pattern, food particles, lifestyle, environment, etc. changes or degenerative changes are the nature of universe. These changes are known as Swabhaav in Ayurveda in which a constant decline may found in Shareera in old age. Ageing starts in different attributes at different period; thus, the ancient classics give a detailed version on the physiological, psychological and biological aspects of ageing including growth, puberty and senility.There are enough matter in relation to the establishment and termination of life which can be understood as theory as Theory of Innate Destruction (Swabhawoparamavada), Theory of Disturbance in Fundamental Principle of Body, Theory related to Kala (Time Factor), Theory Related to Environmental and other Biological Aspect. Jara management can be done via programming of lifestyle in such a way that Akalaj Jara can be avoided and Kalaj Jara can be delayed. For this purpose not only the Rasayana drugs but Ayurvediya Dinacharya, Ritucharya and other regimens in the way of ideal lifestyle is to be followed.

SARS-CoV-2 and EBV; the cost of a second mitochondrial “whammy”?

We, and others, have suggested that as the SARS-CoV-2 virus may modulate mitochondrial function, good mitochondrial reserve and health could be key in determining disease severity when exposed to this virus, as the immune system itself is dependent on this organelle’s function. With the recent publication of a paper showing that long COVID could be associated with the reactivation of the Epstein Barr Virus, which is well known to manipulate mitochondria, we suggest that this could represent a second mitochondrial “whammy” that might support the mitochondrial hypothesis underlying COVID-19 severity and potentially, the occurrence of longer-term symptoms. As mitochondrial function declines with age, this could be an important factor in why older populations are more susceptible. Key factors which ensure optimal mitochondrial health are generally those that ensure healthy ageing, such as a good lifestyle with plenty of physical activity. The ability of viruses to manipulate mitochondrial function is well described, and it is now also thought that for evolutionary reasons, they also manipulate the ageing process. Given that slowing the ageing process could well be linked to better economic outcomes, the link between mitochondrial health, economics, COVID-19 and other viruses, as well as lifestyle, needs to be considered.