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Experimental Gerontology Feb 2019Aging is a normal, progressive and multi-step degeneration in the physiological functions and metabolic processes of living organisms until death. It represents the main...
Aging is a normal, progressive and multi-step degeneration in the physiological functions and metabolic processes of living organisms until death. It represents the main risk factor for many diseases (e.g. cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases) and contributes to increase in mortality. Aging results, at least partially, from an accumulation of cell and tissue damage related to inherited and environmental factors, leading to biological and biochemical dysregulations. Arginase is a ubiquitous L-arginine-metabolizing enzyme involved in some fundamental mechanisms such as the urea cycle or polyamines synthesis. There is a growing awareness that arginase activity and/or expression are disturbed in a tissue-dependent manner during aging. However, whether these effects on arginase pathway are a primary cause or merely a consequence of aging is still an open question. In this review dealing with the interplay between the arginase pathway and aging, we will explore the involvement of arginase in aging mechanisms and, reversely, the impact of aging on the arginase pathway in various tissues and cells. Finally, the potential interest of arginase inhibition in aging and age-related diseases will also be analyzed.
Topics: Aging; Animals; Arginase; Humans
PubMed: 30578842
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.12.011 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2015Frailty and depression are important issues affecting older adults. Depressive syndrome may be difficult to clinically disambiguate from frailty in advanced old age.... (Review)
Review
Frailty and depression are important issues affecting older adults. Depressive syndrome may be difficult to clinically disambiguate from frailty in advanced old age. Current reviews on the topic include studies with wide methodological variation. This review examined the published literature on cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between frailty and depressive symptomatology with either syndrome as the outcome, moderators of this relationship, construct overlap, and related medical and behavioral interventions. Prevalence of both was reported. A systematic review of studies published from 2000 to 2015 was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PsychInfo. Key search terms were "frailty", "frail", "frail elderly", "depressive", "depressive disorder", and "depression". Participants of included studies were ≥ 55 years old and community dwelling. Included studies used an explicit biological definition of frailty based on Fried et al's criteria and a screening measure to identify depressive symptomatology. Fourteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The prevalence of depressive symptomatology, frailty, or their co-occurrence was greater than 10% in older adults ≥ 55 years old, and these rates varied widely, but less in large epidemiological studies of incident frailty. The prospective relationship between depressive symptomatology and increased risk of incident frailty was robust, while the opposite relationship was less conclusive. The presence of comorbidities that interact with depressive symptomatology increased incident frailty risk. Measurement variability of depressive symptomatology and inclusion of older adults who are severely depressed, have cognitive impairment or dementia, or stroke may confound the frailty syndrome with single disease outcomes, accounting for a substantial proportion of shared variance in the syndromes. Further study is needed to identify medical and behavioral interventions for frailty and depressive symptomatology that prevent adverse sequelae such as falls, disability, and premature mortality.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Comorbidity; Depression; Frail Elderly; Humans; Middle Aged; Prevalence
PubMed: 26719681
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S69632 -
Free Radical Biology & Medicine Mar 2020Oxidative stress (OS) has been previously linked to the aging process, as have some diseases and geriatric syndromes as frailty and sarcopenia. The aim of the present... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Oxidative stress (OS) has been previously linked to the aging process, as have some diseases and geriatric syndromes as frailty and sarcopenia. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review on oxidative stress activity and extreme longevity in humans.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies assessing OS-biomarkers and/or antioxidants in long-lived individuals (97 years old or over) comparing them to those of one or more age groups, (at least one of which from comprising elderly subjects) were considered for inclusion. A narrative synthesis was planned. Quality of selected studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS).
RESULTS
After screening and eligibility phases, 12 articles were finally selected, with 646 long-lived participants and 1052 controls, 447 adults (20-60 years old) and 605 elderly individuals (over 60 years old). The average score on NOS scale of studies was 4,8 out of 9. Centenarians showed significantly less (p<0,05) oxidative damage to lipids in different samples, lower levels of oxidized proteins in plasma and lower superoxide anion levels in neutrophils than elderly groups. Centenarian presented significantly lower superoxide dismutase and higher glutathione reductase activities, higher levels of vitamins A and E, lower of coenzyme Q10, and lower susceptibility to lipid peroxidation than elderly controls.
CONCLUSION
Based on studies of medium-low quality, available evidence suggests that long-lived individuals display less oxidative damage, particularly lower plasma lipid peroxidation biomarkers, than controls. More studies with better experimental designs are needed.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Antioxidants; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Longevity; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Young Adult
PubMed: 31550529
DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.09.019 -
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging 2018There is increasing evidence that frailty may play a role in chronic diseases, but the associations with specific chronic disorders are still unclear. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is increasing evidence that frailty may play a role in chronic diseases, but the associations with specific chronic disorders are still unclear.
OBJECTIVES
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the association of anaemia and frailty in observational studies.
METHODS
The review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from 01/01/2002-10/09/2017. Pooled estimates were obtained through random effect models and Mantel-Haenszel weighting. Homogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic. Publication bias was assessed with Egger's and Begg's tests.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies were included; two longitudinal, seventeen cross-sectional. All studies except three reported an association between anaemia and frailty. The pooled prevalence of prefrailty in individuals with anaemia was 49% (95% CI=38-59%; I2=89.96%) and 24% (95% CI=17-31%; I2= 94.78%) for frailty. Persons with anaemia had more than a twofold odds of frailty (pooled OR=2.24 95% CI=1.53-3.30; I2=91.8%). Only two studies longitudinally examined the association between anaemia and frailty, producing conflicting results.
CONCLUSIONS
Frailty and prefrailty are common in anaemic persons. Older persons with anaemia have more than a two-fold increased odds of frailty. These results may have clinical implications, as they identify the need to assess frailty in anaemic people and investigate any potential negative effects associated with the co-occurrence of both conditions. Longitudinal research that examines temporal changes in anaemia and effect of treatment are needed to further clarify the relationship between anaemia and frailty.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Anemia; Chronic Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Frail Elderly; Frailty; Humans; Male; Prevalence
PubMed: 30272101
DOI: 10.1007/s12603-018-1049-x -
Ageing Research Reviews Dec 2022Emerging evidence suggests that the intestinal microbiota (IM) undergoes remodelling as we age, and this impacts the ageing trajectory and mortality in older adults. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Emerging evidence suggests that the intestinal microbiota (IM) undergoes remodelling as we age, and this impacts the ageing trajectory and mortality in older adults. The aim was to investigate IM diversity differences between frail and non-frail older adults by meta-analysing previous studies.
METHODS
The protocol of this systematic review with meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021276733). We searched for studies comparing IM diversity of frail and non-frail older adults indexed on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science in November 2021.
RESULTS
We included 11 studies with 1239 participants, of which 340 were meta-analysed. Frailty was defined by a variety of criteria (i.e. Fried Scale, European Consensus on Sarcopenia). There were no differences in the meta-analyses between the frail and non-frail groups for species richness index (SMD = -0.147; 95% CI = -0.394, 0.100; p = 0.243) and species diversity index (SMD = -0.033; 95% CI = -0.315, 0.250; p = 0.820). However, we identified almost 50 differences between frail and non-frail within the relative abundance of bacteria phyla, families, genera, and species in the primary studies.
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence to prove that there are differences between frail and non-frail IM diversity by meta-analysis is still lacking. The present results suggest that further investigation into the role of specific bacteria, their function, and their influence on the physiopathology of frailty is needed.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Frailty; Sarcopenia; Aging
PubMed: 36349647
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101773 -
Ageing Research Reviews Mar 2014Aging is a complex biological phenomenon in which the deficiency of the nutritional state combined with the presence of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress... (Review)
Review
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon in which the deficiency of the nutritional state combined with the presence of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the development of many age-related diseases. Under this profile, the free radicals produced by the oxidative stress lead to a damage of DNA, lipids and proteins with subsequent altered cellular homeostasis and integrity. In young-adult age, the cell has a complex efficient system to maintain a proper balance between the levels of free radicals and antioxidants ensuring the integrity of cellular components. In contrast, in old age this balance is poorly efficient compromising cellular homeostasis. Supplementation with Vitamin E can restore the balance and protect against the deteriorating effects of oxidative stress, progression of degenerative diseases, and aging. Experiments in cell cultures and in animals have clearly shown that Vitamin E has a pivotal role as antioxidant agent against the lipid peroxidation on cell membranes preserving the tissue cells from the oxidative damage. Such a role has been well documented in immune, endothelial, and brain cells from old animals describing how the Vitamin E works both at cytoplasmatic and nuclear levels with an influence on many genes related to the inflammatory/immune response. All these findings have supported a lot of clinical trials in old humans and in inflammatory age-related diseases with however contradictory and inconsistent results and even indicating a dangerous role of Vitamin E able to affect mortality. Various factors can contribute to all the discrepancies. Among them, the doses and the various isoforms of Vitamin E family (α,β,γ,δ tocopherols and the corresponding tocotrienols) used in different trials. However, the more plausible gap is the poor consideration of the Vitamin E-gene interactions that may open new roadmaps for a correct and personalized Vitamin E supplementation in aging and age-related diseases with satisfactory results in order to reach healthy aging and longevity. In this review, this peculiar nutrigenomic and/or nutrigenetic aspect is reported and discussed at the light of specific polymorphisms affecting the Vitamin E bioactivity.
Topics: Aging; Animals; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Inflammation; Vitamin E
PubMed: 24418256
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2014.01.001 -
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics 2015This review of the literature on elderly cancer patients and their psychiatric disorders was undertaken to determine the extent of the problem. It consists of articles... (Review)
Review
This review of the literature on elderly cancer patients and their psychiatric disorders was undertaken to determine the extent of the problem. It consists of articles with elderly cancer patients. Keyword terms included "cancer", "elderly", "aging", "geriatric", "psychiatric disorders", "psychiatric symptoms", "psychological problems", "aged >60 years", "sucidal ideation, geriatric, cancer", "suicide geriatric cancer". We conducted searches on the following databases: PubMed; PsychINFO (1980-2013); finally, 102 publications were suitable for the current review. Depression in elderly cancer patients is the most common disorder in elderly cancer patients associated with disability, morbidity and mortality. Anxiety disorders may be less frequent in geriatric patients; however, it seemed to be a major problem in late life. Psychiatric disorders are common in geriatric patients with cancer especially at advanced stages of the disease. In addition, health care professionals can help provide treatment and emotional support. Future research should aim to provide data about the real prevalence and severity of psychiatric disorders in elderly patients with cancer, for the improvement of patients' quality of life and their caregivers.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Anxiety Disorders; Caregivers; Depression; Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Neoplasms; Prevalence; Psychopathology; Quality of Life
PubMed: 25266607
DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2014.09.008 -
Current Aging Science 2021Since age is the major risk factor for chronic diseases and mortality, it seems mistaken that older adults have lower basal temperature than young individuals. Many... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Since age is the major risk factor for chronic diseases and mortality, it seems mistaken that older adults have lower basal temperature than young individuals. Many confounding factors could hinder the achievement of a consensus, such as the different sites of measurement, control of basal conditions, health conditions, age difference compared, sex, and others.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to meta-analyze previous studies in order to find a consensus regarding the effects of aging on body temperature in humans, considering different types of temperature assessments, age difference and sex.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed in PubMed and 16 studies comparing basal temperature between older and young adults were meta-analyzed.
RESULTS
Older adults have significantly lower body temperature than young adults (-0.17 °C (-0.30; -0.03), p=0.04). Considering the different sites of measure, while core temperature tended to be lower in older adults (-0.13 °C (-0.27; 0.01), p=0.07), and skin temperature was not different (-0.21 °C (-0.5; 0.08), p=0.15). The aging effects were more prominent in men when assessed by oral temperature and when compared between higher age difference.
CONCLUSION
Indeed, there is a small reduction in overall temperature with aging, drove by the reduction in core temperature rather than skin temperature. The confirmation of these findings by this meta-analysis, now provide the base for the development of strategies to face the impairment in thermoregulation and metabolic efficiency with aging.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Body Temperature; Chronic Disease; Humans; Male
PubMed: 34886774
DOI: 10.2174/1874609814666210624121603 -
International Journal of Public Health 2023To systematically review the epidemiology of frailty in China, one of the world's most populous countries, and to provide insightful guidance for countries to deal with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
To systematically review the epidemiology of frailty in China, one of the world's most populous countries, and to provide insightful guidance for countries to deal with fast population ageing. Six electronic databases were searched until November 2022. Data from cross-sectional studies with a clear definition of frailty and a mean age ≥60 years were pooled using meta-analysis. 64 studies ( = 106,826 participants) from 23 (67.6%) of China's provinces were included. The overall prevalence of frailty and prefrailty among older community dwellers was 10.1% (95% CI: 8.5%-11.7%) and 43.9% (95% CI: 40.1%-47.8%), respectively. Adults over 70 years, women, unmarried, living alone, and those with less education had higher odds of being frail. Furthermore, regional disparities in frailty were observed; people in rural areas or areas with worse economic conditions had a higher prevalence of frailty. A great variation in frailty prevalence was observed between subgroups of older adults stratified by common risk factors. The Chinese government should pay more attentions to seniors at high risk and regions with a high prevalence of frailty.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Frailty; Independent Living; Prevalence; Aging
PubMed: 37588041
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605964 -
Canadian Journal on Aging = La Revue... Sep 2013Little research can be found describing social aspects of aging with human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Canada... (Review)
Review
Little research can be found describing social aspects of aging with human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Canada specifically, despite an overall increase in an aging population and increased numbers of those aging with HIV/AIDS. A systematic literature review was conducted with a selective focus on social aspects related to older adults who are living with or at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. The primary themes that emerged in the literature are ageism and stigma, gender, mental health, and social supports. Recommendations for future research regarding prevention and education of risks for older adults and programming suitable for a wide range of audiences are presented.
Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Aged; Ageism; Aging; Canada; HIV Infections; Humans; Resilience, Psychological; Sexuality; Social Stigma; Social Support
PubMed: 23941598
DOI: 10.1017/S0714980813000330