Altered expressions of multiple gene pahways with aging in a mammal model and reversal of aging‐related changes by Cordycep sinensis Cs‐4 (818.2)

Abstract

Aging is a complex process, involving multiple biological systems and function pathways. An anti‐aging fermented product Cordyceps sinensis Cs‐4 extends lifespan in natural aging mice. It improves antioxidant capacity, glucose‐lipid‐energy metabolisms, immune functions, physical endurance, etc. This study was to profile the multifactorial aging‐induced changes in gene pathway expressions (GE), and to explore molecular mechanisms of Cs‐4’s anti‐aging effect in aged mice. GE were examined on gastrocnemius from young (5 mo), old (25 mo) and old Cs‐4 treated (0.3 g/kg) mice (n=5 each). Differentially expressed GO and KEGG pathways were identified with using GSEA with a setting of FDR q<0.01. Compared to young controls, 288 gene clusters were up/down regulated in the old muscle: e.g., telomere related, stem cell signaling related, apoptosis, cell structural integrity, DNA repair, transcription‐translation, inflammatory‐immune responses, carcinogenesis, mitochondria related, metabolisms, cell communications, etc. Cs‐4 opposed these aging related changes in GE. A remarkable negative correlation was noted between aging related changes in GE and Cs‐4’s effects (PCC = ‐0.80). In conclusion, aging is a multifactorial, complex process, although there are many single gene hypotheses for aging. Cs‐4 reverses the aging related changes in GE, as the mechanisms of its lifespan extending effects.