Decoding Aging: Understanding the Complex Relationship among Aging, Free Radicals, and GSH

Abstract

N-aryl maleimides can undergo a 1,4-Michael-type addition reaction with reduced glutathione (GSH), leading to a decreased concentration of GSH and an increased concentration of free radicals (FRs) in cells. GSH is a critical scavenging molecule responsible for protecting cells from oxidation and for maintaining redox homeostasis. N-aryl maleimides disturb redox homeostasis in cells because they scavenge thiol-containing molecules, especially GSH. This study aimed at measuring the concentrations of GSH and FRs by electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR), in the brain and liver tissue of male Wistar rats (ex vivo) at different ages and after treatment with 3,5-dimaleimylbenzoic acid (3,5-DMB). Our results showed a relationship between age and the concentrations of GSH and FRs in cells. In young rats, the concentration of GSH was higher than in old rats, while the concentration of FRs was higher in adult rats than in young rats, suggesting an inverse relationship between GSH and FRs. On the other hand, the reaction of 3,5-DMB (an electrophilic maleimide) with cellular GSH increased the FR content. The results of this study contribute to the awareness that the process of aging implies not only a loss of tissue function but also essential changes in the molecular contents of cells, especially the concentrations of FRs and GSH.

Estimation of Redox Status in Military Pilots during Hypoxic Flight-Simulation Conditions—A Pilot Study

“…On the other hand, one could also argue that these differences are once again due to the age difference observed between participants, or the epiphenomenon of an adaptation following prolonged exposure to hypoxic conditions. Previous research on animals has suggested an age-related decrease in the GSH content of several tissues, paired with an increase in GSH oxidation to glutathione disulfide (GSSG) [ 48 , 49 , 50 ]. Thus, a decrease in GSH would have been expected in the older, expert pilots, whereas instead, an increment is noted post-flight simulation.…”

γ-Glutamylcysteine amelioratesd-gal-induced senescence in PC12 cells and miceviaactivating AMPK and SIRT1

“…Numerous studies have shown that cellular GSH levels decline with age and in some age-related diseases. [6][7][8] Due to the lack of membrane binding exoenzyme γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT) or the presence of an unfavorable concentration gradient between the intracellular and extracellular GSH levels, it is impossible to take up extracellular GSH. γ-GC, as an immediate precursor of GSH, can be readily taken up by many cell types to promote GSH synthesis.…”

In-vitro Estimation of Phytochemicals & Flavonoids in Citrus sinensis & Study their Antimicrobial & Antioxidant Activity

“…OH' and affect bio-molecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids [8,9]. It contributes to immune pathologies including cancer, inflammation, diabetes, hypertension, AIDS and aging, etc [10]. Antioxidants have the ability to reduce or inhibit the oxidation of biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, etc.…”