Tissue Protein Carbonylation in Aging: A Strategic Analysis of Age-Related Protein Modification

Abstract

Free radicals generated in a variety of biological systems have been implicated in mechanisms of aging and age-related pathologies. This study strategically revealed the varying levels of carbonylated proteins in 3 different tissues of 40 wistar rats of varying ages. Their ages include 25-30, 45-50 and 65-70 days. The brain, heart and kidney tissue homogenates were prepared and biochemically analyzed for products of protein oxidation using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones and autoantibodies against carbonylated proteins. This study revealed a direct proportional relationship between age and protein carbonylation in brain, heart and kidney tissue homogenates. The level of carbonylated proteins were significantly (P≤0.05) increased in the assayed tissues as all test groups advanced in age. Oxidative modification of proteins in brain and kidney tissues showed similar trend. This age-related biochemical manifestation may be as a result of increased generation of free radicals at mitochondrial level or decreased anti-oxidant defenses as living organisms advance in age.

Neurodynamic Influence of Hydrocortisone on Rhinencephalic and Telencephalic Brain Areas

“…Some ailments caused by increased hydrocortisone levels include a suppressed immune system, insomnia, severe mood swings, depression and severe hypotension [11]. Glucocorticoids, generally, inhibit inflammatory responses; specifically, hydrocortisone suppresses the synthesis and secretion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) like arachidonic acids [12], a key precursor for a number of mediators of inflammation [9,12]. However, heightened levels of glucocorticoid hormones can lead to suppression of the body's immune response due to stabilization of lysosomes, decrease in number of circulating Helper T cells and a decrease in production of key mediators in immune response.…”