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Published on: July 14, 2016
Oxidative DNA damage in the aging mouse brain
F Cardozo-Pelaez1, S Song, A Parthasarathy
1Department of Neurology, University of South Florida, and James Haley Veterans Affairs Hospital, Tampa 33620, USA.
Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society
|December 10, 1999
Summary
Oxidative DNA damage increases with age in specific brain regions, particularly those controlling movement. This age-related damage correlates with declines in motor function and dopamine levels in mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Brain aging involves regional vulnerabilities and neuronal loss, such as dopaminergic neurons.
- Age-related neurochemical and functional changes occur in specific brain systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-dependent oxidative DNA damage in distinct brain regions.
- To correlate DNA damage with changes in enzyme activity and motor function.
Main Methods:
- Measured 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (oxo8dG) levels in mouse brain regions at 3, 18, and 34 months.
- Assessed Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and other enzyme activities.
- Evaluated locomotor activity, motor coordination, and striatal dopamine content.
Main Results:
- Oxo8dG levels significantly increased with age in the midbrain, caudate-putamen, and cerebellum.
- MnSOD activity decreased with age in the midbrain, caudate-putamen, and hippocampus.
- Age-dependent declines in motor function and dopamine content were observed.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative DNA damage accumulation is region-specific in the aging brain.
- Regions with higher DNA damage correlate with impaired motor activity and dopamine loss.
- Findings highlight the role of oxidative stress in age-related neurological decline.
