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Related Concept Videos

Aging01:26

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
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The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
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Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age

Age-related pharmacokinetic changes are extensively documented, but understanding age-related pharmacodynamic alterations is relatively limited. This knowledge gap can be partly attributed to the complexity of developing appropriate measures of drug responses compared to bioanalytical methods for determining drug concentrations.Most information regarding age-related differences in human pharmacodynamics originates from cross-sectional studies. However, these studies assume that observed mean...
Bone Disorders01:29

Bone Disorders

Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Use of Synaptic Zinc Histochemistry to Reveal Different Regions and Laminae in the Developing and Adult Brain
09:50

Use of Synaptic Zinc Histochemistry to Reveal Different Regions and Laminae in the Developing and Adult Brain

Published on: October 29, 2017

Brain aging: The zinc connection.

Carlo Bertoni-Freddari1, Patrizia Fattoretti, Tiziana Casoli

  • 1Neurobiology of Aging Laboratory, INRCA Research Department, Via Birarelli, 60121 Ancona, Italy. c.bertoni@inrca.it

Experimental Gerontology
|December 15, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Brain aging involves synaptic changes and mitochondrial dysfunction. Impaired zinc regulation can lead to neurotoxicity by affecting energy production and mitochondria.

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Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay
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Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Use of Synaptic Zinc Histochemistry to Reveal Different Regions and Laminae in the Developing and Adult Brain
09:50

Use of Synaptic Zinc Histochemistry to Reveal Different Regions and Laminae in the Developing and Adult Brain

Published on: October 29, 2017

Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay
07:55

Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay

Published on: June 2, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Biology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • The brain's unique structure differs from other organs, with functional units composed of diverse cell groups.
  • Brain function decline is linked to reduced neurons/connections, impairing environmental adaptation.
  • Synaptic alterations are central to brain aging processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of synaptic alterations in brain aging.
  • To explore the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on synaptic deterioration.
  • To examine the regulation of intracellular zinc and its effects on cellular energy.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of age-related changes in synapse number and size.
  • Assessment of mitochondrial metabolic competence using cytochemical methods.
  • Investigation of zinc ion homeostasis and its regulatory mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Age-related loss of synapses accompanied by enlarged contact zones, reducing overall synaptic area.
  • Decline in mitochondrial metabolic competence, evidenced by reduced cytochrome oxidase activity.
  • Impaired zinc regulation leads to increased intracellular zinc, inhibiting energy production and damaging mitochondria.

Conclusions:

  • Synaptic junctional area reduction and mitochondrial dysfunction are key features of brain aging.
  • Mitochondrial metabolic decline is an early event in synaptic deterioration.
  • Dysregulation of intracellular zinc concentration poses a significant risk for neurotoxicity in aging brains.