Nicotinamide exerts antioxidative effects on senescent cells
Ju Yeon Kwak1, Hyun Joo Ham1, Cheol Min Kim2
1Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 130-743, Korea.
Molecules and Cells
|January 21, 2015
Summary
Nicotinamide (NAM) reduces damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and slows cellular aging. This study shows NAM
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation is linked to cellular senescence.
- Nicotinamide (NAM) previously showed potential to extend cell lifespan by suppressing ROS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if NAM reduces ROS levels and senescence phenotypes in cells.
- To determine if NAM's effects differ from other ROS scavengers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MCF-7 cells and human fibroblasts.
- Treated cells with Nicotinamide (NAM) and N-acetyl cysteine.
- Assessed ROS levels and senescence phenotypes.
Main Results:
- NAM significantly decreased ROS levels in both cell models.
- NAM attenuated senescence phenotypes, but not irreversible growth arrest.
- N-acetyl cysteine showed less effective ROS scavenging compared to NAM.
Conclusions:
- NAM exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-senescent properties.
- NAM may mitigate oxidative damage and cellular deterioration in postmitotic cells.
- NAM's mechanism may be distinct from general ROS scavenging.
Related Concept Videos
Replicative Cell Senescence
4.7K
Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds...
4.7K
Replicative Cell Senescence
3.5K
3.5K
Mitochondria
21.7K
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
21.7K
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
19.8K
The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
19.8K
Aging
1.1K
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...
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...
1.1K
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
4.2K
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...
4.2K


