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Culturing Microglia from the Neonatal and Adult Central Nervous System
Published on: August 9, 2013
Nutrients, Microglia Aging, and Brain Aging
Zhou Wu1, Janchun Yu2, Aiqin Zhu3
1Department of Aging Science and Pharmacology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
Abstract:
As the life expectancy continues to increase, the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) becomes a big major issue in the world. After cellular activation upon systemic inflammation, microglia, the resident immune cells in the brain, start to release proinflammatory mediators to trigger neuroinflammation. We have found that chronic systemic inflammatory challenges induce differential age-dependent microglial responses, which are in line with the impairment of learning and memory, even in middle-aged animals. We thus raise the concept of "microglia aging." This concept is based on the fact that microglia are the key contributor to the acceleration of cognitive decline, which is the major sign of brain aging. On the other hand, inflammation induces oxidative stress and DNA damage, which leads to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species by the numerous types of cells, including macrophages and microglia. Oxidative stress-damaged cells successively produce larger amounts of inflammatory mediators to promote microglia aging. Nutrients are necessary for maintaining general health, including the health of brain. The intake of antioxidant nutrients reduces both systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation and thus reduces cognitive decline during aging. We herein review our microglia aging concept and discuss systemic inflammation and microglia aging. We propose that a nutritional approach to controlling microglia aging will open a new window for healthy brain aging.
Insights
Systemic inflammation accelerates cognitive decline by promoting microglia aging. Antioxidant nutrients may offer a nutritional strategy to support healthy brain aging and reduce Alzheimer's disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Increasing life expectancy worldwide highlights the growing problem of cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Systemic inflammation activates microglia, the brain's immune cells, leading to neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment.
- Microglia aging is proposed as a key factor in age-related cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept of "microglia aging" and its link to systemic inflammation and cognitive decline.
- To discuss the role of oxidative stress in promoting microglia aging.
- To explore the potential of nutritional interventions for healthy brain aging.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on microglia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cognitive function.
- Analysis of age-dependent microglial responses to chronic systemic inflammation.
- Discussion of the impact of nutrients on inflammation and brain health.
Main Results:
- Chronic systemic inflammation induces age-dependent microglial responses, correlating with learning and memory deficits.
- Inflammation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage contribute to the overproduction of inflammatory mediators, accelerating microglia aging.
- Antioxidant nutrients show potential in reducing both systemic and neuroinflammation.
Conclusions:
- Microglia aging is a significant contributor to cognitive decline and brain aging.
- Controlling microglia aging through nutritional approaches may offer a novel strategy for promoting healthy brain aging and mitigating Alzheimer's disease progression.
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