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Aging and Oxidative Stress Decrease Pineal Elongation Factor 2: In Vivo Protective Effect of Melatonin in Young Rats
Mario F Muñoz1, Sandro Argüelles2, Mercedes Cano3
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.
Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|June 14, 2016
Summary
Aging affects pineal gland Elongation Factor 2 (eEF2) and protein synthesis. Exogenous melatonin protects against oxidative stress-induced changes in eEF2, suggesting a role in mitigating age-related pineal dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The pineal gland's function declines with age.
- Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are implicated in age-related cellular damage.
- Elongation Factor 2 (eEF2) is crucial for protein synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in pineal gland eEF2 in rats.
- To examine the protective effect of melatonin against cumene hydroperoxide (CH)-induced oxidative stress on eEF2.
- To explore proteomic alterations in the aging pineal gland.
Main Methods:
- Used male Wistar rats of 3, 12, and 24 months of age.
- Administered CH and/or melatonin to young rats.
- Performed proteomic analysis to identify affected proteins.
Main Results:
- Aging and CH significantly altered pineal eEF2 levels.
- Exogenous melatonin administration prevented CH-induced eEF2 changes.
- Proteomic studies revealed widespread protein alterations due to aging and oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Lipid peroxidation's impact on eEF2 may contribute to age-related pineal gland dysfunction.
- Melatonin exhibits a protective role against oxidative stress in the pineal gland.
- eEF2 is a potential target for interventions aimed at preserving pineal function during aging.
