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Early melatonin supplementation partially delays gastrointestinal aging
Tingyi Sun1, Shilong Hu2, Tianyi Xu1
1Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
Summary
Early antioxidant intervention, like melatonin, can slow gastrointestinal aging in mice by improving oxidative stress and connexin 43 levels. This suggests a window for effective early intervention to delay aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Oxidative stress is a key factor in organismal aging.
- The optimal timing for antioxidant interventions to slow aging is debated.
- Gastrointestinal aging involves complex cellular and molecular changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of oxidative stress and connexin 43 in gastrointestinal aging.
- To determine the effectiveness of early antioxidant intervention in mitigating aging-related changes.
- To identify potential biomarkers for gastrointestinal aging.
Main Methods:
- Assessed oxidative stress and connexin 43 expression in aging mouse gastrointestinal tracts.
- Administered the antioxidant melatonin to middle-aged mice.
- Evaluated the impact of melatonin on oxidative stress, connexin 43 levels, and gastrointestinal degeneration.
Main Results:
- Aging mice showed increased oxidative stress and decreased connexin 43 in the gastrointestinal mesothelium.
- Connexin 43 decline began around 16 months in mice (human equivalent: 50 years), preceding neuronal loss.
- Melatonin treatment in 16-month-old mice reduced oxidative stress, preserved connexin 43, and lessened gastrointestinal damage.
Conclusions:
- Connexin 43 expression may indicate gastrointestinal aging and the efficacy of early antioxidant treatments.
- Early-stage gastrointestinal aging involves reversible functional impairments.
- Timely antioxidant interventions can potentially delay the gastrointestinal aging process.
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