[Epigenetic mechanisms of aging: relations between Maillard reactions and radical generation]

Aging is under the influence of both genetic and epigenetic factors. We are particularly interested in these latter mechanisms which play an important role in the aging of most if not all pluricellular organisms. Genetic factors on the contrary appear to differ among the species investigated. We studied two major epigenetic mechanisms: the Maillard reaction or nonenzymatic glycosylation and generation of free radicals. Using a sensitive method of free radical detection based on the degradation of hyaluronan, we could show that Maillard products are able to produce the depolymerization of this glycosaminoglycan. This may be of special importance in tissues rich in hyaluronan as the vitrous of the eye. Its degradation with age, accelerated in diabetes may well depend on such reactions, intensifyed in diabetes and involved in its complications as diabetic retinopathy.