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Changes in hepatic polyamine catabolism in elderly rats
M E Ferioli1, A Sessa, E Rabellotti
1Centro di Studio sulla Patologia Cellulare, C.N.R., Milan, Italy.
Liver
|November 27, 1998
Summary
In aging rats, increased polyamine catabolism converts higher polyamines to putrescine. This age-related change may impair growth-related gene expression during senescence.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Aging Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, spermine) are crucial for macromolecular synthesis, gene expression, and proteolysis.
- Alterations in polyamine metabolism are implicated in cellular senescence.
- Existing research primarily focuses on polyamine biosynthesis, leaving catabolism less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oxidative catabolism of polyamines in the liver of aging rats.
- To understand the age-related changes in polyamine metabolic pathways.
Main Methods:
- Measured polyamine oxidase (PAO) activity using N1-acetylspermine.
- Assessed spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) and diamine oxidase (DAO) activities using radiochemical methods.
- Quantified polyamines via HPLC with post-column derivatization.
Main Results:
- SSAT activity increased in 36-month-old rats; PAO activity rose in 24- and 36-month-old rats.
- Elderly rats showed decreased spermine and increased spermidine and putrescine, indicating enhanced interconversion of higher to lower polyamines.
- DAO activity, which degrades putrescine, was elevated from 12 months of age.
Conclusions:
- Aged rat livers exhibit increased catabolic enzyme activity, leading to the reconversion of higher polyamines to putrescine.
- This enhanced polyamine catabolism is a significant age-related alteration.
- The observed changes may contribute to the impaired expression of growth-related genes in senescence.