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Age increases leucine enkephalin hydrolysis in human plasma
L Bongiorno1, M Marzano, M Marini
1Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi 'Tor Vergata', Roma, Italia.
Gerontology
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Aging significantly alters how the body breaks down opioid peptides in plasma. Elderly individuals show increased enzyme activity, leading to a distinct neuropeptide hydrolysis pattern compared to younger adults.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Age-related immune system changes and neuropeptide modulation are known.
- Hypothesis: Aging alters plasma neuropeptide degradation, specifically opioid peptides.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate age-induced variations in human plasma neuropeptide hydrolysis.
- Utilize leucine enkephalin as a model substrate to assess enzyme activity.
Main Methods:
- Kinetic and chromatographic techniques were employed.
- Compared plasma enzyme activity in elderly individuals versus a control group.
- Analyzed leucine enkephalin hydrolysis and byproduct formation.
Main Results:
- Elderly individuals exhibited significantly greater enkephalin-degrading plasma enzyme activity.
- Hydrolysis patterns were modified in the elderly group.
- Reduced activity of low molecular weight plasma inhibitors was observed in older adults.
Conclusions:
- Aging significantly alters plasma neuropeptide hydrolysis patterns.
- Increased enzyme activity and altered inhibitor function characterize hydrolysis in the elderly.
- Distinct hydrolysis profiles differentiate elderly individuals from controls.