• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2023

Since its first identification in 1995, klotho (KL) has become the most promising gene to consider for suppressing aging and aging-related diseases. KL knockout mice exhibited similar phenotypes found in human with premature aging such as short lifespan, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis and hearing loss. Genetically modified mice overexpressing KL prolonged lifespan more than 20%. Also, clinical reports have indicated decreased concentration of the circulating KL protein in blood, which is called soluble klotho (sKL), is closely related to development of senile diseases. The best way to discover significance of sKL on the development of the diseases might be comparison of sKL concentration between controls and patients. Here we analyzed published clinical reports identified sKL concentration in the cohorts. The sKL concentrations were displayed using heatmap for better comparison. In most of the senile diseases, disease progression was inversely related with sKL concentration. Hypertension was the only disease had no relationship, while schizophrenia was the only disease had direct proportion to the disease progression. Overall, sKL concentration in blood could be a marker to determine current severity of the senile diseases and even to estimate disease progression for the patients at the onset of their senile diseases.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.49-55
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• 2023

Aging is characterized by a gradual decline in biological functions, leading to the increased probability of diseases and deaths in organisms. Previous studies have identified biological factors that modulate aging and lifespan, including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Here, we review the relationship between aging and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), ncRNAs that are generated from the cleavage of tRNAs. We describe age-dependent changes in tsRNA levels and their functions in age-related diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We also discuss the association of tsRNAs with aging-regulating processes, including mitochondrial respiration and reduced mRNA translation. We cover recent findings regarding the potential roles of tsRNAs in cellular senescence, a major cause of organismal aging. Overall, our review will provide useful information for understanding the roles of tsRNAs in aging and age-associated diseases.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.83 no.2
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• pp.107-115
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• 2020

Aging is often viewed as a progressive decline in fitness due to cumulative deleterious alterations of biological functions in the living system. Recently, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying aging biology has significantly advanced. Interestingly, many of the pivotal molecular features of aging biology are also found to contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, for which advanced age is the most crucial risk factor. Thus, an enhanced understanding of how molecular features of aging biology are intertwined with the pathobiology of these aging-related lung disorders has paramount significance and may provide an opportunity for the development of novel therapeutics for these major unmet medical needs. To serve the purpose of integrating molecular understanding of aging biology with pulmonary medicine, in this review, recent findings obtained from the studies of aging-associated lung disorders are summarized and interpreted through the perspective of molecular biology of aging.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.10
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• pp.537-544
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• 2023

The share of the population that is aging is growing rapidly. In an aging society, technologies and interventions that delay the aging process are of great interest. Dietary restriction (DR) is the most reproducible and effective nutritional intervention tested to date for delaying the aging process and prolonging the health span in animal models. Preventive effects of DR on age-related diseases have also been reported in human. In addition, highly conserved signaling pathways from small animal models to human mediate the effects of DR. Recent evidence has shown that the immune system is closely related to the effects of DR, and functions as a major mechanism of DR in healthy aging. This review discusses the effects of DR in delaying aging and preventing age-related diseases in animal, including human, and introduces the molecular mechanisms that mediate these effects. In addition, it reports scientific findings on the relationship between the immune system and DR-induced longevity. The review highlights the role of immunity as a potential mediator of the effects of DR on longevity, and provides insights into healthy aging in human.

• CELLMED
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.2.1-2.11
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• 2012

Tea polyphenols especially catechins have long been studied for their antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. Scientists throughout the world have investigated the usefulness of the regular green tea consumption in several disease conditions. In-vitro and in-vivo experiments on catechins especially epigallocatechingallate have revealed a significant role in many ways. Reactive oxygen species have been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases and important biological processes. Toxic effects of these oxidants, commonly referred to as oxidative stress, can cause cellular damage by oxidizing nucleic acids, proteins, and membrane lipids. Oxidative stress has been related to aging and age related disorders. It is found that in a wide variety of pathological processes, including cancer, atherosclerosis, neurological degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, ageing and autoimmune disorders, oxidative stress has its implications. Catechins have been reported to be useful in combating aging and age related disorders like cancer, cardiovascular disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. In this mini review we will discuss such studies done across the globe.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.736-745
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• 2023

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by a gradual decline in cellular and physiological functions. This natural process is associated with age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and hypogonadism, which are significant health concerns among older individuals and can significantly impact their quality of life. Researchers have found that epigenetic markers play a crucial role in regulating aging and age-related diseases. Epigenetic markers are heritable gene expression alterations that do not change in the DNA sequence. This review focuses on the involvement of various epigenetic marks, such as RNA methylation, DNA methylation, and microRNAs (miRNAs), in regulating gene expression patterns associated with age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and hypogonadism. These epigenetic alterations can lead to the dysregulation of specific genes and signaling pathways, contributing to the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and hypogonadism. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind these epigenetic modifications is essential for both the aging population and individuals seeking ways to promote overall well-being. By gaining deeper insights into how epigenetic marker alteration occurs during aging and age-related diseases, researchers can potentially develop targeted therapeutic strategies to alleviate the impact of these conditions and improve the quality of life for older individuals.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.3.1-3.17
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• 2019

Aging is a complex process associated with dysregulation of the immune system and low levels of inflammation, often associated with the onset of many pathologies. The lacrimal gland (LG) plays a vital role in the maintenance of ocular physiology and changes related to aging directly affect eye diseases. The dysregulation of the immune system in aging leads to quantitative and qualitative changes in antibodies and cytokines. While there is a gradual decline of the immune system, there is an increase in autoimmunity, with a reciprocal pathway between low levels of inflammation and aging mechanisms. Elderly C57BL/6J mice spontaneously show LGs infiltration that is characterized by Th1 but not Th17 cells. The aging of the LG is related to functional alterations, reduced innervation and decreased secretory activities. Lymphocytic infiltration, destruction, and atrophy of glandular parenchyma, ductal dilatation, and secretion of inflammatory mediators modify the volume and composition of tears. Oxidative stress, the capacity to metabolize and eliminate toxic substances decreased in aging, is also associated with the reduction of LG functionality and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Although further studies are required for a better understanding of autoimmunity and aging of the LG, we described anatomic and immunology aspects that have been described so far.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.490-500
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• 2022

Aging is defined as physiological dysfunction of the body and a key risk factor for human diseases. During the aging process, cellular senescence occurs in response to various extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as radiation-induced DNA damage, the activation of oncogenes, and oxidative stress. These senescent cells accumulate in many tissues and exhibit diverse phenotypes, such as resistance to apoptosis, production of senescence-associated secretory phenotype, cellular flattening, and cellular hypertrophy. They also induce abnormal dysfunction of the microenvironment and damage neighboring cells, eventually causing harmful effects in the development of various chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, pharmacological interventions targeting senescent cells, called senotherapeutics, have been extensively studied. These senotherapeutics provide a novel strategy for extending the health span and improving age-related diseases. In this review, we discuss the current progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of senotherapeutics and provide insights for developing senotherapeutics.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.177-185
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• 2021

Background: Muscle undergoes change continuously with aging. Sarcopenia, in which muscle mass decrease with aging, is associated with various diseases, the risk of falling, and the deterioration of quality of life. Obesity and sarcopenia also have a synergy effect on the disease of the older adults. Objects: This study examined the risk factors for sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and sarcopenia without obesity and developed prediction models. Methods: This machine-learning study used the 2008-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in the analysis. After data curation, 5,563 older participants were selected, of whom 1,169 had sarcopenia, 538 had sarcopenic obesity, and 631 had sarcopenia without obesity; the remaining 4,394 were normal. Decision tree and random forest models were used to identify risk factors. Results: The risk factors for sarcopenia chosen by both methods were body mass index (BMI) and duration of moderate physical activity; those for sarcopenic obesity were sex, BMI, and duration of moderate physical activity; and those for sarcopenia without obesity were BMI and sex. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of all prediction models exceeded 0.75. BMI could predict sarcopenia-related disease. Conclusion: Risk factors for sarcopenia-related diseases should be identified and programs for sarcopenia-related disease prevention should be developed. Data-mining research using population data should be conducted to enhance the effectiveness of early treatment for people with sarcopenia-related diseases through predictive models.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.176-183
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• 1999

Each life has its own properties that distinguish one another. With this property, Oriental medicine suggests original diagnosis and treament. Our process of aging shows typical outline of cycle, i. e. from one's birth to death. Understanding the life cycle of men gives us very good hint to predict one's state of health, possible diseases, characteristics of disease in each term of his/her life cycle. It's because body and mode of diseases change according to age. Aging starts when $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精)-the essence one receive from parents-dries up or when Deficient Fire(虛火) soars. Parts that compose our body-bones, muscles, flesh, etc.-gradually weaken and worn out as they no longer get support from Yang-Ki(陽氣), In "Yellow Emperor's Classic", aging starts around one's forties when $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精) is reduced to less than half. However, what is usually accepted is that women start aging from 49 and men 64, regarding significant geriatric disease. As it is mentioned, aging starts with exhaustion of $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精) which results in soaring Deficient Fire. Main symptoms are weak mental state due to Sin(神) disorder, and weak physical state due to Spleen and Stomacn(脾胃) disorder. Main principle in treating and preventing diseases related to aging is preserving $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精), as well as fortifying Ki and Blood(氣血). To do this, Lung(肺)-which collects $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精), and Kidney(腎) stores-which stores $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精).