Modulation of longevity-associated genes by estrogens or phytoestrogens
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Jose Viña
Abstract
Females live longer than males. We have shown that the higher levels of estrogens in females protect them against aging, by up-regulating the expression of antioxidant, longevity-related genes, such as that of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD). Both estradiol and genistein (the most abundant phytoestrogen in soybeans) share chemical properties which confer antioxidant features to these compounds. However, the low concentration of estrogens and phytoestrogens make it unlikely that they exhibit significant antioxidant capacity in the organism. Physiological concentrations of estrogens and nutritionally relevant concentrations of genistein activate the MAP kinase pathway. These, in turn, activate the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Activation of NF-κB by estrogens subsequently activates the expression of Mn-SOD and GPx, but genistein is only capable of activating Mn-SOD expression. This could be due to the fact that genistein binds preferably to estrogen receptor β. The antioxidant protection is reflected in the lower peroxide levels found in cells treated with estrogens or phytoestrogens when compared with controls. The challenge for the future is to find molecules that have the beneficial effects of estradiol, but without its feminizing effects. Phytoestrogens or phytoestrogen-related molecules may be good candidates to meet this challenge.
©2008 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York
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Articles in the same Issue
- Highlight: Oxidative Stress and Senescence
- Regulation of proteasome-mediated protein degradation during oxidative stress and aging
- Cellular responses to reactive oxygen species-induced DNA damage and aging
- Sirt1 protects the heart from aging and stress
- Klotho as a regulator of oxidative stress and senescence
- Posttranscriptional gene regulation by RNA-binding proteins during oxidative stress: implications for cellular senescence
- Potential biomarkers of ageing
- Increased molecular damage and heterogeneity as the basis of aging
- Modulation of longevity-associated genes by estrogens or phytoestrogens
- FoxO transcription factors in oxidative stress response and ageing – a new fork on the way to longevity?
- Studies on the expression of 6S RNA from E. coli: involvement of regulators important for stress and growth adaptation
- New biological activity against phospholipase A2 by Turmerin, a protein from Curcuma longa L.
- Regulation of the expression of components of the exocytotic machinery of insulin-secreting cells by microRNAs
- Kinetic properties of cathepsin D and BACE 1 indicate the need to search for additional β-secretase candidate(s)
