BUFFALO, NY- July 9, 2024 – A new #editorial paper was #published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) Volume 16, Issue 12, entitled, “Aging retinal pigmented epithelium: omics-based insights into vision decline.”

In this new editorial, researchers Ioan V. Matei and Luminita Paraoan from Edge Hill University discuss vision decline with aging. Of all senses affected by aging, vision decline arguably has the most impactful relationship with overall wellbeing, health and personal autonomy. However, while the ensuing importance of vision loss has long been recognised from a public health perspective given an increasingly aging population, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving age-related pathological changes is still in its infancy. 

“This matter is, therefore, critical for tackling sensory impairment and ensuring healthy aging.” 

The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), the cellular monolayer located between the neuroretina and the highly vascularized choroid, from which it is separated by Bruch’s membrane (BrM), has a critical role in human vision and performs essential functions throughout life for maintaining the retinal homeostasis. RPE is a specialised, fully differentiated tissue that is mitotically inactive, with no regenerative potential. Unsurprisingly, given all its characteristics, functions and metabolic demands, the RPE is particularly susceptible to aging, sustaining significant morphologic and physiologic changes. 

“Aging is recognised as the highest risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of adult visual impairment and blindness in the Northern Hemisphere, which is directly linked to specific pathological changes of the RPE located in the macula, i.e., the central part of retina; these changes, therefore, affect central vision required for reading, driving, and discerning details of pictures, faces, shapes and colors.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.205914

Corresponding author - Luminita Paraoan - Luminita.Paraoan@edgehill.ac.uk

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-zhhFjlQ4Y

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Keywords - aging, RPE, vision, omics

About Aging-US

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

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Aging (Aging-US)

Aging Retinal Pigmented Epithelium: Omics-based Insights Into Vision Decline

BUFFALO, NY- January 15, 2025 – A new priority #review was #published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) on January 12, 2025, entitled “Mikhail ‘Misha’ Blagosklonny’s enduring legacy in geroscience: the hyperfunction theory and the therapeutic potential of rapamycin.”

This review, written by Dr. David A. Barzilai, from Geneva College of Longevity Science and Healthspan Coaching LLC, summarizes the outstanding scientific contributions of the late Dr. Mikhail "Misha" Blagosklonny, Founding Editor-in-Chief of Aging. Dr. Blagosklonny’s research changed how researchers and scientists think about aging by introducing a new theory and promoting the use of rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, to slow aging and extend healthy life. Published shortly after his passing, this review honors Dr. Blagosklonny’s work and highlights how it challenged the traditional belief that aging is caused mainly by accumulated damage in the body.

Instead of describing aging as an accumulation of cellular damage, Dr. Blagosklonny’s Hyperfunction Theory redefined it as an ongoing biological process that goes into "overdrive" and leads to age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular problems, and memory loss.

He identified the mTOR pathway—an important growth signal in the body—as a key driver of this process. His research showed that by using rapamycin, which slows down mTOR activity, it is possible to reduce aging-related diseases and promote longer, healthier lives.

Research supports many of Dr. Blagosklonny’s predictions about rapamycin’s benefits. Studies show that it can improve immune responses in older adults, making vaccines more effective. Other studies suggest rapamycin may help protect the heart, reduce harmful brain inflammation, and prevent the buildup of proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Blagosklonny also proposed that rapamycin could reduce cancer risk by preventing excessive growth signals that contribute to tumor development.

Believing in rapamycin’s potential as a “longevity drug," Dr. Blagosklonny advocated for its careful use with medical supervision and precise dosing. He called for further research and even envisioned “longevity clinics” where personalized anti-aging treatments could be provided. The review also highlights ongoing scientific efforts to refine rapamycin therapies and explore new options with fewer side effects.

In conclusion, Dr. Blagosklonny has inspired a global shift toward viewing aging as a condition that can be managed rather than an inevitable decline. His research has left a legacy in the fields of geroscience, aging, and cancer prevention.

“This contribution will undoubtedly be remembered in the coming decades and beyond as an innovative contribution to our theoretical grasp of the aging process and a foundation for exploring effective therapeutic approaches.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206189

Corresponding author - David A. Barzilai - david.longevity@gmail.com

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The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

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Dr. Mikhail Blagosklonny’s Legacy: Hyperfunction Theory & Rapamycin

BUFFALO, NY- January 16, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) Volume 16, Issue 22 on December 2, 2024, entitled “Less frequent skin ulcers among patients with Werner syndrome treated with pioglitazone: findings from the Japanese Werner Syndrome Registry.”

Scientists from Chiba University in Japan and other institutions have discovered that the drug pioglitazone, commonly used to treat diabetes, may help prevent painful skin ulcers in people with Werner syndrome. Werner syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes people to age faster than normal, leading to early gray hair, cataracts, and other age-related health problems. One of the most serious complications is skin ulcers, which affect nearly 70% of people with the disorder and can lead to severe pain, infections, and even amputations.

The study, led by first author Kazuto Aono and corresponding author Masaya Koshizaka, looked at 51 patients with Werner syndrome from the Japanese Werner Syndrome Registry. Over half of the patients had skin ulcers, and those with ulcers were generally older and had higher blood pressure. The research team found that patients who took pioglitazone were much less likely to have ulcers, even after accounting for age.

The research suggests that pioglitazone's ability to reduce inflammation helps wounds heal faster and prevents ulcers from forming. However, since the drug can cause side effects, like weaker bones, scientists recommend further studies to explore safer options, such as creams or gels made from pioglitazone that can be applied directly to the skin.

“Nanostructured hybrid materials loaded with pioglitazone are also being developed for clinical use and may be useful as wound dressings for ulcer treatment.” 

Although the study shows promising results, the authors emphasize that more long-term studies are needed to confirm how effective the treatment is besides the exploration of other factors, like diet and exercise, that may also help reduce the ulcers.

In conclusion, this study presents pioglitazone as a potential option to prevent skin ulcers in Werner syndrome patients. While further studies are needed, these findings provide hope for better treatments.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206161

Corresponding author - Masaya Koshizaka - overslope@chiba-u.jp

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Keywords - aging, Werner syndrome, skin ulcer, metformin, pioglitazon, progeroid syndrome

About Aging-US

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

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Fewer Skin Ulcers in Werner Syndrome Patients Treated with Pioglitazone

Scientists have discovered that a genetic variant called KIT M541L may play an important role in a rare immune disorder known as #mastocytosis. The findings may help explain why some #patients develop more severe forms of the disease.

Understanding Mastocytosis

Mastocytosis is a condition where the body produces too many mast cells. These cells are part of the immune system and help the body fight infections, but in excess, they release chemicals that can cause itching, swelling, and even serious organ damage.

There are two main types of mastocytosis. The first is cutaneous mastocytosis, which mostly affects the skin. The second is systemic mastocytosis, a more serious form where mast cells build up in internal organs like the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

The disease is linked to mutations in the KIT gene, which regulates mast cell growth. The most studied mutation is KIT D816V, but recent research has highlighted another variant, KIT M541L.

The Study: Impact of KIT M541L Variant

A team of researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), led by first author Luisa N. Dominguez Aldama and corresponding author Melody C. Carter, aimed to better understand the prevalence and impact of the KIT M541L genetic variant in mastocytosis patients. The study published in Oncotarget on July 22, 2024, titled “Prevalence and impact of the KIT M541L variant in patients with mastocytosis,” examined the presence of the KIT M541L gene variant in 100 patients with mastocytosis, both adults and children, alongside 500 healthy individuals. 

By comparing these two groups, the researchers wanted to see if there was a relation between the KIT M541L variant and mastocytosis severity.

Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/01/15/mastocytosis-key-insights-into-kit-m541l-gene-mutation/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28614

Correspondence to - Melody C. Carter - mcarter@niaid.nih.gov

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Keywords - cancer, mastocytosis, KIT M541L, KIT D816V, adults, pediatrics

About Oncotarget 

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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Oncotarget

Mastocytosis: Key Insights into KIT M541L Gene Mutation

Cancer and aging are two sides of age-related tumorigenesis.

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

Read about the Aging (Aging-US) Scientific Integrity Process: https://aging-us.com/scientific-integrity

Aging Retinal Pigmented Epithelium: Omics-based Insights Into Vision Decline

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