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PubMed2004

Regulation of CYP2E1 by ethanol and palmitic acid and CYP4A11 by clofibrate in primary cultures of human hepatocytes.

CYP2E1 and CYP4A11 are cytochrome P450 enzymes that are regulated by physiological conditions including diabetes and fasting. In addition, the xenochemical clofibrate has been reported to induce both rodent CYP2E1 and CYP4A. These findings suggest similar modes of regulation. Also in common to both enzymes is the ability to metabolize fatty acids such as laurate and arachidonic acid. Here, we used primary cultures of human hepatocytes to determine if certain xenochemicals could regulate CYP2E1 and CYP4A11. Ethanol significantly (p < 0.05) increased expression of CYP2E1 mRNA by 216 +/- 32% of control, but did not alter CYP4A11 mRNA accumulation (145 +/- 22% of control). In contrast, hepatocytes exposed to ethanol exhibited only a slight elevation in CYP2E1 protein (122 +/- 13% of control) and a negligible effect on CYP4A11 protein. Clofibrate significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced both CYP4A11 mRNA and protein by 239 +/- 30% and 154 +/- 10% of control, respectively, but did not increase CYP2E1. Because rodent CYP4A is reportedly regulated by fatty acids through peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) and CYP2E1 is induced by high fat diets, we examined the effects of a medium chain fatty acid, palmitate on CYP2E1 mRNA content. Palmitic acid significantly (p < 0.05) increased CYP2E1 mRNA to 326 +/- 57% of control. Collectively, results presented here identify agents that enhance CYP2E1 and CYP4A11 at the transcription level and suggest that fatty acids may represent a similar mode of regulation for these P450 enzymes. The lack of induction of CYP2E1 protein by ethanol in human hepatocytes indicates that for certain P450 enzymes, isolated hepatocytes may not be an adequate tool for predicting in vivo responses.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Controlled and behaviorally relevant levels of oral ethanol intake in rhesus macaques using a flavorant-fade procedure.

BACKGROUND: Flavorant-fading procedures can initiate and maintain oral ethanol intake in rodents. The present study developed a similar procedure to achieve controlled and behaviorally relevant levels of ethanol intake in monkeys. METHODS: Male rhesus macaques (N = 13) were initially given the opportunity to consume 0.5 g/kg of a 1% (w/v) ethanol plus 4% (w/v) Tang solution in 1-hr limited-access sessions without the requirement of an operant response. Once consumption was stable at a particular concentration (%) and/or amount (g/kg), animals were given access to higher concentrations and/or amounts of ethanol. Animals were tested on a bimanual motor skill (BMS) task 20 and 90 min after consumption to assess behavioral impairment. Blood alcohol levels (BALs) were assessed after a session in which animals had the opportunity to consume up to 3.0 g/kg of 6% (w/v) ethanol. RESULTS: The gradual fading up of higher concentrations and amounts of ethanol resulted in controlled and robust levels (>2.0 g/kg) of ethanol intake in half of the subjects. Increasing the concentration of the sweetener from 4 to 6% (w/v) was effective in initiating consumption in three animals. Two monkeys required the additional step of presenting the increased-sweetener solutions after a meal (postprandial consumption) to initiate significant ethanol intake. Animals were significantly impaired on the BMS task after consumption of 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 g/kg of ethanol. Individual consumption ranging from 0.8 to 3.0 g/kg of ethanol produced BALs of 18 to 269 mg/dl. CONCLUSIONS: The flavorant-fading procedure was effective in producing behaviorally relevant levels of ethanol consumption in rhesus macaques. This model facilitated a randomized-dose procedure to determine the behavioral effects of 0.5 to 3.0 g/kg of ethanol. This procedure therefore is of significant utility in determining behavioral or physiologic effects of specific doses of consumed ethanol in monkeys.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2001

Mechanism for the reduction of telomerase expression during muscle cell differentiation.

Telomerase, the reverse transcriptase that maintains telomere DNA, is usually undetectable in adult human tissues, but is positive in embryonic tissues and in cancers. However, in rodents, several organs of normal adult animals express substantial amounts of telomerase activity. To elucidate relevant control mechanisms operating on the tissue-specific expression of telomerase in rodents, we examined the transcriptional regulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (mTERT) gene in muscle cell differentiation. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the reduction of telomerase activity was caused by the decrease of mTERT mRNA level during myogenesis. Transfections of mTERT promoter showed that the proximal 225-base pair region is the core promoter responsible for basal transcriptional activity and also participates in the reduced transcription after muscle differentiation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that this region contained the GC-boxes, which bind to Sp1 family proteins, and the E-box, which binds to c-Myc. Furthermore, DNA binding activities of Sp1, Sp3, and c-Myc were down-regulated during myogenesis. These data suggest that Sp1, Sp3, and c-Myc have critical roles of TERT transactivation in mouse, and the lack of these transcription factors cause down-regulation of mTERT gene expression in muscle cells differentiation.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1992

Bovine polyomavirus, a cell-transforming virus with tumorigenic potential.

The early region of bovine polyomavirus (BPyV) was tested for its cell transformation potential employing an assay of dense focus formation. Dense foci of morphologically transformed cells were observed upon transfection of primary rodent cells with a plasmid construct encoding the complete early region of BPyV under the transcriptional control of the long terminal repeat of Rous sarcoma virus. No transformation of primary rodent cells was observed upon transfection of these cells with a plasmid encoding the complete early region of BPyV under the control of its own transcriptional regulatory sequences. In BPyV-transformed cells, the viral sequences had become integrated into the cellular genome, and expression of large T antigen could be detected in a high percentage of cells. The transformed cells were demonstrated to be capable of anchorage-independent growth and to be oncogenic in immunocompromised newborn rats. Therefore BPyV should be considered as a potentially tumorigenic polyomavirus. Since many commercial batches of calf serum have been shown to be contaminated with BPyV, our observations may have implications for the use of calf serum in cell culture.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

Effects of dichloroacetate (DCA) on serum insulin levels and insulin-controlled signaling proteins in livers of male B6C3F1 mice.

DCA is hepatocarcinogenic in rodents. At carcinogenic doses, DCA causes a large accumulation of liver glycogen. Thus, we studied the effects of DCA treatment on insulin levels and expression of insulin-controlled signaling proteins in the liver. DCA treatment (0.2-2.0 g/l in drinking water for 2 weeks) reduced serum insulin levels. The decrease persisted for at least 8 weeks. In livers of mice treated with DCA for 2-, 10-, and 52-week periods, insulin receptor (IR) protein levels were significantly depressed. Additionally, protein kinase B (PKBalpha) expression decreased significantly with DCA treatment. In normal liver, glycogen levels were increased as early as at 1 week, and this effect preceded changes in insulin and IR and PKBalpha. In contrast to normal liver, IR protein was elevated in DCA-induced liver tumors relative to that in liver tissue of untreated animals and to an even greater extent when compared to adjacent normal liver in the treated animal. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) phosphorylation was also increased in tumor tissue relative to normal liver tissue and tissue from untreated controls. These data suggest that normal hepatocytes down-regulate insulin-signaling proteins in response to the accumulation of liver glycogen caused by DCA. Furthermore, these results suggest that the initiated cell population, which does not accumulate glycogen and is promoted by DCA treatment, responds differently from normal hepatocytes to the insulin-like effects of this chemical. The differential sensitivity of the 2 cell populations may contribute to the tumorigenic effects of DCA in the liver.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Effects of reduced energy intake on the biology of aging: the primate model.

Dietary energy restriction is the only proven method for extending lifespan and slowing aging in mammals, while maintaining health and vitality. Although the first experiments in this area were conducted over 60 y ago in rodents, possible applicability to primates has only been examined in controlled studies since 1987. Our project at the National Institute on Aging began with 3-0 male rhesus and 30 male squirrel monkeys of various ages over their respective life spans. Subsequently, it has been expanded to include female rhesus monkeys, and several other laboratories have initiated related studies. Experimental animals are generally fed 30% less than controls, and diets are supplemented with micronutrients to achieve undernutrition without malnutrition. These calorically restricted (CR) monkeys are lighter, with less fat and lean mass than controls. Bone mass is also slightly reduced, but in approximate proportion to the smaller body size. CR animals mature more slowly and achieve shorter stature than controls as well. Metabolically, CR monkeys have slightly lower body temperature and initial energy expenditure following onset of restriction, and better glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. The latter suggest a reduced predisposition towards diabetes as the animals age. Other potential anti-disease effects include biomarkers suggestive of lessened risk of cardiovascular disease and possibly cancer. Candidate biomarkers of aging, including the age-related decrease in plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), suggest that the CR animals may be aging more slowly than controls in some respects, although sufficient survival data will require more time to accumulate. In summary, nearly all CR effects detected in rodents, which have thus far been examined in primates, exhibit similar phenomenology. Potential applicability of these beneficial effects to humans is discussed.

Aging↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cortical specification of mice and men.

The developmental basis for the localization of function in the mammalian cortex remains a controversial issue. The newly formed rodent cortex displays a considerable uniformity in terms of its connectivity. This contrasts with the primate, where even the first formed connections can show a high degree of areal specificity. An important clue to understanding these species differences can be obtained by examining how and when the sensory periphery exerts its organizing influence on the developing cortex. In rodents the developmental timetable ensures that the organizational control of the periphery persists late in development, when neurons are forming their first connections. By contrast, in primates the late onset and prolonged duration of corticogenesis result in the periphery being able to exert its influence much earlier, during the phase of precursor proliferation. Differences and similarities between primate and rodent corticogenesis are highly informative. In rodents, recent results with molecular markers show that regional differences in developmental potential exist in the cerebral cortex before innervation from the periphery. Similar findings are predicted in primates. It is to be expected that a more complete understanding of the rules governing the emergence of distinct cortical areas will come from resolving how afferent specification acts within the confines of such regional specializations.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Transmissible encephalopathies in animals.

Scrapie in sheep and goats is the best known of the transmissible encephalopathies of animals. The combination of maternal transmission of infection and long incubation periods effectively maintains the infection in flocks. A single sheep gene (Sip) controls both experimental and natural scrapie and the discovery of allelic markers could enable the use of sire selection in the control of the natural disease. Studies of experimental rodent scrapie show that neuroinvasion occurs by spread of infection from visceral lymphoreticular tissues along nerve fibers to mid-thoracic cord. The slowness of scrapie is due to restrictions on replication and cell-to-cell spread of infection affecting neuroinvasion and subsequent neuropathogenesis. Probably both stages in mice are controlled by Sinc gene, the murine equivalent of Sip. The glycoprotein PrP may be the normal product of Sinc gene. Posttranslationally modified PrP forms the disease specific "scrapie associated fibrils" and may also be a constituent of the infectious agent. Scrapie-like diseases have been reported in mink and several species of ruminants including cattle. All of them may be caused by the recycling of scrapie infected sheep material in animal feed. The human health implications are discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Lifespan extension by caloric restriction: an aspect of energy metabolism.

Caloric restriction (CR) may retard aging processes and extend lifespan in organisms by altering energy-metabolic pathways. In CR rodents, glucose influx into tissues is not reduced, as compared with control animals fed ad libitum (AL), although plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin are lower. Gene expression profiles in rodents have suggested that CR promotes gluconeogenesis and fatty acid biosynthesis in skeletal muscle. In the liver, CR promotes gluconeogenesis but decreases fatty acid synthesis and glycolysis. In lower organisms such as yeasts and nematodes, incomplete blocks in steps of insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signal pathway extend lifespan. The life-prolonging effect of CR in yeasts requires NPT1 and SIR2 genes, both of which relate to sensing energy status and silencing genes. These findings stress the substantial role of energy metabolism on CR. Future studies on metabolic adaptation and gene silencing with regard to lower caloric intake will be warranted to understand the mechanisms of the anti-aging and life-prolonging effects of CR.

Aging↗

PubMed2001

Inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption by cathepsin K antisense oligonucleotides.

We confirmed the expression of cathepsin K, the most abundant and specific cysteine protease found in osteoclasts, at the mRNA level in most of our cases of breast cancer, and even at the protein level in bone metastatic lesions. Therefore, we investigated the functions of cathepsin K in osteoclasts with special attention to bone metastasis from breast cancer. Mouse osteoclast-like cells (OCLs) were established by coculture of mouse bone marrow cells and osteoblastic cells. Rodent cathepsin K antisense (AS) or random control (CL) oligonucleotides were added on day 0, 3, or 6 of culture. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining confirmed the formation of OCLs after 9 d of incubation. AS treatment significantly reduced both the number of TRAP-positive cells and the percentage of multinuclear cells. For the pit-forming assay, after 9 d of incubation, mature OCLs were collected and incubated on ivory slices with AS or CL for 48 h. The antisense oligonucleotides also inhibited the bone-resorbing activity of OCLs. CL treatment did not affect either the number of TRAP-positive cells or pit formation. Cathepsin K may play important roles in bone resorption as well as in differentiation of osteoclasts. These findings indicate that the inhibition of this enzyme may prevent the development of bone metastasis from breast cancer.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Food intake and rumen motility in dwarf goats. Effects of some serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists.

The serotonergic regulation of feeding behaviour has not so far been studied in ruminants. Therefore, the effects of some serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonists and antagonists on food intake and forestomach motility were studied in dwarf goats. Goats ate less food when treated intravenously (IV) with the 5-HT precursor 5-HTP (25 micrograms, 50 micrograms or 100 micrograms kg-1 min-1 over 15 min) than when they were treated with 5-HT (which does not pass the blood-brain barrier) or with saline. Accordingly, IV dexfenfluramine infusions (50 micrograms or 100 micrograms kg-1 min-1 over 15 min), which induces release of brain 5-HT, also led to dose-related reductions in food intake. In contrast, no anorectic effects were observed after IV infusions with the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (100 micrograms kg-1 min-1 over 15 min), the selective 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.5 micrograms kg-1 min-1 over 15 min), or eltoprazine (4 or 8 micrograms kg-1 min-1 over 15 min), a mixed 5-HT1A/5HT1B receptor agonist. None of the 5-HT antagonists tested gave any increase in food consumption in this model. Interestingly, the non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonist methysergide (360 micrograms/kg IV) reduced food intake. This effect was most noticeable at 3 h after injection. The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (IV 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1 over 15 min) and the peripheral 5-HT2 receptor antagonist xylamidine (IV 100 micrograms kg-1 min-1 over 10 min) failed to modify food intake. These results provide evidence for central serotonergic involvement in the control of feeding. However, this control system differs markedly in goats and rodents. Dexfenfluramine, 5-HTP and eltoprazine administered at similar dose rates to those used in the food intake experiments induced some clinical signs including inhibition of forestomach contractions. These results, together with our earlier in vivo and in vitro observations, suggest that the inhibitory effects of serotonin receptor agonists on forestomach contractions are due to interactions with both peripheral and central serotonergic receptors. The change in smooth muscle tension, which leads to a change in the signals transmitted via vagal afferents to the central nervous system, appears not to modify feeding behaviour in dwarf goats.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Localisation of mRNA for h5-HT1B and h5-HT1D receptors in human dorsal raphe.

In the mammalian mesencephalon, virtually all serotoninergic neurons are located in the raphe nuclei and the adjacent reticular formation. Pharmacological evidence obtained in rodents suggests that terminal and somatodendritic autoreceptors controlling serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) release belong to the 5-HT1B/D subtype of receptors, whereas somatodendritic autoreceptors controlling neuronal cell firing are predominantly of the 5-HT1A subtype. This study investigated the presence of h5-HT1D and h5-HT1B receptor mRNA within the subdivisions of the dorsal raphe of post-mortem human brains by means of in situ hybridisation. Although differences in the labelling intensity, which may be caused by different pre- and/or post-mortem conditions, were obvious among the specimens, all brains expressed both the h5-HT1D and the h5-HT1B mRNA in dorsal raphe neurons. In comparison to h5-HT1D mRNA, expression of h5-HT1B mRNA was slightly more abundant. Information on the existence and localisation of h5-HT1D and h5-HT1B receptors in human dorsal raphe neurons confirms that both subtypes may serve an autoreceptor function in humans. This finding is of pharmacological relevance since these receptors are potential new targets for therapeutic interventions in psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Nefopam is more potent than carbamazepine for neuroprotection against veratridine in vitro and has anticonvulsant properties against both electrical and chemical stimulation.

Nefopam (NEF) is a known analgesic that has recently been shown to be effective in controlling both neuropathic pain and convulsions in rodents. In this study we compared nefopam to carbamazepine (CBZ), a reference antiepileptic drug (AED), for their ability to protect cerebellar neuronal cultures from neurodegeneration induced by veratridine (VTD). Furthermore, we tested nefopam for protection against both, maximal electroshock-induced seizures (MES), and isoniazid-induced seizures in mice. Both NEF and CBZ were effective in preventing both signs of excitotoxicity and neurodegeneration following exposure of cultures to 5 microM veratridine for 30 min and 24 h, respectively. Concentrations providing full neuroprotection were 500 microM CBZ and 50 microM NEF, while the concentration providing 50% neuroprotection was 200 microM for CBZ and 20 microM for NEF. Neither NEF nor CBZ reduced excitotoxicity following direct exposure of cultures to glutamate, but CBZ failed to reduce increases in intracellular calcium following stimulation of L-type voltage sensitive calcium channels. In vivo, NEF (20 mg/kg i.p.) significantly reduced MES and fully prevented MES-induced terminal clonus (TC). In comparison, NEF was significantly more effective than CBZ in preventing MES, although both drugs were equally effective against MES-induced TC. Furthermore, nefopam provided protection against isoniazid-induced seizures at doses similar to those protecting against MES.

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic↗

PubMed2005

(99m)Tc-EC-guanine: synthesis, biodistribution, and tumor imaging in animals.

PURPOSE: DNA markers are useful in assessing cell proliferation. The purpose of this study was to synthesize (99m)Tc-ethylenedicysteine-guanine (EC-Guan) for evaluation of cell proliferation. METHODS: Tumor cells were incubated with (99m)Tc-EC-Guan for cell cycle analysis. Prostate tumor cells that were overexpressing the HSV thymidine kinase gene, or various tumor cells were incubated with (99m)Tc-EC-Guan at 0.5-2 h. Thymidine incorporation assays were performed in lung cancer cells incubated with EC-Guan at 0.1-1 mg/well. Tissue distribution, autoradiography, and planar scintigraphy of (99m)Tc-EC-Guan and (99m)Tc-EC (control) were determined in tumor-bearing rodents at 0.5-4 h. RESULTS: Cell culture assays indicated that EC-Guan was incorporated in DNA, and there was no significant uptake difference between HSVTK overexpressed and normal groups. Biodistribution and scintigraphic imaging studies of (99m)Tc-EC-Guan showed increased tumor/tissue count density ratios as a function of time. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that (99m)Tc-EC-Guan may be useful as a tumor proliferation imaging agent.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Cardiac storage with UW solution and glucose.

Previous investigations from our institution using an isolated human cardiomyocyte model concluded that glucose supplementation of University of Wisconsin solution (UWS) was beneficial with respect to adenine nucleotide and protein recovery. We wished to confirm these results using an isolated heart model. Rodent hearts were frozen in liquid nitrogen (control) or flushed and stored in UWS for 8 hours at 0 degrees C or UWS supplemented with 10, 20, or 30 mmol/L glucose. Experimental hearts were assessed at end-storage or after 45 minutes of reperfusion on a Langendorff apparatus. Adenine nucleotides were assessed by high performance liquid chromatography. In parallel experiments, ventricular function was assessed before and after storage in Langendorff-perfused hearts instrumented with a left ventricular balloon. Glucose supplementation was associated with greater poststorage (20 and 30 mmol/L glucose) and postreperfusion (10, 20, and 30 mmol/L glucose) adenosine triphosphate levels than unmodified UWS. Developed pressure (expressed as a percentage of control values) was increased with 10 mmol/L glucose (75.2% +/- 7.9%, mean +/- standard deviation) compared with unmodified UWS (64.6% +/- 6.6%; p < 0.05). Coronary flow was greater with 10 (72.6% +/- 10.7%) or 20 mmol/L (71.2% +/- 12.5%) versus 0 mmol/L glucose (58.6% +/- 12.1%, p < 0.05). The data support previous in vitro findings and suggest that the addition of 10 mmol/L glucose to UWS is associated with enhanced recovery after prolonged hypothermic storage.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

PubMed1992

A 28-day feeding study with ethyl acetoacetate in rats.

Ethyl acetoacetate encapsulated in gum arabic was administered in rodent diet for a minimum of 28 consecutive days to groups of 16 male and 16 female rats (Sprague-Dawley strain) at levels of approximately 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg body weight/day. A further group of 16 male and 16 female rats was given rodent diet containing gum arabic as a control. The administration of ethyl acetoacetate in the diet did not adversely affect the growth or general health of the animals or their food intakes. None of the minor variations observed in the haematology, serum chemical analyses or urine analyses are considered to be indicative of a treatment-related toxic effect. Caecal enlargement was seen in male rats treated with the top dose of ethyl acetoacetate, but this was accompanied by a normal histopathology. Few histopathological abnormalities were observed. Proteinaceous casts were found in the bladder of approximately half the male rats given 1000 mg ethyl acetoacetate/kg, and nephrocalcinosis was a common occurrence in female rats in this dose group. Renal function was unimpaired in treated male and female rats, and the histopathological findings are common in the strain of rats chosen for this study. Although the caecal enlargement and the changes in kidney and bladder of rats given 1000 mg ethyl acetoacetate/kg are noted, it is considered that ethyl acetoacetate did not produce treatment-related adverse effects in rats during this study.

Acetoacetates↗

PubMed1990

In vivo effects of recombinant interferon-gamma: augmentation of endotoxin-induced necrosis of tumors and priming of macrophages for tumor necrosis factor-alpha production.

Recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) is currently undergoing clinical trials in cancer patients. In this paper, we assessed the in vivo antitumor effects of this lymphokine in rodents. Recombinant murine IFN-gamma or control medium was injected intraperitoneally for 5 days into mice with subcutaneous Meth A tumors. An injection of a suboptimal dose of endotoxin (2 micrograms) on the fifth treatment day caused significant necrosis of tumors in the IFN-gamma-treated group while causing essentially no necrosis of tumors in the control group. Next, we examined macrophages isolated from rats treated for 9 days with either IFN-gamma or saline. Endotoxin stimulated release of significantly higher amounts of TNF-alpha from macrophages from the IFN-gamma-treated group compared to macrophages from the control group. A polyclonal antiserum against recombinant murine TNF-alpha abrogated all of the TNF cytotoxic activity from these rat macrophage supernatants, while control rabbit serum had no effect. These results provide strong evidence that rIFN-gamma can prime macrophages in vivo for TNF-alpha synthesis.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluating measures of hematology and blood chemistry in male rhesus monkeys as biomarkers of aging.

Reliable and valid biomarkers of aging can provide valuable tools for examining the effectiveness of interventions that may influence the rate of aging processes. However, a standardized method for identifying biomarkers of aging has yet to be developed. The current analysis focused on hematology and blood chemistry variables obtained from a 5-year longitudinal study of male rhesus monkeys (N = 29) on a diet restriction regime known to retard aging processes and extend lifespan in laboratory rodents (70% of the diet intake of controls). For the current analysis, the major screening criteria for identifying candidate biomarkers of aging were cross-sectional and longitudinal correlation with chronological age (CA) and stability of individual differences. Six potential variables from the battery of blood chemistry tests were identified: 1) serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase; 2) alkaline phosphatase; 3) total protein; 4) globulin; 5) blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio; and 6) phosphates. When submitted to principle component analysis, these variables loaded onto a single component that accounted for over 50% of the total variance to indicate marked covariance among them. By applying the factor score coefficients from the first principle component, an equation was derived for estimating a biological age score (BAS) for each individual monkey. A comparison of BAS between control and diet-restricted monkeys revealed no statistically significant difference at present; however, the slope of the regression of BAS onto CA appeared steeper for the control group compared to the experimental group. Thus, while demonstration of the validity of the candidate biomarkers awaits further evidence, a strategy by which additional biomarkers of aging can be identified is proposed as an improvement over past approaches.

Aging↗