Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Απομόνωση, Ανάπτυξη, Παραγωγή και Έλεγχος Βιοδραστικών Φυσικών ΠροϊόντωνLibrary of the School of Science
Author:
Tallas Konstantinos
Supervisors info:
Αλέξιος-Λέανδρος Σκαλτσούνης - Καθηγητής του Τομέα Φαρμακογνωσίας και Χημείας Φυσικών Προϊόντων του Τμήματος Φαρμακευτικής. Ιωάννης Τρουγκάκος - Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής του Τομέα Βιολογίας Κυττάρου και Βιοφυσικής του Τμήματος Βιολογίας. Νικόλαος Φωκιαλάκης - Επίκουρος Καθηγητής του Τομέα Φαρμακογνωσίας και Χημείας Φυσικών Προϊόντων του Τμήματος Φαρμακευτικής
Original Title:
In vivo μελέτη της επίδρασης εκχυλισμάτων από τα είδη Pinus nigra και Pinus heldreichii ως προς την αντιγηραντική και αντιοξειδωτική τους δράση.
Translated title:
In vivo μελέτη της επίδρασης εκχυλισμάτων από τα είδη Pinus nigra και Pinus heldreichii ως προς την αντιγηραντική και αντιοξειδωτική τους δράση.
Summary:
Organismal ageing is a natural, inevitable process driven by diverse molecular pathways and biochemical events that are promoted by both environmental and genetic factors. Several pathways have been implicated in the development of aging such as nutrients sensing pathways, the pathway of sirtuins, the reduction of telomere length and stress responsive pathways that maintain homeostasis and regulate the survival of organisms in a rather hostile environment.
The appearance of ageing can be postponed by either genetic interventions or diet (e.g. CR: Caloric Restriction). Diet-interventions such as CR or balanced healthy diet are the most effective approaches for extending healthspan and/or lifespan, due to either prolonged mild activation of stress responsive pathways and/or low levels of damage to biomolecules. Central to proteostasis network functionality are the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS) and the Autophagy-Lysosome System (ALS), along with the main antioxidant signalling pathway of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2)/Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1).
In the present study, we analyzed for first time the effects of natural extracts of Pinus nigra (aqueous bark extract) and Pinus heldreichii (hydroalcoholic and alcoholic wood extracts) on the Drosophila melanogaster organismal homeostasis. This experimental model is used as an in vivo screening platform of natural extracts bioactivity. Findings were compared to the results obtained from aqueous extract of the bark of Pinus pinaster (Pycnogenol®), which was used as a positive control. The antioxidant action of Pycnogenol® is well established.
Our preliminary findings indicated that from all the extracts used, the addition of the hydroalcoholic extract from the wood of P. heldreichii in flies’ culture medium provided overall beneficial effects on the physiology and viability of insects as compared to the commercial formulation of Pycnogenol®. Similar findings were found in relation to the aqueous extract from the bark of P. nigra. Furthermore, beyond the effects on longevity, under both normal and stress conditions, we noted increased antioxidant responses with a simultaneous reduction of oxidized proteins and cellular oxidative stress.
Main subject category:
Science
Other subject categories:
Pharmacy
Keywords:
Pinus nigra, Pinus heldreichii, Drosophila melanogaster, longevity, antioxidants, UPS
Number of references:
367
