Reversing the Loss of Immune Function in Aged Populations Through the Induction of Antioxidant Activity by a Gene Regulatory Pathway
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By Bob Nidever in Latest Additions Published: Friday, 12 September 08 - 10:03 PM (GMT) |
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UCLA researchers have identified a small molecule that activates a molecular pathway that regulates antioxidant activity within immune cells. Antioxidant activity has been associated with a decrease in the loss of immune function in aged anima ls. Therefore, a new molecular entity that is determined to activate antioxidant pathways may provide for the development of novel neutraceutical supplements or adjuvants for use in older populations.
Sulforaphane (SFN), a chemical found in broccoli, is a known Nrf2 agonist that mediates the activation of antioxidant enzymatic pathways regulated by Nrf2. Recent evidence demonstrates that treatment with SFN reverses the decline of innate immune responses in aged mice. This observation was found in association with the restoration of redox equilibrium in SFN treated dendritic cells acquired from aged mice. Thus, this data suggests that activating Nrf2-mediated gene programs by SFN (or a yet undiscovered Nrf2 agonist) represents an approach that may be capable of reversing the decline in immune function in older human populations. The screening of available small molecule or natural product libraries may also uncover novel Nrf2 agonists that could be potentially developed and commercialized as antioxidant neutraceuticals. MORE [2008-560]
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