Senility and alcoholism: microRNAs and gene expressions in apoptosis in UChB rat cerebellum (voluntary ethanol consumers)

• Grant number: 13/13604-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2014
• End date: July 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Public Health
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Martinez
• Grantee: Marcelo Martinez
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Francisco Eduardo Martinez

Abstract

Despite the absence of a substantial and comprehensive scientific data prevents an assessment of the real impact of drinking in older adults, abuse and harmful alcohol appears as a common feature of older people. Elderly are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, because of biological changes associated with aging such as decrease of water in the body, the efficiency of liver enzymes and hepatic blood flow, the responsiveness of the brain, etc., reinforced by interaction with drugs. The adverse effects of acute or chronic exposure to ethanol on the functions of the cerebellum have been recognized for decades, affecting movement and balance. In addition to the motor impairment, cerebellar degeneration contributes to distinct neuropsychological deficits in chronic alcoholics, as well as in children with prenatal exposure to ethanol. However, the effects on senile individuals are scarce. (AU)