Mechanisms of neuroplasticity and brain degeneration: strategies for protection during the aging process

Author(s)

Toricelli, Mariana ^[1] ; Pereira, Arthur Antonio Ruiz ^[2] ; Souza Abrao, Guilherme ^[2] ; Malerba, Helena Nascimento ^[2] ; Maia, Julia ^[2] ; Buck, Hudson Sousa ^[1] ; Viel, Tania Araujo ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Santa Casa Sao Paulo Sch Med Sci, Dept Physiol Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Arts Sci & Humanities, Lab Neurobiol Aging, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH; v. 16, n. 1, p. 58-67, JAN 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Aging is a dynamic and progressive process that begins at conception and continues until death. This process leads to a decrease in homeostasis and morphological, biochemical and psychological changes, increasing the individual's vulnerability to various diseases. The growth in the number of aging populations has increased the prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases, impairment of the central nervous system and dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease, whose main risk factor is age, leading to an increase of the number of individuals who need daily support for life activities. Some theories about aging suggest it is caused by an increase of cellular senescence and reactive oxygen species, which leads to inflammation, oxidation, cell membrane damage and consequently neuronal death. Also, mitochondrial mutations, which are generated throughout the aging process, can lead to changes in energy production, deficiencies in electron transport and apoptosis induction that can result in decreased function. Additionally, increasing cellular senescence and the release of proinflammatory cytokines can cause irreversible damage to neuronal cells. Recent reports point to the importance of changing lifestyle by increasing physical exercise, improving nutrition and environmental enrichment to activate neuroprotective defense mechanisms. Therefore, this review aims to address the latest information about the different mechanisms related to neuroplasticity and neuronal death and to provide strategies that can improve neuroprotection and decrease the neurodegeneration caused by aging and environmental stressors. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/21655-6 - Study of the cell survival modulation by B2 receptor for bradykinin and its impact on neuroinflamation in organotypic hippocampal culture of transgenic mice for Alzheimer's disease
• Grantee: Mariana Toricelli Pinto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/07115-6 - Translational study of strategies and biomarkers to promote healthspan
• Grantee: Tânia Araújo Viel
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants