Drawing on his editorial experience at relevant scientific journals and his experience in teaching the basics of scientific article formatting/design at Lomonosov Moscow State University, the author analyzes the current state of statistical analysis of results of the gerontological research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of aging and search for drugs that slow down this process and suppress the development of age-related diseases (geroprotectors, anti-aging drugs). It is emphasized that in many cases, such analysis is either not performed at all or is performed incorrectly. Specifically, authors periodically analyze data that does not follow a normal distribution using a parametric Student’s t-test. Moreover, many researchers, having failed to obtain reliable results (p > 0.05), increasingly replace the term “significance” in their articles with the term “trend,” which seems completely unacceptable. Unfortunately, this problem affects not only gerontology but all biomedical research. It is suggested that greater attention should be paid to this issue by both reviewers of relevant articles and editors of the journals in which they are published. In addition, the importance of teaching the basics of statistical processing of research results to students and PhD students of biomedical institutes and relevant university schools is emphasized.
This review systematizes contemporary data on the signaling role of mitochondrial metabolites in regulating mitochondrial homeostasis, with an emphasis on their influence on cellular adaptation to stress factors, including age-related changes. Mitochondria function not only as energy sources but also as key sensors and regulators, mediating anterograde and retrograde signaling through metabolites such as citrate, succinate, lactate, and L-carnitine. Citrate and succinate participate in epigenetic modifications, including protein acetylation and succinylation, thereby influencing gene expression and metabolic adaptation, with potential applications in the therapy of oncological and age-associated diseases. Lactate, traditionally regarded as a product of anaerobic metabolism, acts as a signaling molecule that modulates receptor cascades (GPR81), histone lactylation, and oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. L-carnitine ensures metabolic flexibility by maintaining the acyl-CoA/CoA balance, removing toxic metabolites, and enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability, demonstrating its protective effects in models of hyperhomocysteinemia and NO deficiency. Understanding these mechanisms opens up prospects for the identification of biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction and the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring homeostasis in the context of aging, metabolic disorders, and gerontological syndromes.
Older adults are frequent consumers of health care services. However, reports have indicated that breakdowns in communication during provider–patient interactions may contribute to poor health outcomes in this population. The purpose of this study is to identify the pragmatic characteristics of elderly people with dementia (WED) and analyze the existing pragmatic approaches that have been used by caregivers in their daily interactions with them. A total of 40 informants, who care for elderly people with dementia, participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The study used Atlas.ti software to analyze qualitative data. The results indicated that 39 nodes of references and data sources (transcripts) are pertinent within the hierarchy. All four informant groups referenced the difficulties both directly and indirectly. The research identified four primary factors: (1) the interactive behavior of elderly dementia patients during moments of happiness or excitement, (2) the challenges associated with understanding interactions involving these patients, caregivers, or others, (3) the responses of elderly dementia patients when prompted, and (4) the ways in which these factors facilitate communication. The study indicates that WED caregivers utilize emotions, touch, and patient names. The psychological technique is said to either calm or excite the WED prior to involvement. This multimodal approach improves patient care and caregiver relationships. Caregivers can enhance therapy engagement by addressing WED needs and responses. Ensuring continuity of care and enhancing caregiver-dementia relationships necessitates a comprehension of WED relationships along with the suggested intervention and support domains. Conversely, it may impede communication and the development of relationships.
Background: Polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are major issues in the elderly regarding adverse drug events and poor health outcomes. This study determines the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIMs in older adults in Pakistan using the Beers Criteria 2023. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out from October 2023 to April 2024 on 653 geriatric patients (≥65 years) admitted to King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, Mansehra, and Jinnah International Hospital, Abbottabad. The definition of polypharmacy is the use of ≥5 medications simultaneously, and PIMs were assessed using the Beers Criteria 2023. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. Results: Among the study population, 63.9
Natural compounds possess significant potential for pharmacological applications. This study investigates melanin derived from birch heartwood polymerized with the mycelium of fungus Fomes fomentarius and its fruiting body, for its potential geroprotective properties. The cytotoxicity and proliferative effects of the studied compound, Amelan, were evaluated using the immortalized human foreskin fibroblasts (BJ-5ta) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) cell lines through the MTT assay and cell counting with a Goryaev chamber. To assess the geroprotective properties of the compound, an accelerated aging model was induced with D-galactose in primary human dermal fibroblast cultures. Senescent cell populations were identified through cytochemical staining for senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal). Amelan exhibited a dose-dependent geroprotective effect, significantly reducing senescent cell populations at optimal concentrations. Importantly, the compound did not stimulate proliferation in either immortalized BJ-5ta fibroblasts or MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, suggesting no oncogenic activation potential. In light of the demonstrated geroprotective effects of Amelan, its concentration-dependent efficacy underscores the importance of dosage optimization to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects. Further research is needed to evaluate its potential as a candidate for anti-aging therapy.
