The Epigenetic Link between Polyphenols, Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Abstract

Aging is a complex process mainly categorized by a decline in tissue, cells and organ function and an increased risk of mortality. Recent studies have provided evidence that suggests a strong association between epigenetic mechanisms throughout an organism’s lifespan and age-related disease progression. Epigenetics is considered an evolving field and regulates the genetic code at several levels. Among these are DNA changes, which include modifications to DNA methylation state, histone changes, which include modifications of methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination and phosphorylation of histones, and non-coding RNA changes. As a result, these epigenetic modifications are vital targets for potential therapeutic interventions against age-related deterioration and disease progression. Dietary polyphenols play a key role in modulating these modifications thereby delaying aging and extending longevity. In this review, we summarize recent advancements linking epigenetics, polyphenols and aging as well as critical findings related to the various dietary polyphenols in different fruits and vegetables. In addition, we cover studies that relate polyphenols and their epigenetic effects to various aging-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer.

Grape-Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Reverts Obesity-Related Metabolic Derangements in Aged Female Rats

“…However, no consensus could be established on the effect of GSPE on fat accumulation when administered preventively, which suggests that age may affect the long-term GSPE effect seen previously in young rats [ 31 ]. Dietary polyphenols, such as resveratrol and quercetin, are believed to promote longevity and life expectancy [ 38 ], while scientific evidence suggests they can also modulate epigenetic patterns [ 39 , 40 ]. Our group has also shown that the long-lasting effects of GSPE in young rats are mediated, at least partially, by epigenetic modifications in the intestine [ 41 ].…”

“…Our group has also shown that the long-lasting effects of GSPE in young rats are mediated, at least partially, by epigenetic modifications in the intestine [ 41 ]. In the present study, the loss of long-lasting GSPE effects in aged animals may be due to the deep, epigenetic modifications that are linked to the ageing process [ 40 ]. Our results therefore suggest that aged animals are more prone to obesity and difficulty in losing weight.…”

Association of Hydrogen Sulfide with Femoral Bone Mineral Density in Osteoporosis Patients: A Preliminary Study

“…Aging is categorized by a decline in tissue and organ functions with an increased risk of mortality [ 50 ]. In this study, we found that patients with osteoporosis were older and the proportion of women with osteoporosis was significantly higher among the 100 participants, which is consistent with the previous reports [ 43 – 45 , 51 ].…”

The Involvement of Natural Polyphenols in the Chemoprevention of Cervical Cancer

“…The key enzymes that modulate this process are DNA methyltransferase enzymes (DNMT). They transfer a methyl group to the 5 carbon position of cytosine to form 5-methylcytosine [56].…”

“…The process of histone modification occurs because of the translational and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) [56]. These PTMs occur mostly within the histones' N-terminal tail or within their globular domain and include a variety of processes such as acetylation, biotinylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, ADP ribosylation, proline isomerization, citrullination, butyrylation, propionylation, and glycosylation [57].…”