The Molecular Mechanism of Polyphenols in the Regulation of Ageing Hallmarks

Abstract

Ageing is a complex process characterized mainly by a decline in the function of cells, tissues, and organs, resulting in an increased risk of mortality. This process involves several changes, described as hallmarks of ageing, which include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic changes, loss of proteostasis, dysregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell depletion, and altered intracellular communication. The determining role that environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle play on health, life expectancy, and susceptibility to diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, is wellestablished. In view of the growing interest in the beneficial effects of phytochemicals in the prevention of chronic diseases, several studies have been conducted, and they strongly suggest that the intake of dietary polyphenols may bring numerous benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and their intake has been associated with impaired ageing in humans. Polyphenol intake has been shown to be effective in ameliorating several age-related phenotypes, including oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, impaired proteostasis, and cellular senescence, among other features, which contribute to an increased risk of ageing-associated diseases. This review aims to address, in a general way, the main findings described in the literature about the benefits of polyphenols in each of the hallmarks of ageing, as well as the main regulatory mechanisms responsible for the observed antiageing effects.

Diet and Aging: The Role of Polyphenol-Rich Diets in Slow Down the Shortening of Telomeres: A Review

“…Additionally, a recent study proved that the antioxidant abilities of this phytochemical could decrease H 2 O 2 -induced senescence in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, in part through modulation of the avian viral oncogene homolog A-v-rel-reticuloendotheliosis and Sirt1 [113]. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of resveratrol give this compound an anti-aging capability, which positively affects TeLe and slows down telomere shortening, resulting in the possible prevention of age-related diseases [114]. One study proved that low doses of resveratrol and gallic acid increased the expression of the hTERT gene in the HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, probably through induction of the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway [115].…”

Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols and Other Micronutrients of Marine Origin

“…For example, marine polyphenols can activate or inhibit enzymes, such as kinases and phosphatases, involved in signal transduction pathways, leading to altered cellular responses. Marine polyphenols can also regulate the expression of transcription factors, such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which plays a critical role in inflammation and immune responses [ 195 , 198 ].…”

Cell Survival, Death, and Proliferation in Senescent and Cancer Cells: the Role of (Poly)phenols

“…People who follow a healthy lifestyle by adhering to the Mediterranean diet [ 50 ], increasing their physical activity [ 51 ], and practicing meditation [ 52 ] have been shown to have longer telomeres than those who do not. In particular, the Mediterranean diet is rich in (poly)phenols, which have been associated with longer telomeres and reduced risk of age-related disorders [ 15 , [53] , [54] , [55] , [56] ]. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol, among others, may maintain telomere length by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress [ 15 , 53 ].…”

“…In particular, the Mediterranean diet is rich in (poly)phenols, which have been associated with longer telomeres and reduced risk of age-related disorders [ 15 , [53] , [54] , [55] , [56] ]. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol, among others, may maintain telomere length by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress [ 15 , 53 ].…”