DigitalUM :: Browsing by Subject "Ageing"

Browsing by Subject "Ageing"

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Open Access
A New Tool to Study Parkinsonism in the Context of Aging: MPTP Intoxication in a Natural Model of Multimorbidity
(MDPI, ) Cuenca, Lorena; Pizzichini, Elisa; Gonçalves, Valeria C.; Guillén Díaz, María; Aguilar Moñino, Elena; Sánchez Rodrigo, Consuelo; González Cuello, Ana María; Fernández Villalba, Emiliano; Herrero, María Trinidad; Enfermería
The diurnal rodent Octodon degus (O. degus) is considered an attractive natural model for Alzheimer’s disease and other human age-related features. However, it has not been explored so far if the O. degus could be used as a model to study Parkinson’s disease. To test this idea, 10 adult male O. degus were divided into control group and MPTP-intoxicated animals. Motor condition and cognition were examined. Dopaminergic degeneration was studied in the ventral mesencephalon and in the striatum. Neuroinflammation was also evaluated in the ventral mesencephalon, in the striatum and in the dorsal hippocampus. MPTP animals showed significant alterations in motor activity and in visuospatial memory. Postmortem analysis revealed a significant decrease in the number of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral mesencephalon of MPTP animals, although no differences were found in their striatal terminals. We observed a significant increase in neuroinflammatory responses in the mesencephalon, in the striatum and in the hippocampus of MPTP-intoxicated animals. Additionally, changes in the subcellular expression of the calcium-binding protein S100 were found in the astrocytes in the nigrostriatal pathway. These findings prove for the first time that O. degus are sensitive to MPTP intoxication and, therefore, is a suitable model for experimental Parkinsonism in the context of aging.
Open Access
Age-dependent changes in the function and morphology of mitochondria of rat adrenal zona fasciculata
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Markowska, A.; Rebuffat, P.; Gottardo, Giuseppe; Mazzocchi, G.; Nussdorfer, G.G.
The function and morphology of adrenal zona-fasciculata (ZF) mitochondria were studied in 4-, 10- and 16-month-old rats, since in this species ageing causes a marked decline in glucocorticoid secretion coupled with high levels of circulating ACTH. Dispersed intact ZF cells displayed a significant age-dependent impairment of their basal pregnenolone (PREG) secretion, but isolated ZF mitochondria showed an increased capacity to convert cholesterol to PREG (the first rate-limiting step of steroid synthesis). These data are in keeping with the contention that the age-related deficit of rat ZF secretion is located prior to the activity of intramitochondrial cholesterol side-chain cleaving enzymes (cytochrome-P450scc). Stereology showed a notable age-dependent increase in the number of mitochondria per unit cell-volume, coupled with a marked decrease in their average volume. The width of the mitochondrial intermembrane space remained unchanged, but its average volume strikingly decreased. This last finding fits well with the enhanced capacity of mitochondria to produce PREG, since intermembrane space is an acqueous barrier to the translocation of free cholesterol from the outer membrane to the cristae, where cytochrome-P450scc is located. In conclusion, the hypothesis is advanced that all these age-related functional and morphological mitochondrial changes are an ACTH-dependent compensatory response enabling ZF cells to partially counteract their decreased glucocorticoid secretory capacity, which in turn is due to the impaired utilization of intracytoplasmic stores of cholesterol esters.
Embargo
Age-related changes in fatty acid profile and locomotor activity rhythms in Nothobranchius korthausae
(Elsevier, 2011-08-28) Lucas-Sanchez, A; Almaida Pagán, Pedro Francisco; Madrid, Juan A; Costa, J. de; Mendiola, P; Fisiología
The life cycle of Nothobranchius korthausae, a Cyprinodontiformes fish, was studied in our laboratory to characterise the ageing process. Some morphological changes, such as spine curvature, skin colour, and fin and eye appearance are described. Growth and survival curves reflected a fast life cycle with rapid initial growth until 4 weeks of age, after which the fish grew more slowly before reaching their final size in week 40. Senescence onset was established at week 48 with a decrease in spawn size and viability and a general decline in the animal's appearance (weight and colouration losses, caudal fin degradation, and cataractogenesis). The fatty acid composition changed with age,with high unsaturation in the adult stage as reflected by a high peroxidation index, a condition that is associated with high susceptibility to oxidative damage if elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production occurs. Senescent fish had an increase in monounsaturated fatty acid proportions and a lower peroxidation index (226.5±19.7 in adults versus 120.2±19.1 in senescent fish, Pb0.05). The circadian system, as reflected by locomotor activity rhythms, showed noticeable changes with age. Twenty-four-week-old fish (adults) had a robust diurnal rhythm that showed a decrease in total activity, an increase in rhythmfragmentation, and a fall in amplitude and regularity with age. Changes were clearly reflected in the Circadian Function Index variations (0.56, 0.47 and 0.25 at 24, 48 and 72 weeks of age, respectively). In conclusion, N. korthausae appears to be a species with appropriate characteristics for ageing studies because it manifests clear signs of progressive ageing. Comparing species of Nothobranchius genus with different lifespans may be useful for increasing our understanding of the ageing process.
Open Access
Ageing of the circadian system. From monitoring to chronoenhancement.
(Spanish Society of Anti-Ageing Medicine and Longevity (SEMAL), 2018-10) Martinez-Nicolas, A; Almaida Pagán, Pedro Francisco; Martinez-Madrid, M J; Argüelles, R; Ortega-Sabater, C; Fernandez-Ortiz, M; Costa, J. de; Madrid, J A; Rol, M A; Fisiología; Chronobiology Lab, Department of Physiology, College of Biology, University of Murcia, Mare Nostrum Campus. IUIE, IMIB-Arrixaca, Spain.; Ciber Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Madrid, Spain.; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
The circadian system (CS) organizes the temporal order of all living beings. Its general structure is very similar among species and consists of receptors of the temporal information (inputs), a central pacemaker along with several peripheral clocks that depend on it (machinery), and a set of overt rhythms driven by the central clock (outputs). The CS ages like any other structure of the organism, this process being characterized by a poorer reception of the temporal information, a general impairment of the central pacemaker and a phase advance, fragmentation and dampening of the overt rhythms. In order to assess the functioning of the CS, some overt rhythms have been selected as markers since they mirror the activity of the central pacemaker. Some of the most used marker rhythms are those of melatonin and cortisol secretion, rest-activity and sleep-wake patterns, and core body and distal skin temperature. Nevertheless, these rhythms can be masked by external variables and thus, to simultaneously record several marker rhythms is recommended. As the CS ages, the ability of an organism to adjust the internal temporal order of physiological, biochemical and behavioural circadian rhythms to the environmental cycles is compromised and chronodisruption can appear, which is related with several diseases. Fortunately, there are some strategies that one person can follow in order to enhance the functioning of the CS: to increase the contrast between day and night (i.e. to exposure to bright days and dark nights), to have melatonin (if needed), to do regular exercise, to improve sleep and meal schedules or to increase social contacts.
Open Access
Circadian monitoring as an aging predictor
(Nature Research, 2018-10-09) Martinez-Nicolas, A; Madrid, J A; Garcia, F J; Campos, M; Moreno Casbas, M T; Almaida Pagán, Pedro Francisco; Lucas-Sanchez, A; Rol, M A; Fisiología; Ciber Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Madrid, Spain.; Geriatrics Section, Hospital Virgen del Valle, Toledo, Spain; Department of Computer Science and Systems, University of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain; Nursing and Healthcare Research Unit (Investén-isciii), Madrid, Spain
The ageing process is associated with sleep and circadian rhythm (SCR) frailty, as well as greater sensitivity to chronodisruption. This is essentially due to reduced day/night contrast, decreased sensitivity to light, napping and a more sedentary lifestyle. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop an algorithm to identify a SCR phenotype as belonging to young or aged subjects. To do this, 44 young and 44 aged subjects were recruited, and their distal skin temperature (DST), activity, body position, light, environmental temperature and the integrated variable TAP rhythms were recorded under free-living conditions for five consecutive workdays. Each variable yielded an individual decision tree to differentiate between young and elderly subjects (DST, activity, position, light, environmental temperature and TAP), with agreement rates of between 76.1% (light) and 92% (TAP). These decision trees were combined into a unique decision tree that reached an agreement rate of 95.3% (4 errors out of 88, all of them around the cut-off point). Age-related SCR changes were very significant, thus allowing to discriminate accurately between young and aged people when implemented in decision trees. This is useful to identify chronodisrupted populations that could benefit from chronoenhancement strategies.
Open Access
Duodenal endocrine cells in mice with particular regard to age-induced changes
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2000) Sandstrom, O.; El-Salhy, M.
Duodenal endocrine cell types in four age groups of NMRI mice (1, 3, 12 and 24 months old) were identified by immunocytochemistry and quantified by computerized image analysis. Whereas the number of secretin-immunoreactive cells was significantly increased in the 24-month-old group, the number of GIP-immunoreactive cells was reduced in 12-month-old compared with 3-month-old mice. The number of somatostatin-immunoreactive cells was fewer in both the 12- and 24-month-olds vis-a-vis the 3-month-old mice. Whereas serotonin-immunoreactive cells were fewer in both 1-month-old and 12-month-old mice, they were more numerous in 24-month-old mice then in the 3- month-old ones. The number of gastrin/CCK-immunoreactive cells was unaffected by age. The cell secretory index (CSI) of secretin- and serotonin-immunoreactive cells was increased in the 24-month-old mice vis-a-vis the 3-month-old ones and the CSI of GIP- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells was increased in 12- month-old mice vis-a-vis 3-month-old rnice. In contrast, the CSI of somatostatin- and serotonin-immunoreactive cells in 1-month-old mice was lower than that of 3- month-old-mice. The nuclear volume of secretin-, GIP-, gastrin/CCK- and serotonin-immunoreactive cells was less in 1-month-olds than in 3-month-old mice. Whereas the nuclear volume of somatostatin-immunoreactive cells was decreased in 12-month-old animals, that of gastrin/CCK- and serotonin-immunoreactive cells was greater in 24-month-old mice than in 3-month-old ones. It is concluded that these changes may be secondary to structural and functional changes in the gastrointestinal tract caused by ageing. It is possible that these changes are involved in the development of dysfunction of the gut observed at advanced age.
Open Access
Envejecimiento de la población en la Región de Murcia: causas y consecuencias
(2015-10-06) Moya Ortega, Carlos; García Marín, Ramón
The significant gains in life expectancy achieved in recent years, along with reduced fertility rates, below replacement level, have led to a gradual aging of the Spanish population, which will manifest itself in a continuous decline in the population of working age and a continued increase in the proportion of population older than 65 years. Murcia Region, though has better demographic expectations than other Spanish regions, also experiencing an acute population ageing. In this way, if the current situation of dependence and economic recession there is not improved, the Welfare State can be compromised in its maintenance and its continuity will be more difficult with an aged demographic structure.
Open Access
Experimental models for ageing research
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2023) Toniolo, Luana; Sirago, Giuseppe; Giacomello, Emiliana
Ageing is a biological process caused by the malfunctioning of multiple cellular mechanisms, ascribable to nine hallmarks: genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication. These ageing pillars have three common traits: (i) they appear during normal ageing; (ii) their experimental intensification accelerates ageing; and (iii) their experimental reduction delays ageing. The evidence that the elderly are more prone to develop pathologies such as cancer, diabetes and degenerative diseases, together with data showing that the elderly population is steadily increasing, has stimulated an important effort to find specific countermeasures to physiological ageing. Unfortunately, the investigation of ageing processes and the search for countermeasures in humans is very difficult. Therefore, researchers must rely on a wide range of experimental models that span from unicellular to more complex organisms. Unfortunately, experimental models are not devoid of pitfalls, flaws or obstacles that can have an impact in ageing research. In the present review we describe the most exploited experimental models in the field, such as in vitro, animal and human models, highlighting the characteristics that justify their application in the laboratory routine, and translation to human research.
Open Access
Human retinal pigment epithelial SPARC expression and age: an immunohistochemical study
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2010) Howard, Claire; Garcia Fiñana, Marta; Yan, Qi; Hiscott, Paul
The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal and spatial expression of the matricellular protein SPARC (Secreted Protein, Acidic and Rich in Cysteine; also known as osteonectin) in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, and compare the results with Bruch’s membrane thickness, employing immunohistochemistry. Eyes from 36 human donors, 16 being ≤65 and 20 >65 years old, were included in the study. Intensity of SPARC immunoreactivity was evaluated using Aequitas Image Analysis software with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Bruch’s membrane thickness was assessed by profile analysis and the association between RPE SPARC immunoreactivity and Bruch’s membrane thickness was investigated by fitting a linear mixed effects model to the data set. Intensity of SPARC immunostaining in RPE cells was significantly lower in older donors (p<0.05 and p<0.001 for posterior and peripheral RPE cells, respectively). The anatomical localisation of the RPE cells also affected the intensity of SPARC staining, which was lower in posterior compared to peripheral cells (p<0.01). No correlation was observed between SPARC immunoreactivity in RPE cells and the thickness of the underlying Bruch’s membrane, in either posterior or peripheral regions. Our results suggest that RPE cell SPARC levels decline with age, a change that may play a role in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.
Open Access
Hypertension accelerates age-related intrarenal small artery (IRSA) remodelling and stiffness in rats with possible involvement of AGEs and RAGE.
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2020) Ba, Yajing; Shi, Xiaoyun; Ke, Yilang; Lin, Xiaohong; Hong, Huashan
Objectives. To study changes in morphology, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the AGEs receptor, RAGE, that occur with ageing in intrarenal small arteries (IRSAs) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and to investigate the possible roles of hypertension, AGEs and RAGE in the progression of IRSA remodelling and stiffness with ageing in rats. METHODS: Ageing SHRs and ageing normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were studied. The minimal renal vascular resistance (minRVR) was measured. Renal arcuate arteries (RAAs) and interlobular arteries (RILAs), the expression of α-smooth muscle actin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, AGEs, RAGE and the plasma concentrations of AGEs were also examined. RESULTS: The IRSA minRVR, wall thickening, cell proliferation and collagen deposition in RILAs and RAAs gradually increased with age in SHRs and were much higher in 24-week-old SHRs than in age-matched WKY rats (p<0.05); these indexes in WKY rats were only elevated in the 72-week group (p<0.05). The expression of RAGE in the RAA and RILA tunica media in SHRs was upregulated by 24 weeks and 12 weeks (p<0.05), respectively, while AGEs levels in the plasma and in the IRSA tunica media were increased by 48 weeks (p<0.05) and increased gradually with age. The levels of both RAGE and AGEs in WKY rats were increased only at 72 weeks (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Hypertension accelerates the development of age-related IRSA remodelling and stiffness in rats, which may be related to upregulation of RAGE in the IRSA tunica media and increased expression of AGEs at the late stage.
Open Access
Immunohistochemical investigation of amyloid ß-protein (Aß) in the brain of aged cats
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2005) Brellou, G.; Vlemmas, I.; Lekkas, S.; Papaioannou, N.
To clarify the immunohistochemical features of amyloid deposits and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), the distribution of the amyloid ß-protein subtypes Aß40, Aß42, Aß43 and Aß precursor protein (APP) were examined in the brains of fourteen aged cats (7.5-21 year-old). Two types of plaques were detected. The first type was characterized by Aß positive antigenic material and detected in the cortical layers of the frontal and parietal lobes of all examined cats. The second type was characterized by diffuse positive immune staining representing diffuse plaques, which were detected only in the very aged cats (17-21 years old) and distributed throughout the cortical layers of the parietal lobes. Vascular amyloid and the amyloid deposits were strongly positive-stained with the antibody Aß42. APP was exhibited in neurons and axons while the staining was stronger in the very aged cats (17-21 years old). Our findings suggest that the feline forms a spontaneous model for understanding the early changes of normal brain aging and the early stage of amyloid ‚-protein deposition.
Open Access
Lamin A-C, laminopathies and premature ageing
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2008) Liu, Baohua; Zhou, Zhongjun
Lamin A/C belongs to type V intermediate filaments and constitutes the nuclear lamina and nuclear matrix, where a variety of nuclear activities occur. Lamin A/C protein is firstly synthesized as a precursor and is further proteolytically processed by the zinc metallo-proteinase Ste24 (Zmpste24). Lamin A/C mutations cause a series of human diseases, collectively called laminopathies, the most severe of which is Hutchinson Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and restrictive dermopathy (RD) which arises due to an unsuccessful maturation of prelamin A. Although the exact underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood, genomic instability, defective nuclear mechanics and mechanotransduction, have been hypothesized to be responsible for laminopathy-based premature ageing. Removal of unprocessed prelamin A (progerin) or rescue of defective DNA repair could be potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HGPS in future.
Open Access
Ley de Dependencia: de la fragilidad de los servicios, a la necesidad de la prestación económica
(Murcia : Universidad de Murcia, 2014) Martínez López, José Ángel; Envejecimiento
La Ley de Promoción de la Autonomía Personal y Atención a las Personas en Situación de Dependencia establece como prioritario la concesión de servicios frente a las prestaciones económicas. Sin embargo, la prestación económica de cuidados en el entorno familiar y apoyo a cuidadores no profesionales ha pasado de ser la excepción a la norma (incumpliendo el mandato y el espíritu de la ley), remunerando económicamente las atenciones que prestan las familias a sus miembros en situación de dependencia. En un escenario de crisis económica, de disminución de ayudas de protección social y alto desempleo se puede estar transformando en una renta básica que está permitiendo cubrir, junto a las pensiones de las personas mayores, las necesidades primordiales de las unidades familiares que se encuentran en situación económica precaria, pudiendo, en ocasiones, producir un detrimento de la adecuada atención del titular del derecho.
Open Access
Low-intensity ultrasound energy applied to the testes of aged rats
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1998) Haddad, S.; Franci, J.A.A.; Petenusci, S.O.; Lamano Carvalho, T.L.
Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that low-intensity ultrasound applied to the scrotum of prepubertal rats causes a 62% increase in plasma testosterone, suggesting a possible stimulation of LH receptors andtor the enzymes controlling the steroidogenic process. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether low-intensity ultrasound has a stimulatory effect on the androgenic activity of aged testes. In addition to plasma testosterone, LH and FSH, the testicular spermatogenic status was also analysed. Ultrasound applied to the scrotum of aged rats did not stimulate sperm production, which was significantly reduced compared to sexually mature animals, and failed to re-establish the steroidogenic testicular function, which was decreased by 74%, suggesting an inherent loss of gonadal steroidogenic competence.
Open Access
Membrane peroxidation index and maximum lifespan are negatively correlated in fish of the genus Nothobranchius
(The Company of Biologists, 2020-04-22) Costa, J. de; Barja, G.; Almaida Pagán, Pedro Francisco; Fisiología; Ciber Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
The lipid composition of cell membranes is linked tometabolic rate and lifespan in mammals and birds but very little information is available for fish. In this study, three fish species of the short-lived annual genus Nothobranchius with different maximum lifespan potential (MLSP) and the longer-lived outgroup species Aphyosemion australe were studied to test whether they conform to the predictions of the longevity–homeoviscous adaptation (LHA) theory of ageing. Lipid analyses were performed in whole-fish samples and the peroxidation index (PIn) for every phospholipid (PL) class and for the whole membrane was calculated. Total PL content was significantly lower in A. australe and N. korthausae, the two species with the highest MLSP, and a negative correlation between membrane total PIn and fish MLSP was found, meaning that the longer-lived fish species have more saturated membranes and, therefore, a lower susceptibility to oxidative damage, as the LHA theory posits.
Open Access
‘More than one red herring’? Heterogeneous effects of ageing on health care utilisation
(Wiley, 2020-05) Costa-Font, Joan; Vilaplana Prieto, Cristina; Fundamentos del Análisis Económico
We study the effect of ageing, defined as an extra year of life, on health care utilisation. We disentangle the direct effect of ageing, from other alternative explanations such as the presence of comorbidities and endogenous time to death (TTD) that are argued to absorb the effect of ageing (so-called ‘red herring’ hypothesis). We exploit individual level end of life data from several European countries that record the use of medicine, outpatient and inpatient care and long-term care. Consistently with the ‘red herring hypothesis’, we find that corrected TTD estimates are significantly different from uncorrected ones, and their effect size exceeds that of an extra year of life, which in turn is moderated by individual comorbidities. Corrected estimates suggest an overall attenuated effect of ageing, which does not influence outpatient care utilisation. These results suggest the presence of ‘more than one red herring’ depending on the type of health care examined.
Embargo
Octodon degus: a natural model of multimorbidity for ageing research
(Elsevier. Science Direct, 2020-12) Cuenca Bermejo, Lorena; Pizzichini, Elisa; González Cuello, Ana María; De Stefano, María Egle; Fernández Villalba, Emiliano; Herrero, María Trinidad; Enfermería
Integrating the multifactorial processes co-occurring in both physiological and pathological human conditions still remains one of the main challenges in translational investigation. Moreover, the impact of age-associated disorders has increased, which underlines the urgent need to find a feasible model that could help in the development of successful therapies. In this sense, the Octodon degus has been indicated as a 'natural' model in many biomedical areas, especially in ageing. This rodent shows complex social interactions and high sensitiveness to early-stressful events, which have been used to investigate neurodevelopmental processes. Interestingly, a high genetic similarity with some key proteins implicated in human diseases, such as apolipoprotein-E, β-amyloid or insulin, has been demonstrated. On the other hand, the fact that this animal is diurnal has provided important contribution in the field of circadian biology. Concerning age-related diseases, this rodent could be a good model of multimorbidity since it naturally develops cognitive decline, neurodegenerative histopathological hallmarks, visual degeneration, type II diabetes, endocrinological and metabolic dysfunctions, neoplasias and kidneys alterations. In this review we have collected and summarized the studies performed on the Octodon degus through the years that support its use as a model for biomedical research, with a special focus on ageing.
Open Access
Pensions, Ageing and Social Security Research: Literature Review and Global Trends
(2021-12-15) Santos Jaén, José Manuel; Valls Martínez, María del Carmen; Amin, Fahim-ul; Martín Cervantes, Pedro Antonio; Economía Financiera y Contabilidad
Pension systems are one of the fundamental pillars of the welfare state. The ageing of the population caused by longer life expectancy and low birth rates has led to a crisis in the public pension system in developed countries. Changes for the system’s sustainability are necessary, and the scientific literature on the subject is abundant, especially in recent years. This article aims to carry out a bibliometric analysis of the research carried out to date, highlighting, in turn, future lines of research. The study was carried out on a total of 1287 articles published from 1936 to 2021 and found in the Scopus database. The SciMAT, VOSviewer, and Datawrapper tools were used to analyse the most important articles, authors, countries, and institutions by volume of production and citations, as well as the relationships between them. Likewise, the most important keywords and their evolution over time were highlighted, obtaining the main focus of the research. In addition to the general analysis, a specific study was carried out in the area of Mathematics. The results show that the leading countries are the United Kingdom, the USA, and the Netherlands. On the other hand, the lead subject area in which these articles have been published is Economics, Econometrics, and Finance. The research trends are sustainability, pension reform related to ageing, and pension insurance.
Open Access
Personas mayores, participación y cambio social antes y después del COVID-19
(Universidad de Murcia, Servicio de Publicaciones, 2021) Medina Ruiz, Elvira
La participación social está estrechamente ligada al bienestar y un envejecimiento saludable generando beneficios físicos y psicológicos. Sin embargo, las personas mayores tienen tendencia a bajar los niveles de participación e interacción social tras la jubilación, aunque otros muchos continúan militando y participando en entidades y movimientos sociales. La pandemia provocada por la COVID-19 ha tenido un fuerte impacto a nivel social y sanitario siendo los principales perjudicados las personas mayores, no solo por las elevadas tasas de mortalidad sino porque las medidas de distanciamiento social impuestas para su protección, han dado lugar a un agravamiento del aislamiento social y el sentimiento de soledad de nuestros mayores. Es urgente generar espacios seguros para aumentar los niveles de participación social.
Open Access
Polyglucosan bodies in the prostatic stromal smooth muscles of aged dogs
(Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2017) Kamiya, Shinji; Yoshimura, Hisashi; Okada, Keina; Yoshida, Ayaka; Fukuda, Yuki; Yamamoto, Masami; Soeta, Satoshi; Takahashi, Kimimasa
Polyglucosan bodies (PGB) in the prostate of aged dogs without neurological signs were examined by light microscopy, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Prostatic PGB were round or oval and slightly basophilic. Most of the bodies were situated within the stromal smooth muscle cells. PGB were intensely positive for PAS, Best’s carmine, Lugol’s iodine and Grocott’s methenamine silver method. Moreover, canine prostatic PGB were immunoreactive for monoclonal antibodies raised against human polyglucosan. The frequency of PGB in the smooth muscle cells was significantly correlated with the age of dogs. The occurrence of PGB in the canine prostate might be a non-specific finding related to ageing.