Dried plum and chokeberry ameliorate d-galactose-induced aging in mice by regulation of Pl3k/Akt-mediated Nrf2 and Nf-kB pathways

- d-Galactose-induced aging exacerbated aging markers such as serum malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced glycation end product (AGE) and liver MDA level. d-Galactose injection led to inactivation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway which resulted in decrease of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increase of nuclear factor-kappa B (Nf-κB) protein expression in liver. Our results showed that decreased protein expression of Nrf2, with increase in KEAP1 expression, led to decrease in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) protein expression in liver.
- Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) has been recognized for anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and hepatoprotective effects. Dried plum possesses bone protective effects, and cholesterol-lowering effects. In the present study, dried plum and chokeberry showed protective effects in senescence by lowering serum MDA and AGE level. By activating PI3K/Akt pathway, dried plum and chokeberry Nrf2 protein expression was increased whereas KEAP1 was decreased. In succession, protein expression of downstream antioxidants, such as CAT, SOD2 and GPx, was increased. Dried plum and chokeberry also inhibited activation of Nf-κB.
- Our results showed that dried plum and chokeberry decreased serum aging markers in d-galactose-induced aging model. By activating PI3K/Akt cascade pathway, Nrf2-mediated antioxidant activation was increased and Nf-κB expression was decreased. Therefore, dried plum and chokeberry can be suggested as protective foods in senescence.