Gohar Tsakanova
Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, Armenia
Title: The study of natural anti-aging compounds using two-photon microscopy technique
Biography
Biography: Gohar Tsakanova
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: The non-controlled accumulation of oxidative damage is one of the crucial mechanisms of the aging process. Antioxidant defense is the main mechanism controlling the over generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby protecting the organism against oxidative damage. Nowadays, finding of natural compounds protecting different cell types against oxidative stress is of most importance. From this perspective, Helix pomatia snails can be considered as such protecting compounds due to their well-developed strategy of defence against oxidative injury.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: In total, 30 healthy volunteers (25-35 years young age group, male/female, 5/5; 45-55 years middle-aged group, male/female: 5/5; 65> years older-aged group, male/female: 5/5) were involved in this study. The albumen gland extract was isolated from 40 adult specimens of snails. After the generation of an in vitro model of oxidative stress the intracellular ROS were monitored in human red blood cells (RBCs) with and without albumen gland extract by two-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy using a ROS-sensitive, membrane-permeable fluorescent dye, 5(6)-carboxy-2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (carboxy-DCFDA).
Findings: According to the results obtained, Helix pomatia snails albumen gland extract significantly (P<0.05) reduces the oxidative stress not only in intact RBCs from the older-aged group, but also in RBCs from this group exposed to additional in vitro oxidative stress.
Conclusion & Significance: In conclusion, the snail’s albumen gland protein extract effectively prevents the generation of intracellular ROS thereby demonstrating powerful antioxidant properties, and possesses a protecting effect against aging-generated ROS in human RBCs. And finally, the snail’s albumen gland protein extract can be considered as harmless and effective natural antioxidative means in prevention of the aging-related pathological processes associated with OS.