Biogerontology in Ukraine: update

• Published in: Biogerontology (Dordrecht) 2011-02, Vol.12 (1), p.37-45
• Main Authors: Bezrukov, Vladislav V., Muradian, Khachik K., Vaiserman, Alexander M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aging; Aging - genetics; Aging - immunology; Aging - physiology; Anniversaries; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedical Research; Cell Biology; Comparative analysis; Cooperation; Developmental Biology; Geriatrics; Geriatrics/Gerontology; Gerontology; Humans; Immune system; Life Sciences; Metabolism; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial DNA; Oxidative stress; Research Article; Ukraine
• ISSN: 1389-5729; 1573-6768
• DOI: 10.1007/s10522-010-9304-5

Recent biogerontological findings in Ukraine are critically reviewed. It is stressed that cooperation of efforts within and between departments, institutions and countries is an efficient mode of coping with the complex problems of aging. A wide spectrum of aging research was traditionally performed in state-funded institutions throughout the country, focusing primarily on the neuro-humoral regulation, immune system, adaptation, oxidative stress, comparative analysis and life span extension. Mitochondria and associated oxidative stress seem to be a crossroad of “wet” and in silico research traffics aimed underpinning mechanisms of aging and life span extension. For instance, the highest coefficients of determination of the mammalian maximum life span were associated with mitochondrial DNA base composition and insertions into the nuclear DNA (NUMTs). The main conclusions of the multidirectional investigative endeavors could concisely be described as: modifications of the mitochondrial membrane resulted in alterations in ROS generation, metabolism, and life span; coordinated action of the key antioxidant genes and enzymes is an important issue in successful aging; lateral hypothalamic area could be a morpho-functional center of anti-aging in CNS; lymphoid tissue microenvironment is crucial in determination of functionality of the transplanted cells; gene and polypeptide therapy proved to be a perspective approach in treatment of accelerated aging; artificial atmosphere with optimal gaseous composition could be an efficient mean for life span extension and viability enhancement.