Work

β-asarone protects against age-related motor decline via activation of SKN-1/Nrf2 and subsequent induction of GST-4

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Decelerating motor decline is important for promoting healthy aging in the elderly population. Acorus tatarinowii Schott is a traditional Chinese medicine that contains β-asarone as a pharmacologically active constituent. We found that β-asarone can decelerate motor decline in various age groups of Caenorhabditis elegans , while concurrently prolonging their lifespan and modulating synaptic transmission. To understand the mechanisms of its efficacy in motor improvement, we investigated and discovered that mitochondrial fragmentation, a marker for aging, is delayed after β-asarone treatment. Moreover, their efficacy is blocked by dysfunctional mitochondria. Corresponding to their role in regulating mitochondrial homeostasis, we found that SKN-1/Nrf2 and GST-4 are critical in the β-asarone treatment, and they appear to be activated via the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway. Well-developed intestinal microvilli are required for this process. Our study demonstrates the efficacy and mechanism of β-asarone treatment in age-related motor decline, contributing to the discovery of drugs for achieving healthy aging. • β-asarone slows motor decline, prolongs lifespan, and modulates synaptic transmission. • β-asarone delays mitochondria fragmentation • β-asarone promotes the expression of gst-4 by activating SKN-1 to improve motor ability. • Intestinal microvillus is required for the efficacy of β-asarone to improve motor ability.

Source: Pharmacological Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107450