For a long time, the brain was thought to exclusively contain finally differentiated cells, such as neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. These highly specialized cells are originated during embryonic development and their number decreases throughout adulthood. However, from 1962, Joseph Altman and his colleagues challenged this dogma by demonstrating that the brain contained other types of…
In the past decade, several types of viruses emerged from around the world. Some of these such as Covid-19 are already a reality that is leading to the loss of human lives and serious economic damages. Unfortunately, this epidemic is not the first nor the last one, and therefore, a better prevention system, new viral…
Gene therapy is a field of biology or medicine that focuses on introducing or replacing defective genes that are involved in the etiology of some genetic diseases. To introduce or replace defective genes, this approach involves using viral or non-viral vectors to insert healthy copies of genes into the cells of affected people to re-establish their normal…
The hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with the accumulation of “senile” plaques that are composed of amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein that surround neurons in affected regions. This accumulation results in loss of neurons in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, leading to progressive cognitive decline such as memory defects. A connection between the brain and…
Stem cells are responsible for the generation of all tissues and organs within the body. When these cells become mutated at the gene level (DNA), they become cancerous and are named cancer stem cells [1]. These cancer cells are thought to provide resistance to chemotherapy and relapse in cancer patients. The mutations can affect embryonic…
Regenerative medicine is a therapeutic medical field that focuses on developing technologies that use stem cells to replace, engineer, or regenerate human or animal cells, tissues, or organs with the aim of restoring or establishing normal function. Stem cells have the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into different types of cells that are found in…
The gut flora is a heterogeneous population of micro-organisms that includes bacteria, fungi, and archaea, and that plays important role in the digestion and absorbance of food. Transplantation of fecal microbiota from younger mice (Donor) to older (Recipient) enhanced their health and lifespan (longevity). During the process of aging, the function of beneficial microbes, that…
Microcirculation is a network of blood vessels that provide tissues and organs with essential nutrients and oxygen for their maintenance, activities, and survival, while also cleansing the body’s waste products [1]. Therefore, a better microcirculation is key for longer and healthier life, and its impairment can lead to premature deaths [2][3]. Why Do Nonagenarians and…
Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA interference, have been shown to play crucial roles in regulating the expression of genes that are involved in age-related diseases and longevity [1]. These mechanisms are mediated by modifying histone enzymes and noncoding RNAs. However, several environmental and dietary factors can lead to their imbalance, leading…
Several studies have identified a link between chronic inflammation and longevity [1]. Although inflammation, such as acute inflammation is an essential event in immune response and tissue homeostasis, chronic inflammation has been associated with chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. These diseases are the main causes of bad quality of life,…
