BioProject

The increase of aged population makes it necessary to find effective prevention and treatment procedures to help the elderly to enjoy a healthy and long life. More...

The increase of aged population makes it necessary to find effective prevention and treatment procedures to help the elderly to enjoy a healthy and long life. The organochlorine compound p,p´-DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene) is a DDT metabolic byproduct that generates great concern because its deleterious effects on both human and environment health. It is an endocrine disruptor agent and causes alterations in immune response, reproductive system, development, nervous system and endocrine homeostasis. Nutritional interventions may improve health and prolong life. A transcriptional study was carried on in order to analyze the biological responses caused by p,p´-DDE exposure in the liver of aged Mus spretus mice. Data showed that the elderly are especially sensitive to the toxicity of environmental contaminants. This work also evaluated the possible hepatoprotective effect of including sun-dried Pedro Ximenez must in the diet when p,p´-DDE exposure happens simultaneously. Our results showed that this dietary intervention controls the hepatic metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids through restoring bile acid homeostasis, improving the overall health in the elderly. Overall design: Twenty-month Mus spretus (inbred SPRET/EiJ strain) were fed for 60 days with Teklad diet supplemented with p,p'-DDE (450 mg/kg) dissolved in corn oil. PXM exposed group (four mice) was fed the same diet but also received water with Pedro Ximenez must (85 mg/L of total polyphenols and 31 g/L of 1:1 glucose/fructose). Control group (four mice) was fed only with Teklad diet and corn oil. Less...