Mechanisms of neuroplasticity and brain degeneration: strategies for protection during the aging process

Aging is a dynamic and progressive process that begins at conception and continues until death.This process leads to a decrease in homeostasis and morphological,biochemical and psychological changes,increasing the individual’s vulnerability to various diseases.The growth in the number of aging populations has increased the prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases,impairment of the central nervous system and dementias,such as Alzheimer’s disease,whose main risk factor is age,leading to an increase of the number of individuals who need daily support for life activities.Some theories about aging suggest it is caused by an increase of cellular senescence and reactive oxygen species,which leads to inflammation,oxidation,cell membrane damage and consequently neuronal death.Also,mitochondrial mutations,which are generated throughout the aging process,can lead to changes in energy production,deficiencies in electron transport and apoptosis induction that can result in decreased function.Additionally,increasing cellular senescence and the release of proinflammatory cytokines can cause irreversible damage to neuronal cells.Recent reports point to the importance of changing lifestyle by increasing physical exercise,improving nutrition and environmental enrichment to activate neuroprotective defense mechanisms.Therefore,this review aims to address the latest information about the different mechanisms related to neuroplasticity and neuronal death and to provide strategies that can improve neuroprotection and decrease the neurodegeneration caused by aging and environmental stressors.

Phosphorylated tau as a toxic agent in synaptic mitochondria: implications in aging and Alzheimer’s disease

During normal aging,there is a decline in all physiological functions in the organism.One of the most affected organs is the brain,where neurons lose their proper synaptic function leading to cognitive impairment.Aging is one of the main risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer’s disease.One of the main responsible factors for synaptic dysfunction in aging and neurodegenerative diseases is the accumulation of abnormal proteins forming aggregates.The most studied brain aggregates are the senile plaques,formed by Aβpeptide;however,the aggregates formed by phosphorylated tau protein have gained relevance in the last years by their toxicity.It is reported that neurons undergo severe mitochondrial dysfunction with age,with a decrease in adenosine 5′-triphosphate production,loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential,redox imbalance,impaired mitophagy,and loss of calcium buffer capacity.Interestingly,abnormal tau protein interacts with several mitochondrial proteins,suggesting that it could induce mitochondrial dysfunction.Nevertheless,whether tau-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction occurs indirectly or directly is still unknown.A recent study of our laboratory shows that phosphorylated tau at Ser396/404(known as PHF-1),an epitope commonly related to pathology,accumulates inside mitochondria during normal aging.This accumulation occurs preferentially in synaptic mitochondria,which suggests that it may contribute to the synaptic failure and cognitive impairment seen in aged individuals.Here,we review the main tau modifications promoting mitochondrial dysfunction,and the possible mechanism involved.Also,we discuss the evidence that supports the possibility that phosphorylated tau accumulation in synaptic mitochondria promotes synaptic and cognitive impairment in aging.Finally,we show evidence and argue about the presence of phosphorylated tau PHF-1 inside mitochondria in Alzheimer’s disease,which could be considered as an early event in the neurodegenerative process.Thus,phosphorylated tau PHF-1 inside the mitochondria could be considered such a potential therapeutic target to prevent or attenuate age-related cognitive impairment.