Experimental Research Into MtDNA Deficiency As A Natural Aging Process Of Brain Tissues, Complex Kinase Activity In The Respiratory Chain, And Angelica Pubescence Function

Currently, the aging population has become a global concern. There is now an urgent need and interest in elevating our living standards and improving the quality as well as vigor of life, aiming at anti-aging and longevity.The human brain being the most important organ, cannot escape the process of degeneration with the onset of age. The degenerating process of brain tissues and brain cell functions not only accelerates the aging process, but also severely affects our thought processes, our abilities in cognition, memory, motion co-ordination and our sense of direction, thus diminishing the quality of life. According to the old school of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a person beyond middle-age will more likely see his "qi" subside than otherwise. This drop in "qi" directly reduces the vital nourishment supply into the brain. Therefore, brain aging, and the related symptoms of stagnant energy levels, loss of memory, or the general state of being "slow" become synonymous with the senior segment of our population.Angelica pubescence has long been revered as a superior herb in the Chinese medical realm, mainly due to its functional value in eradicating the causes of rheumatism and the associated numbing symptoms, as well as its ability to impede the aging process. From previous research reports we know that angelica pubescence can significantly reduce lipid peroxide in brain cells and increase the antioxygenic enzyme activity while decreasing the membrane aging index. It can restore the lecithoid structure in the membrane and increase the IL-2 matter in aging mice samples.Objective:This research is built on the foundations of prior studies, under the general concept of "synergy of man and nature" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is based on the theories of free radicals and mitochondria, to further explore the functions and effects of angelica pubescence along with its alcohol extractives in impeding the brain aging process. The goal of this research is to present new theories and methodologies in impeding the aging process of the human brain and body, through Traditional Chinese Medicine, and to provide innovative research data for the research and development of new medicine that can help delay the aging process.Method:1. Select 15 male and 15 female healthy Kunming mice of 16 months old, and then randomly segregate into three groups of ten each: one as an older control group; one as an older stewed angelica pubescence group; and one as an older angelica alcohol extractive group. Further select five each, male and female, three-month-old Kunming mice to serve as the youngercontrol group.2. According to group designations, angelica pubescence and angelica alcohol extractives are separately fed to each group for sixty days, with corresponding sampling and testing.(1) Observe the changes in learning and memory abilities of each group;(2) Observe the brain tissue MDA content and the SOD activity in blood from each group;(3) Observe any sudden loss in brain tissue mtDNA as well as the intervening effect from angelica pubescence on such changes in each group;(4) Observe the brain tissue respiratory chain complex kinase I and IV activity changes, and the intervening effect from angelica pubescence on such changes in each group.Results:1. Both angelica pubescence and angelica alcohol extractives can significantly improve the learning and memory abilities in aging mice;2. Both angelica pubescence and angelica alcohol extractives can increase the SOD activity in blood while reduce the MDA count in brain tissues;3. Older mice generally have significant indications of mtDNA deficiencies in brain tissues, yet in the younger mice groups such are not detectible. Hence mtDNA deficiency is accumulative with aging.4. Both angelica pubescence and angelica alcohol extractives can noticeably reduce the rate of mtDNA deficiencies in brain tissues;5. Changes in brain tissue respiratory chain complex kinase activity are obvious, and in comparison to the younger mice, the activity level is significantly lower.6. Both angelica pubescence an...