Aging Methods and Protocols / Edition 1

by Yvonne A. Barnett, Christopher R. Barnett

Overview

Aging is an almost universal process within biological systems, one which leads to a decline in functional capacity, disease onset, and eventually death. There has been much interest in recent years to elucidate the molecular mec- nisms that underlie the aging process. Many theories have been proposed since the last century that aim to explain the causes of aging. There is no one theory that completely satisfies the phenotype of aging, but genetics and environm- tal factors play an important role in the etiology of age-related pathologies and the aging process. However, there is still much to be learned about the aging process which has been termed one of the last great frontiers in biology. De- graphic changes worldwide are leading to increased average life expectancies within our populations. These changes in population characteristics will impact upon the economies of the supporting society, with increasing healthcare and infrastructural costs arising from the prevalence of age-related pathologies and other physical disabilities associated with advancing years. Many researchers worldwide are working in the attempt to identify key cellular processes through which it might one day be possible to slow down the aging process and thus increase the health span of humans. Numerous research projects—from the cellular through to tissue, organ, and whole organism studies—are currently underway to investigate the mul- factorial aging process.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781617370830
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	11/09/2010
Series:	Methods in Molecular Medicine , #38
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2000
Pages:	385
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.35(d)

About the Author

Barnett, Yvonne A. (Univ of Ulster); Barnett, Christopher R. (Univ of Ulster)

Table of Contents

The Study of Cell Senescence and Cell Death.- Understanding Aging.- Use of the Fibroblast Model in the Study of Cellular Senescence.- Human T-Cell Clones.- Telomeres and Replicative Senescence.- Detection of Molecular Events During Apoptosis by Flow Cytometry.- Raf-1 Protein Kinase Activity in T Cells from Aged Mice.- Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Young and Senescent T Cells.- Age-Related Changes to Xenobiotic Metabolizing Enzyme Systems.- Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzyme Systems and Aging.- Age-Related Changes to Defense Systems Against Biomolecule Damage.- Assessing Age-Related Changes in Antioxidant Status.- Measurement of DNA Damage and Repair Capacity as a Function of Age Using the Comet Assay.- Measurement of DNA Damage and Repair in Human White Blood Cells by an Immunochemical Assay.- Age-Related Changes to Cellular Biomolecules.- Measurement of 8-Oxo-deoxyguanosine in Lymphocytes, Cultured Cells, and Tissue Samples by HPLC with Electrochemical Detection.- Mutation and the Aging Process.- Somatic Mutations and Aging.- Assessment of Susceptibility of Low-Density Lipoprotein to Oxidation.- Measurement of Pentosidine in Biological Samples.- Mihondrial Morphology, Function, and Mutation with Age.- Causes and Consequences of Damage to Mihondria.- Causes and Consequences of Damage to Mihondria.- Analysis of Mihondrial DNA Mutations.- Analysis of Mihondrial DNA Mutations.- Immune System and Aging.- Assessment of T-Cell Function in the Aged.- Dendritic Cells in Old Age.- Age-Related Alterations to Natural Killer Cell Function.- Immunogenetics and Life-Span.- Case Studies.- Dietary Restriction and Life-Span Extension.- The Use of Genetically Engineered Mice in Aging Research.

Editorial Reviews

2 Stars from Doody

This multiauthored text is a description of contemporary methodology in research on biological gerontology. The purpose is to provide an overview of current techniques of biological research in regard to aging. Researchers in biological gerontology are the audience at whom this book is aimed. The authors of each chapter clearly have wide experience and breadth of understanding of their respective areas of interest. This book is copiously illustrated. It is analogous to organic chemistry texts on methods of synthesis. In many places caveats are offered in areas that are likely to give trouble. This book will appeal to those learning how to study and perform research in areas of molecular biology dealing with aging. The content is highly technical and presupposes some familiarity with the techniques of molecular biology.

David O. Staats

A team of international experts detail key biochemical, analytical, and molecular techniques for the investigation of aging at the cell, tissue, organ, and whole system levels. These methods address a wide range of research needs, from uncovering the factors associated with cell senescence and death, to exploring alterations in the body's ability to metabolize xenobiotics and defend itself against biomolecular damage. Protocols also measure the morphological, functional, and molecular changes that accumulate within mitochondria over time, and permit the genetic and functional characteristics of the immune system to be determined. Contributors include immunologists, gerontologists, neurologists, biochemists, oncologists, molecular biologists, and other scientists. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Reviewer: David O. Staats, MD (University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center)
Description: This multiauthored text is a description of contemporary methodology in research on biological gerontology.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide an overview of current techniques of biological research in regard to aging.
Audience: Researchers in biological gerontology are the audience at whom this book is aimed. The authors of each chapter clearly have wide experience and breadth of understanding of their respective areas of interest.
Features: This book is copiously illustrated. It is analogous to organic chemistry texts on methods of synthesis. In many places caveats are offered in areas that are likely to give trouble.
Assessment: This book will appeal to those learning how to study and perform research in areas of molecular biology dealing with aging. The content is highly technical and presupposes some familiarity with the techniques of molecular biology.

Doody's Review Service

"Aging Methods and Prools brings together a wide variety of molecular experimental techniques for studying the aging process. A group of experts related their own aging experimental methods in a step-by-step manner. This format makes it easy to use and adapt specific techniques for individual laboratories. Aging Methods and Prools contains a unique group of useful experimental methods. The book is highly recommended for academic research-oriented health science libraries. It is also recommended for individual research laboratories investigating the aging process." - E-STREAMS

From the Publisher