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The metabolomics of aging
Author(s) -
Berger Alvin,
Milgram Eric,
Mitchell Matthew,
Lawton Kay,
Hanson Richard,
Kalhan Satish,
Milburn Mike
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.6.a1040-b
Subject(s) - metabolome , medicine , oxidative stress , endocrinology , metabolism , taurine , carnitine , amino acid , sarcopenia , chemistry , metabolomics , ornithine , biology , biochemistry , metabolite , arginine , bioinformatics
We evaluated the effects of aging on the plasma metabolome in a racially mixed cohort of 270 human subjects, aged 25–65. Using a global LC‐ and GC‐MS approach, 432 compounds (131 named) were detected in plasma. Age, race, and gender affected 250‐ (68% being increased), 100‐, and 100‐ compounds, respectively. Increased age was associated with increased TCA intermediates, creatine, essential/non‐essential amino acids, urea, ornithine and polyamines. Compounds related to fat metabolism, including fatty acids, carnitine, betahydroxybutyrate, cholesterol and glycocholate, were higher in persons 51–65 years. DHEA levels (a proposed anti‐aging androgen) were lower in this older age group; whereas markers of oxidative stress including oxoproline, hippurate and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoate were higher. Xenobiotics (e.g., caffeine) were increased in older subjects, which may relate to P450 metabolism. The data suggest aging is associated with significant changes in protein, fat and energy metabolism, and provide evidence for increased oxidative stress. Increases in plasma amino acid and fatty acids with age may result from increased sarcopenia and insulin resistance. Evaluation of the plasma metabolome provides a rapid and powerful method for examining physiological perturbations in aging and other biological processes.