Ergothioneine and its prospects as an anti-ageing compound
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2022
Abstract
Healthy ageing is a crucial process that needs to be highlighted as it affects the quality of lifespan. An increase in oxidative stress along with ageing is the major factor related to the age-associated diseases, especially neuro-degenerative disorders. An antioxidant-rich diet has been proven to play a significant role in the ageing process. Targeting ageing mechanisms could be a worthwhile approach to improving health standards. Ergothioneine (EGT), a hydrophilic compound with specific transporter known as OCTN1, has been shown to exert anti-ageing properties. In addition to its antioxidant effect, EGT has been reported to have anti-senescence, anti-inflam-matory and anti-neurodegenerative properties. This review aims to define the pivotal role of EGT in major signalling pathways in ageing such as insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling (IIS), sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) and mammalian target of rapamycin complex (mTOR) pathways. The review further discusses evidence of EGT on neurodegeneration in its therapeutic context in various model organisms, providing new insights into improving health. In conclusion, an ergothioneine-rich diet may be beneficial in preventing age-related diseases, resulting in a healthy ageing population.
Keywords
Ageing, Ergothioneine, Mitochondrial dysfunction, Oxidative stress, Neurodegenerative diseases
Divisions
biomedsc,InstituteofBiologicalSciences,pharlife
Funders
Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia [Grant no. FP016-2019A, FRGS/1/2019/SKK09/UM/02/2]
Publication Title
Experimental Gerontology
Volume
170
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Location
THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND