Age- and sex-associated plasma proteomic changes in growth hormone receptor gene-disrupted mice

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2012 Aug;67(8):830-40. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glr212. Epub 2011 Dec 7.

Abstract

Growth hormone receptor gene-disrupted (GHR-/-) mice are dwarf, insulin sensitive, and long lived despite being obese. In order to identify characteristics associated with their increased longevity, we studied age-related plasma proteomic changes in these mice. Male and female GHR-/- mice and their littermate controls were followed longitudinally at 8, 16, and 24 months of ages for plasma proteomic analysis. Relative to control littermates, GHR-/- mice had increased levels of apolipoprotein A-4 and retinol-binding protein-4 and decreased levels of apolipoprotein E, haptoglobin, and mannose-binding protein-C. Female GHR-/- mice showed decreased inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Additionally, sex differences were found in specific isoforms of apolipoprotein E, RBP-4, haptoglobin, albumin, and hemoglobin subunit beta. In conclusion, we find plasma proteomic changes in GHR-/- mice that favor a longer life span as well as sex differences indicative of an improved health span in female mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Apolipoproteins A / metabolism*
  • Body Composition
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Female
  • Longevity / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Proteomics
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Receptors, Somatotropin / genetics*
  • Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma / metabolism
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins A
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cytokines
  • Rbp4 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Somatotropin
  • Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma
  • apolipoprotein A-IV
  • somatotropin-binding protein