Dried plum and chokeberry ameliorate d-galactose-induced aging in mice by regulation of Pl3k/Akt-mediated Nrf2 and Nf-kB pathways

• d -Galactose-induced aging exacerbated aging markers such as serum malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced glycation end product (AGE) and liver MDA level. d -Galactose injection led to inactivation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway which resulted in decrease of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increase of nuclear factor-kappa B (Nf-κB) protein expression in liver. Our results showed that decreased protein expression of Nrf2, with increase in KEAP1 expression, led to decrease in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) protein expression in liver. • Chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa ) has been recognized for anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and hepatoprotective effects. Dried plum possesses bone protective effects, and cholesterol-lowering effects. In the present study, dried plum and chokeberry showed protective effects in senescence by lowering serum MDA and AGE level. By activating PI3K/Akt pathway, dried plum and chokeberry Nrf2 protein expression was increased whereas KEAP1 was decreased. In succession, protein expression of downstream antioxidants, such as CAT, SOD2 and GPx , was increased. Dried plum and chokeberry also inhibited activation of Nf-κB. • Our results showed that dried plum and chokeberry decreased serum aging markers in d -galactose-induced aging model. By activating PI3K/Akt cascade pathway, Nrf2-mediated antioxidant activation was increased and Nf-κB expression was decreased. Therefore, dried plum and chokeberry can be suggested as protective foods in senescence.