BRIEF CURRICULUM VITAE
Name: MOHSEN MEYDANI, DVM, PhD
Educational Background:
1. 1971: D.V.M., Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran
2. 1977: M.S., Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
3. 1982: Ph.D, Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames IA.
Current Position in the Institutions:
1.Director, Vascular Biology Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on
Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA
2.Professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University and Senior Scientist,
USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA
Research Interest:
Dr. Mohsen Meydani’s research has focused on and continues to investigate the molecular
mechanisms of dietary antioxidants including vitamins E, C, carotenoids, and bioactive components
of foods including avenanthramides of oats, epigalochatechin gallate of green tea, curcumin of
turmeric and other polyphenols as well as oxidative stress on vascular function in relation to aging
and the development of atherosclerosis and angiogenesis, which play critical roles in the development
and progression of cardiovascular disease, tumors angiogenesis and obesity.
Contact Details (Working Address):
Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
Tufts University
Vascular Biology Laboratory, Room 620
711 Washington Street, Boston MA 02111
TEL: 617-556-3126 Email: Mohsen.meydani@tufts.edu
Abstract2:Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds and Aging
Aging is associated with the decline of many physiological functions and increased prevalence of
chronic diseases. Time dependent, functional deterioration observed in many organisms during aging
and age-related diseases may be causally related to several factors including the deleterious action of
free radicals, dysregulation of signaling molecules, and changes in epigenetic patterns, which are
affected by environmental factors such as nutrition. There is compelling evidence that nutrition
modulates the aging process and age-related diseases. Nutrient sensing complex signaling pathways,
composed of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycine), NAD(+) dependent deacetylases (sirtuins)
and AMPK (AMP activated kinase) have been discovered to be metabolic sensors to govern
senescence and age-related degenerative diseases. Several bioactive components of food such as
resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin and catechins have been shown to modulate activation of these
molecular complexes not only through their antioxidant properties but also by altering signaling
pathways involved in aging and age-associated disease. In addition, nutrients and bioactive
compounds in food can modulate gene expression during aging through epigenetic phenomena by
DNA methylation and histone modification. In these processes, nutrients and bioactive compounds of
foods modulate methylation of DNA or histone in an age-dependent manner by altering
methyltransferases or providing co-factors such as B-vitamins including folate, B12, B6 and methyl
donors methionine, choline, betaine. NHANES surveys have also shown that the intake of these and
other micro- and macro-nutrients and total caloric intake is inadequate among the elderly. Several
factors may be responsible such as: inadequate food intake, changes in normal physiology like
dentures, ability to digest and absorb nutrients, increased prevalence of chronic disease as well as
socio economic, cultural and polypharmacy factors. Sedentary life styles and reduced basal metabolic
rate also contribute to overweight and obesity and visceral accumulation of fat in older adults, which
is associated with chronic inflammation, and are well-established causes of several diseases including
type II diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension thrombosis and other age-associated diseases. To
prevent these pathophysiological conditions and add life to the years, adopting a balanced healthy diet
(My Plate For Older Adults: http://now.tufts.edu/articles/eat-well-age-well) comprised of generous
amount of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is the current general recommendation to the elderly
along with regular physical activity and several glasses of water every day. Supported by USDA
Agriculture Research Service contract #58-1950-0-014.