Does Sertraline age you? (+3 factors affecting ageing)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether Sertraline has a direct effect on ageing or not. We will look into the factors that impact ageing. We will dig deep into the potential side effects associated with Sertraline in the aged population with major depressive disorder.
Does Sertraline age you?
No, Sertraline does not age you. Sertraline being an SSRI antidepressant does not directly affect ageing. However, some indirect factors may contribute to the early ageing process while being on Sertraline.
Does Sertraline have a direct link to ageing?
Sertraline does not have a direct link to ageing but the depressive and anxiolytic disorders that are treated with Sertraline which include major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), etc. have an impact on premature ageing.
Psychiatric disorders are considered a major risk factor for ageing-related conditions. Advanced ageing is associated with reduced morbidity and lack of physical activity due to which the quality of life is reduced. Depression, on the other hand, is also a leading cause of disability or reduced movements (1).
There are no experimental clinical trials to determine whether SSRIs including Sertraline are efficacious for mitigating the impact of depression on mobility and activity (1).
It is important to understand that Sertraline is used to treat depression and anxiety by altering the brain chemicals. The pharmacology of Sertraline has no direct connection to ageing but the side effects may vary from person to person.
Which factors can age you while taking Sertraline?
Ageing is a complex process that may be affected by Sertraline based on certain factors that include (2):
Biological/Psychological factors
Ageing is a complete process that appears at cellular, molecular, and tissue levels. Interindividual factors in physiological systems also serve as an important factor in ageing (3).
Cellular damage is caused due to exposure to UV radiation, oxidative stress, and harmful toxins. These factors can cause cellular-level dysfunction and ageing in individuals.
Moreover, hormonal changes due to Sertraline can be a leading factor in ageing. It can induce various effects on the body and changes in skin appearance.
Chronic inflammation occurs at the tissue level contributing to ageing factors. Genetics, DNA damage, and mutations in various individuals can cause age-related difficulties at cellular levels.
Stress, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and related factors contribute significantly to the ageing process. These can negatively impact your body and lead to an increased ageing process. These may serve as a backbone for hormonal and cellular level damage.
Therefore, effort should be made to avoid certain factors and reasons in your life that contribute to stress and other psychological problems which serve as the root cause of ageing.
Social/ Lifestyle factors
Alcohol consumption, smoking, tobacco intake, and lack of physical activities may be contributing factors toward premature ageing. Furthermore, poor diet, dehydration, excessive sun exposure, and poor lifestyle can cause certain changes in your body which can accelerate the ageing process.
A healthy and nutritious diet, and intake of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, can improve your overall health. Good physical exercise and healthy lifestyle habits are contributing factors to a long life.
What are the strategies to minimize drug-induced ageing?
The following strategies might help in reducing the drug-induced ageing process:
- Regularly consult with your doctor or prescriber and do not miss your follow-up sessions. Update your healthcare provider about the side effects that you are facing due to the drugs prescribed.
- Be cautious about the polypharmacy management. Multiple concomitant administrations of medications can lead to adverse effects including ageing. Consult your doctor for a simple and basic drug regimen.
- Keep yourself hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy, fit body might help to eradicate drug-induced ageing mechanisms.
- Avoid intoxicants such as alcohol and other harmful substances including nicotine, tobacco, etc. These substances play a major role in ageing along with medication.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the effect of Sertraline on ageing. We have discussed the common ground between Sertraline and ageing. We have further discovered some potential adverse effects impacting the elderly population with major depressive disorder taking Sertraline.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Justice JN, Silverstein-Metzler MG, Uberseder B, Appt SE, Clarkson TB, Register TC, Kritchevsky SB, Shively CA. Relationships of depressive behavior and sertraline treatment with walking speed and activity in older female nonhuman primates. Geroscience. 2017 Dec;39(5-6):585-600. doi: 10.1007/s11357-017-9999-1. Epub 2017 Oct 28. PMID: 29080976; PMCID: PMC5745214.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5745214/
2.-
Nikola Getoff, Anti-aging and aging factors in life. The role of free radicals, Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Volume 76, Issue 10, 2007, Pages 1577-1586, ISSN 0969-806X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2007.01.002.
3.-
Mangoni AA, Jackson SH. Age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: basic principles and practical applications. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2004 Jan;57(1):6-14. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.02007.x. PMID: 14678335; PMCID: PMC1884408 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1884408/
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