Zein nanoparticles extend lifespan in C. elegans and SAMP8 mice.
Abstract
Empty zein nanoparticles (NP) have been shown to lower glycemia in rats by stimulating the secretion of endogenous GLP-1. This study evaluated the effect of these nanoparticles on the lifespan of two animal models: C. elegans fed with a glucose-rich diet and the senescence accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8 mice). In C. elegans, NP increased the mean lifespan of worms by 7 days (from 17.1 for control to 24.5 days). This observation was in line with the observed significant reductions of glucose and fat contents, lipofuscin accumulation, and ROS expression. Furthermore, NP supplementation led to an upregulation of the expression of daf-16 and skn-1 genes. DAF-16 (orthologue of the FOXO family) and SKN-1 (orthologue of mammalian Nrf/CNC proteins) are implicated in activating detoxification mechanisms against oxidative damage. In SAMP8, oral administration of NP also extended the mean lifespan of mice (by 28 % compared to controls), corroborating the protective effect of these nanoparticles.
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Research summary
The paper investigates the effects of zein nanoparticles on lifespan extension in two model organisms, C. elegans and SAMP8 mice, which are relevant to longevity research. The findings suggest a potential mechanism involving the upregulation of genes associated with detoxification and oxidative stress response, contributing to the understanding of lifespan extension. However, while the results are promising, they represent a solid but limited advance in the field, as the mechanisms and applicability to humans remain to be fully explored.
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